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.

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3,333 Articles
office, Dragan Covic, addresses the media after voting, in Mostar, on October 7, 2018, as Bosnia and Herzegovina holds it's general elections.

Is the US Doubling Down on Division in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

A dangerously misguided policy embracing a nefarious election gambit threatens Joe Biden's otherwise proud legacy dating to the 1990s war.
A ball of yarn colored to depict the globe. The side of the yarn with Africa and part of South America is shown.

The Global Fragility Act Could Give US Assistance and Diplomacy a New Start for Countries in Conflict

The Biden administration should draw on lessons from previous successes in Central America, and Congress must provide sufficient funding.
President Jovenel Moise sits at the Presidential Palace during an interview with AFP in Port-au-Prince, October 22, 2019.

In Haiti’s Political Crisis, US Should Support Democracy and Human Rights

Activists say the Biden administration should reverse its support of President Moïse's illegal, abusive rule and consult civil society on a way ahead.
The State Council building in downtown Beirut on Oct. 29, 2019 as seen from a distance at the height of protests against Lebanon's ruling class. Banners unfurled from its windows contain pro-revolutionary slogans.

“Red Lines” in Beirut Blast Investigation: How Exactly Lebanese Politicians Escape Accountability

The effort to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for last summer's deadly explosion in Beirut reveals the convoluted system of impunity constructed by the Lebanese…
The Senate floor during the start of the impeachment hearing on January 11, 2021.

Lessons from the Impeachment Trials of President Donald J. Trump

For the second time, the Senate failed to convict Donald Trump at the end of an impeachment trial, but was the trial a failure? For many, Trump’s second acquittal was further…
Graffiti showing a US drone is depicted on a wall to protest against US drone strikes on September 19, 2018 in Sana'a, Yemen.

Biden’s Drone Policy Review: Recommendations for a Reset

"The administration should see this review as an opportunity take some first critical steps toward ending the forever wars."
Supporters of Trump arrive at the U.S. Capitol January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. They do not wear face masks. Many wear Trump clothing. One woman holds a sign with Rosie the Riveter reading, “Women for Trump: make America great again.”

Gender and Right-Wing Extremism in America: Why Understanding Women’s Roles is Key to Preventing Future Acts of  Domestic Terrorism

Women play distinctive and active roles in extremist groups. Yet so far, law enforcement has failed to understand gender dynamics within these groups. The failure makes the United…
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) sits with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden during a meeting that included Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) (not shown) at the Queen Theater on November 20, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. They sit at a large horse-shoe or square table allowing ample room for social distancing. An American flag stands behind the table near President-elect Biden.

Principles for a 2021 Authorization for Use of Military Force

The Biden administration and new Congress have an opportunity to fundamentally rethink the congressional authorization of military force against terrorist groups. Here are seven…
Members of the Proud Boys join supporters of US President Donald Trump as they demonstrate in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2020. They dress in black and yellow with bullet-proof vests. A few wear masks but the majority do not. Trump supporters in the background waive American flags and Trump banners. A few wear face masks but many do not.

COVID-19 and Terrorism in the West: Has Radicalization Really Gone Viral?

Data shows that the predicted surge in terrorism due to the pandemic has not materialized.
US soldiers in Bradley tanks carrying American flags patrol an area near Syria's northeastern Semalka border crossing with Iraq's Kurdish autonomous territory, on January 12, 2021.

Just Security Obtains Overseas Troop Counts That the Pentagon Concealed from the Public

Through FOIA litigation, Just Security obtained records that provide a fuller picture of U.S. troop commitments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria over the last three years.
Leaders of the Associations of Families of the Disappeared of the North-East in Sri Lanka leave a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena in Jaffna, June 12, 2017.

Heeding Victims’ Voices: The Struggle of Tamil Families of the Disappeared in Sri Lanka

Their experience shows that overdue answers--and justice for all victims--requires international action to break the seal that protects the military.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, and Diplomats take part in the Global Counterterrorism Forum in Istanbul on June 7, 2012. They sit at tables arranged in a large horseshoe in a large opulent room.

Revitalize US Multilateral Engagement on Counterterrorism and Violent Extremism as Well

The multilateral landscape is replete with counterterrorism and CVE platforms, many of them developed under the leadership of the Obama-Biden administration.
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