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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3,150 Articles
Two large ships make their way through frozen ice on the Bering Strait.

Countering Russian Lawfare and Gray Zone Operations

Using international venues to confront Russian malign efforts is key to effectively calling out illegitimate and illegal Russian activities.
Top shot of protesters in Diyarbakir, Turkey.

Turkey, PKK Make New Peace Overtures Amid Regional Shifts and Possible Erdogan Power Play

With new peace offerings, Turkey aims to shift complex intra-Kurdish relations that may improve regional security and Erdogan's position.
photograph of Travis LeBlanc speaking into a microphone.

“Fired” Member of U.S. Privacy Oversight Board Discusses What He Considers at Stake

"The risks to U.S. persons, as well as non-U.S. persons, from the misuse, abuse, and exfiltration of data are quite substantial."
A woman in a chador, a full black covering, walks toward the camera with a young child walking on either side with smiles on their faces, against a backdrop of dirt and sand amid a sea of ragged tents, with a large red container at the back right of the photo that may hold water, in Al-Hol camp in northeast Syria.

In a New Era for Syria, States Must Take Responsibility for Their Islamic State-Affiliated Prisoners and Families

It is a matter not only of justice, law, and human dignity, but also an obligation to relieve Syrians of this war legacy as they rebuild their society.

The Racial Twist in Trump’s Cutoff of Refugee Admissions

A case that prompted a court injunction helps show executive orders on refugee resettlement and on South Africa are egregious and unlawful.
A pro-democracy protester engages with police while holding a flag in Hong Kong.

Trump’s China Tariff Now Treats Hong Kong the Same as the Mainland, a First in US Policy

Trump's tariffs treat Hong Kong as indistinguishable from China, disregarding Hong Kong’s status as an autonomous territory.
From left to right, standing in the back row are Lewis F. Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Harry Blackmun, and William Rehnquist

No, the Defense Department Did Not “Ignore” a Judicial Order in 1973 Cambodia Bombing Case

I argued the Holtzman case. Nothing in Holtzman v. Schlesinger suggests that the military, acting under Presidential instructions, is empowered to ignore court orders.
A model of IBM Quantum shows the three chandeliers that would be a part of the System Two installation

Human Rights and Democracy in the Quantum Age

Now is the time to prepare for the second quantum revolution.
Kyiv buildings at night with explosions in the sky

The Voices from Kyiv: Is the World Legal Order in Decay?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, and states’ reactions to it, are setting the stage for possible changes to the international legal order. In the end, this is a battle for a…
Kyiv buildings at night with explosions in the sky

Голоси з Києва: чи це епоха руйнування світового правопорядку?

Існують різні переломні точки в історії, які визначили метаморфозу міжнародного правопорядку.
processor unit, chip war. processing information inside technological environment. usa and china flag.

Export Controls on Open-Source Models Will Not Win the AI Race

Policymakers should balance the benefits of open-source AI development with the need to address geopolitical considerations.
Russell Vought sits at his Senate Confirmation Hearing

The Trump Administration Cannot Use Award Terms and Conditions to Impound Funds

The Impoundment Control Act may prohibit agencies from freezing or terminating funding based on changing policy priorities.
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