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
Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission and representatives of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI or TSI) takes part in a TSI Summit, on September 18, 2018 at the Cotroceni Palace, the Romanian Presidency headquarters in Bucharest. Delegates sit around a large round table, and press can be seen taking photos and video behind many of the delegates.

Safeguarding Democracy Among Eastern Europe’s Three Seas

With EU and US help, the Three Seas Initiative can resist Russia's and China's designs on the region by promoting transparency, prosperity, and development.
U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi wears a face mask as she speaks at a weekly news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 25, 2021 in Washington, DC. Behind her are American flags and flags for the House of Representatives.

Chart: Comparing Pelosi’s Draft Legislation on Jan. 6 Commission to Other Bills and Prior Commissions

On Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly released a discussion draft of legislation to establish a “9/11-type Commission” to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack.…
Farmers in India protest against new harmful farming laws while Indian paramilitary soldiers watch them behind barricades on December 13, 2020 at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border in Ghaziabad, India.

In India, US Defense Secretary Austin Must Not Overlook Its Democratic Decline

The Indian government’s pattern of repressive actions could undermine its value as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapakse and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, neither who wear face masks, are surrounded by others, many who wear face masks, as they leave the new cabinet swearing-in ceremony at the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth in the ancient hill capital of Kandy, some 116 km from Colombo on August 12, 2020.

When War Criminals Run the Government: Not Too Late for the International Community to Vet Sri Lankan Officials

Developing such a list of individuals would signal to survivors some measure of recognition of the atrocities they have suffered.
office, Dragan Covic, addresses the media after voting, in Mostar, on October 7, 2018, as Bosnia and Herzegovina holds it's general elections.

Is the US Doubling Down on Division in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

A dangerously misguided policy embracing a nefarious election gambit threatens Joe Biden's otherwise proud legacy dating to the 1990s war.
A ball of yarn colored to depict the globe. The side of the yarn with Africa and part of South America is shown.

The Global Fragility Act Could Give US Assistance and Diplomacy a New Start for Countries in Conflict

The Biden administration should draw on lessons from previous successes in Central America, and Congress must provide sufficient funding.
President Jovenel Moise sits at the Presidential Palace during an interview with AFP in Port-au-Prince, October 22, 2019.

In Haiti’s Political Crisis, US Should Support Democracy and Human Rights

Activists say the Biden administration should reverse its support of President Moïse's illegal, abusive rule and consult civil society on a way ahead.
The State Council building in downtown Beirut on Oct. 29, 2019 as seen from a distance at the height of protests against Lebanon's ruling class. Banners unfurled from its windows contain pro-revolutionary slogans.

“Red Lines” in Beirut Blast Investigation: How Exactly Lebanese Politicians Escape Accountability

The effort to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for last summer's deadly explosion in Beirut reveals the convoluted system of impunity constructed by the Lebanese…
The Senate floor during the start of the impeachment hearing on January 11, 2021.

Lessons from the Impeachment Trials of President Donald J. Trump

For the second time, the Senate failed to convict Donald Trump at the end of an impeachment trial, but was the trial a failure? For many, Trump’s second acquittal was further…
Graffiti showing a US drone is depicted on a wall to protest against US drone strikes on September 19, 2018 in Sana'a, Yemen.

Biden’s Drone Policy Review: Recommendations for a Reset

"The administration should see this review as an opportunity take some first critical steps toward ending the forever wars."
Supporters of Trump arrive at the U.S. Capitol January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. They do not wear face masks. Many wear Trump clothing. One woman holds a sign with Rosie the Riveter reading, “Women for Trump: make America great again.”

Gender and Right-Wing Extremism in America: Why Understanding Women’s Roles is Key to Preventing Future Acts of  Domestic Terrorism

Women play distinctive and active roles in extremist groups. Yet so far, law enforcement has failed to understand gender dynamics within these groups. The failure makes the United…
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) sits with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden during a meeting that included Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) (not shown) at the Queen Theater on November 20, 2020 in Wilmington, Delaware. They sit at a large horse-shoe or square table allowing ample room for social distancing. An American flag stands behind the table near President-elect Biden.

Principles for a 2021 Authorization for Use of Military Force

The Biden administration and new Congress have an opportunity to fundamentally rethink authorization of military force against terrorist groups. Here are seven principles for what…
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