Democracy & Rule of Law

Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis on threats and challenges to democracy and the rule of law in the United States and globally. Coverage includes analysis of the separation of powers, good governance, democratic backsliding, authoritarianism, judicial independence, freedom of the press and association, and accountability for rule of law violations.

× Clear Filters
3,363 Articles
The secondary entry in the Department of Justice Building in Washington, DC. An American flag hangs above the entryway and words etched over the doorway read, “The place of justice is a hallowed place.”

Restoring Justice to DOJ

Healing Trump-era wounds at DOJ will require understanding the extent of the abuse and taking specific steps to prevent repetition.
The U.S. Department of Justice Building, where the Office of Legal Counsel resides.

Long-Withheld Office of Legal Counsel Records Reveal Agency’s Postwar Influence

The Knight Institute is publishing 14 indexes cataloging the titles of more than a thousand unclassified opinions authored by the OLC between 1945 and 1958.
Large ships and small boats at the Asia World deep sea port in downtown Yangon on March 16, 2016 in Yangon, Burma.

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: The Tatmadaw Must Be Hit Where it Hurts – Its Wallet

It's time for the the world to cut off Myanmar junta's access to international markets, writes Chris Sidoti.
A Misak indigenous man plays a flute in front of police officers during a protest next to the statue of Cristobal Colon on June 09, 2021 in Bogota, Colombia.

OAS Panel Catalogues Colombia’s Rights Abuses, as President Duque Doubles Down

The report and his defiance underline the need for an effective US policy rooted in defending human rights, democracy, and the peace accords.
Police run through the streets with large guns, covered faces, helmets, and camouflage gear near the police station of Petion Ville after Haitian president Jovenel Moïse was murdered on July 08, 2021 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Bystanders take video or pictures with phones. Small fires burn in the street.

An Appeal to President Biden: Change Course on Haiti Now

The brazen assassination of serving President Moïse reinforces the need for the US to back Haitians in crafting their own future.
A podium with microphones in front of the Haitian flag.

To Save Haiti’s Democracy, Don’t Hold Elections

"The negative election loop has become a death loop in Haiti and must not become the baseline for the next electoral cycle, which could cost many Haitians their lives and could…
Allen Weisselberg, Trump Organization CFO, leaves Manhattan Criminal Court after his arraignment in State Supreme Court on July 01, 2021 in Lower Manhattan in New York City.

How to Read the Weisselberg and Trump Entities Indictment: A Conversation with Andrew Weissmann

After the first wave of commentary, a discussion of how the prosecutors can obtain Weisselberg's testimony even if he does not cooperate, what the indictment and arraignment hearing…
A statue of a Kuomintang soldier points a gun through a fence on February 04, 2021 in Lieyu, an outlying island of Kinmen that is the closest point between Taiwan and China. Across the water is seen the skyline of the Chinese city of Xiamen.

Taiwan vs. Tyranny: The US Must Redouble Its Commitment to Secure this Shining Hill of Democracy in East Asia

US backing for Taiwan can stymie China’s relentless creep in East Asia, and preserve a democratic beacon in the global march of illiberalism.
The Massachusetts State Police set up a road block on a highway in Wakefield, MA.

Sovereign Citizens: More Than Paper Terrorists

A scholar of "sovereign citizens," writes about their ideology and organization, and how they fit into the array of domestic violent extremists in the United States.
Trump Organization finance chief Allen Weisselberg surrounded by people leaves a New York court on July 01, 2021 in New York City.

The Weisselberg Indictment Is Not A “Fringe Benefits” Case

"The scheme is far different from simple failure to pay taxes on fringe benefits, which is how the indictment has been widely misunderstood, thanks in part to Trump’s defense…
Allen Weisselberg, Trump Organization CFO, leaves Manhattan Criminal Court after his arraignment in State Supreme Court on July 01, 2021 in Lower Manhattan in New York City. Staff surround him. Some wear face masks.

Allen Weisselberg’s Post-Indictment Strategic Considerations

What Weisselberg has to, and does not have to, worry about. Analysis by former IRS Criminal Investigation supervisory special agent, with comment from former Chief Assistant in…
Fox News host Tucker Carlson discusses 'Populism and the Right' during the National Review Institute's Ideas Summit at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC.

The Tucker Carlson Disinformation Show

Tucker Carlson's latest claims provide a textbook example of the disinformation techniques that fuel conspiracy theories – and illustrate what makes them so dangerous.
1-12 of 3,363 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: