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.
3,393 Articles
Hegseth Didn’t Revive an Ancient Warrior Ethos. He Repeated an American Pattern.
Hegseth's "no quarter" statement indicates how some in the Pentagon perceive the Iran war. "No quarter" language in US history has appeared when war turns colonial or racial.
The “Presumption of Regularity” in Trump Administration Litigation (4th edition)
The most comprehensive study of court cases involving the Trump administration from January 20, 2025 to present
![Close-up of several metal handguns laid side by side on a table, their barrels and triggers visible in tight rows, representing some of the thousands of weapons seized by the Mexican Army from drug traffickers in northern Mexico in January 2017. Gun reads: "U.S.A. [...] Springfield, Mass."](https://i0.wp.com/www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GettyImages-631911044.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Firearms Trafficking Comes to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Recent Advisory Opinion
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights' recent advisory opinion addresses the obligations of States and private actors to prevent and combat illicit trafficking of firearms.
Facing Russian Hybrid Threats in Advance of Elections, Armenia Struggles to Maintain Pro-U.S. and EU Path
Armenia's election is an opportunity for the country to chart a course for peace and democracy. But Russia is trying to thwart that path, and U.S. and EU help is needed.
If the U.S. Wants Durable Peace, It Must Protect the Institutions That Build It
A year ago, the Trump administration seized the U.S. Institute of Peace and began to dismantle it, gutting a key capability to reduce and prevent violent conflict.
The Shield of the Americas Is the Trump Corollary’s Military Edge
The Shield of the Americas operationalizes the 2025 National Security Strategy, creating serious consequences for sovereignty, civil-military relations, and democratic governance.
Did the United States Just Bomb Ecuador?
The U.S. military continues maritime strikes on alleged drug smugglers and may now be hitting targets on land. Brian Finucane analyzes Trump’s latest War Powers report.
Epstein and His Co-Conspirators’ New York Crimes: What NY Officials Can Now Do
Four options that New York's Governor, Attorney General, legislature, and city officials can take to pursue accountability and transparency for Jeffrey Epstein's crimes.
Operation Epic Fury: Reports of the Death of International Law are Greatly Exaggerated
"I am sure some restrictionists will critique my analysis by claiming it is not grounded in orthodox interpretations of international law."
A Year Later – What Did the Pause on FCPA Enforcement Do?
A year after pausing FCPA enforcement, the U.S. has trimmed cases, cut prosecutors, and reversed key sanctions, signaling a retreat from anti-corruption.
Technology and the ICRC’s GC IV 2025 Commentary
Surveys how the 2025 ICRC GC IV Commentary integrates technology into its analysis of specific rules, while raising concerns about its treatment of data as property.
Iran, War Powers, and the Power of the Purse: Leverage or Legalization
With America’s war in Iran costing around $2 billion per day, Congress will soon face a choice: use its leverage to force an exit, or continue to fund it.