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
French Jihadist Melina Boughedir carries her son as she arrives to court in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on February 19, 2018. She walks into a wooden caged area.

Families in the Crosshairs of National Security

Families are being affirmed in public policy while simultaneously being targeted in security practice.
Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld gives his opening remarks before the 9-11 Commission on March 23, 2004. He sits next to two others testifying.

Lessons from the 9/11 Commission

Written by Ambassador Tim Roemer, member of the 9/11 Commission.
A Sri Lankan demonstrator holds a portrait of a missing relative during a protest outside the United Nations office in Colombo on March 13, 2013.

Tamils – and Justice – Can’t Wait: The Need for Decisive UN Action on Sri Lanka

The credibility of the Human Rights Council and the UN system, given its “grave failure” in the past, depends on accountability for Sri Lanka’s atrocities.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), confer during a ceremony awarding former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol on January 17, 2017 in Washington, DC.

Civil Society Orgs’ Letter to Schumer: Disqualify Trump via 14th Amendment

Group of leading civil society organizations urge Congress to disqualify Trump under 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause."
Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addresses the nation as Airforce Chief Sumangala Dias, Army Chief Shavendra Silva, Navy Chief Piyal De Silva look on during the Sri Lanka's 72nd Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on February 4, 2020.

US Can Restore Leadership on Human Rights by Promoting Accountability in Sri Lanka

The Biden administration should press the UN Human Rights Council for action and impose its own measures, including further sanctions.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz; and U.S. Secretary of Defense The Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld, listen and answer questions for members of the 9-11 Commission, on Capitol Hill, March 23, 2004.

Comparison of (Similar) Republican and Democratic Draft Legislation on Jan. 6 Commission

Highly similar proposals, including subpoena power, in the Republican and Democratic bills to create Jan. 6 Commission (HR 275 v HR 410).
Myanmar migrants share their activities on social media before going to a local protest against the military coup in their home country, at a house in the outskirts of Bangkok on February 7, 2021. One person holds a phone recording the others. They wear face masks.

Myanmar is Experiencing a Digital-Age Coup – Tech Companies Must Push Back

Since taking power, Myanmar's military has limited access to social media, and at times cut internet service overall. What can tech companies do to resist?
A U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), awaits a mission at an air base in the Persian Gulf region on January 7, 2016.

To End the Forever Wars, Rein in the Drones

In drawing down the U.S. conventional military footprint, policymakers should resist relying reflexively on drone strikes in its place. Biden has a unique opportunity to chart…
Statues in front of the US capitol building. Behind the statues, flags at the US Capitol fly at half-mast to honor US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, on January 8, 2021, in Washington, DC. Sicknick died from injuries sustained during the attempted coup on January 6th.

Their Fourteenth Amendment, Section 3 and Ours

A preeminent legal historian writes about original understanding of 14th Amendment; how it can disqualify President Trump from future office.
A circle chart shows the Senate’s votes during Trump’s second impeachment. 57% convict; 13% critical of Trump on merits, but did not convict; 19% neutral on Trump on merits and did not convict; and 11% support Trump on merits and did not convict.

In Their Own Words: The 43 Republicans’ Explanations of Their Votes Not to Convict Trump in Impeachment Trial

We catalogued the pubic explanations of the 43 Senate Republicans on conclusion of the Impeachment Trial. See what you find in them.
The Senate floor during the start of the impeachment hearing on January 11, 2021.

Questions for Senators to Ask the Legal Teams During the Impeachment Trial

A list of questions for the Q&A period during the Impeachment Trial, written by Bob Bauer and Ryan Goodman.
The Senate floor during the start of the impeachment hearing on January 11, 2021.

Time to Reconsider the 14th Amendment for Trump’s Role in the Insurrection

Impeachment and conviction isn't the only way to keep Trump out of the game, writes Jim Wagstaffe. Congress should pitch 14th Amendment disqualification, too.
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