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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3,397 Articles
The gallows Trump supporters erected during the January 6th insurrection. The Capitol Building can be seen through the frame of the gallows.

A Jan. 6 Commission is Crucial to Understand the Reality of the Attack, and the Alternate Reality of the Attackers

The United States needs a definitive account, not just of the reality of that deadly day, but of the alternate reality that produced it.
People carry banners as they attend a rally to mark the International Women's Day in Bishkek on March 8, 2021. Some people wear face masks but not all.

High-Level US Attention Needed for a Backsliding Democracy in Central Asia

Voters in Kyrgyzstan approved a referendum on April 11 that expands the president’s powers and threatens the most vibrant civil society in the region.
Belsat TV journalists Katerina Bakhvalova aka Andreeva and Daria Chultsova, who were detained in November while reporting on anti-government protests, flash the V-sign from a defendant's cage during their trial in Minsk on February 18, 2021.

Belarus Jailing of Journalists for Reporting on Peaceful Protest Violates International Law

An appeal hearing in Minsk offers a chance for the court to rectify an injustice that illustrates how reporters have been targeted for abuse..
The U.S. Capitol dome at dusk on April 13, 2021 in Washington, DC.

An Opportunity for Congress to Require Transparency of the Executive’s International Agreements

The newly introduced bipartisan legislation would constitute the most significant improvement in the transparency of international agreements since the enactment of the Case Act…
Protestors hold posters during an anti-corruption rally in Bishkek on December 18, 2019. A poster shows an three images of an official with money in ears, over the eyes, and stuck in his mouth.

Congress Must Stand with Civil Society and Strengthen the Global Magnitsky Sanctions Program

Civil society coalitions have made GloMag a powerful tool to curb corruption and human rights abuses. Here's how Congress can sharpen this tool going forward.
President John F. Kennedy's murderer Lee Harvey Oswald during a press conference after his arrest in Dallas.

Federal Agencies Face April Deadline on Secret JFK Files

Congress has mandated that agencies update the public on thousands of files related to the JFK assassination by April 26. Previous disclosures have been incomplete. Will agencies…
A U.S. Marshal walks outside the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse in Washington D.C. on Saturday, June 28, 2014.

The Public Should Have Access to the Surveillance Court’s Opinions

For decades, a special court—the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, or “FISC”—has issued secret legal opinions authorizing the U.S. government to conduct sweeping…
A billboard with president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo stands over the empty streets of the new capital city on August 16, 2018 in Oyala, Equatorial Guinea. The dome at the end of the street will be the new house for the president.

Combating Transnational Authoritarian Kleptocracy: Cracking Down on Western Professional Enablers

Effectively battling corruption and human rights abuses requires the tools provided by the Global Magnitsky Act - including the ability to target those who aid money laundering.…
U.S. President Joe Biden stands at a podium and announces new economic sanctions against the Russia government from the East Room of the White House on April 15, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Limited Sanctions Will Not Deter Putin, But They Are a Fine Start

All this disclosure is arguably the best way for democracies to use true information to fight back against manipulative active measures
Paul Manafort, Campaign Manager for Donald Trump, speaks on the phone while touring the floor of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena as final preparations continue July 17, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. Seats are lined up in rows and a “Make America Great Again” sign is hung across the baseboards of the bleachers.

US Treasury Provides Missing Link: Manafort’s Partner Gave Campaign Polling Data to Kremlin in 2016

The U.S. Treasury Department said Thursday that Konstantin Kilimnik, an associate and ex-employee of Paul Manafort, “provided the Russian Intelligence Services with sensitive…
The “Police Nationale” sign at the entrance of the police station of Champigny-sur-Marne, outside Paris, on the evening after it was attacked by around 40 people launching fireworks.

The French Global Security Law: Security or Liberties?

When it comes to the Global Security Law Proposal, which is currently being discussed by the French Parliament, it seems that France is choosing security before liberties.
Two people hold signs during an anti-corruption protest march along Borrowdale road, on July 31, 2020 in Harare. One reads, “No to Corruption. Fix our healh system. We can’t breathe.” The other reads, “You know you have messed up when you make me march! #HandsOffOurConstitution #StopCorruption”

Fighting the ‘International Thief Thief’ with Global Magnitsky Sanctions

What can Global Magnitsky Act sanctions accomplish in the battle against corruption and human rights abuse? According to anti-corruption NGO The Sentry, a lot. Successful case…
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