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.
3,397 Articles

Don’t Place Judicial Accountability In The Dark
Efforts to ensure the safety and security of federal judges – including by shielding certain personal information, such as addresses, from public disclosure – are sadly necessary…

Reauthorizing and Strengthening the Global Magnitsky Act
The Global Magnitsky Act is a key tool in the fight against corruption and human rights abuses -- yet it remains incomplete. Beth Van Schaack explains how it can be strengthened.

China’s Dystopian “New IP” Plan Shows Need for Renewed US Commitment to Internet Governance
The US must rally partners to rein in the abuse of multilateral institutions for Huawei’s plans on 6G and beyond, which make concerns over 5G look minor.

Team of Legal Gladiators? Iraqi Militias’ Tortured Relationship with Law
The country's Iran-backed militias are not law-abiding, but they know Iraqis care about rule of law and have adopted the law as a battlespace.

We Do Need to Reform the Supreme Court
Why introducing a term limit or a mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices is needed.

Gender Equality is Fundamental to Promoting Democracy
Funders and implementers should make this a core principle, as feminist foreign policy advocates press the case in democratic systems and institutions.

Investigating a Crisis: A Comparison of Six U.S. Congressional Investigatory Commissions
A report that surveys the design, powers, and outcomes of significant congressionally created investigative commissions.

Overlooking the Policy Connections: Fragility, Democracy, and Geopolitical Competition
To reinforce global democracy and compete with rivals, the US must prevent conflict and stabilize fragile states. The issues are intertwined.

What Are the Stakes of the Upcoming Elections in Benin?
Since becoming the first country in Africa to overthrow a military dictator by democratic means, the Republic of Benin has been a highly stable and robust democracy, widely renowned…

Getting US-Africa Relations Back on Track With a Focus on Human Rights
The Biden administration needs to ensure that solutions it offers for the continent's challenges are Africa-led, inclusive, multilateral, and multifaceted.

Amid Palestinian Election Plans, Time to Challenge Hamas?
A new approach to longstanding Quartet conditions for recognizing any Palestinian government might incentivize Hamas to move away from violence.

In Absence of Foreign Agents Registration Reform, DOJ Tweaks Could Make a Big Difference
Its core obligations have not been comprehensively updated since the 1960s. Until they are, the executive branch could address key shortcomings.