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.
3,152 Articles

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.

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."

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

Is the Pardon Power Unlimited?
Let Trump be forewarned: don’t even think about pardoning Stone, Manafort, or Flynn.

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,…

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.

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…