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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3,152 Articles
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi speaks without a face mask during a press conference in Basra on July 15, 2020.

Iraq’s Raid on Iran-Backed Militias: Is the New Prime Minister Ready to Rein Them In?

The units are at last coming under much-needed pressure from Baghdad to adhere to the rule of law. The international coalition can support that effort.
U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Makan Delrahim testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing on the enforcement of antitrust laws in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill October 03, 2018 in Washington, DC.

What’s Missing in Current and Former Officials’ Responses to DOJ Antitrust Whistleblower

"Delrahim, in particular, should be asked by Congress and reporters about this apparent omission in the letter he submitted to the House Judiciary Committee."
US Marine Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) prepare to hit the beach during the amphibious landing exercises as part of the annual joint US-Philippines military exercise on the shores of San Antonio town, facing the South China sea, Zambales province on April 11, 2019.

Secretary Pompeo’s Surprising Defense of International Law, Allies, and the Law of the Sea Convention

Sec. Pompeo's statement on China's excessive maritime claims is right in substance, but it showcases the schizophrenic U.S. approach to its allies, the law of the sea, and international…
Roger Stone and Donald Trump

House Should Impeach Trump to Keep Him from Running in 2024

It is time to impeach President Donald Trump again, and this time, it might even result in conviction. And it is necessary to protect the future of our country. Trump’s commutation…
Trump exiting the White House.

Preparing the Public for a Contested Election

While perhaps once thought too far-fetched to discuss out loud in serious company, concerns that Donald Trump will refuse to leave office even if he loses the November election…
The head offices of Unitel as seen on January 28, 2020 in Luanda, Angola.

How the Financial Systems America Built Enable Oppression Abroad

Congress may have a new opportunity to tackle this complicity with a proposed amendment to the NDAA on beneficial ownership.
U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Makan Delrahim testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 03, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Regarding Those Marijuana Mergers: A Response to Accusers Who Question the DOJ

From 2017 to 2019 I had the distinct pleasure of serving as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice under the leadership of…
Demonstrators participate in a protest against police brutality on June 14, 2020 in Miami, Florida.

Systemic Racist Police Brutality Shocks the Conscience of Humanity, but is it an International Crime?

(Editor’s note: To mark today’s 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia, Just Security is publishing two articles. In addition to this piece by Margaret deGuzman…
Roger Stone, former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, holds a hat over his face as he exits the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse on February 20, 2020 in Washington, DC.

Is the Pardon Power Unlimited?

Let Trump be forewarned: don’t even think about pardoning Stone, Manafort, or Flynn.
Roger Stone

Pardoning Roger Stone Could Itself Be an Unpardonable Crime

In addition to being a brazen abuse of power, a pardon could put both Trump and Stone at risk of further criminal liability for conspiracy to obstruct justice. And, in doing so,…
Protesters wearing masks hold up placards as they protest the anti-terror bill outside the Philippine congress, despite a ban on public gatherings due to the coronavirus outbreak, on June 3, 2020 in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Under Cover of COVID at the UN: Why Counterterrorism Is Not the Answer to a Pandemic

Contrary to the UN's "CT Week" idea, the security sector's record makes it ill-fit to address the critical health needs of diverse populations.
Trump

Is the Supreme Court Undercutting Congress’ Ability to Check Abuses of Presidential Power?

Yesterday’s Supreme Court rulings holding that the president is not immune from subpoenas issued by Congress and local law enforcement were a relief to many. But even as the…
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