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
11 Top Antitrust Experts Alarmed by Whistleblower Complaint Against A.G. Barr—and Office of Professional Responsibility’s Opinion
"I was surprised to find every one of the 11 experts was alarmed by the allegations and several were highly critical of the Office of Professional Responsibility's handling of…
National Guard Risks and Recommendations in Public Order Management
Since the tragic murder of George Floyd by police on May 25, more than 20 states have activated National Guard units to support local law enforcement in response to protests…
![LEFT - The D.C. National Guard in camo uniforms, helmets, googles, and face masks stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as demonstrators [not seen in the photo] participate in a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, on June 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. RIGHT - British troops patrol the streets of Belfast June 21, 2001 following fierce fighting the previous night in Ardoyne, a mostly Catholic area in north Belfast, Northern Ireland. They appear to be hiding behind a van.](https://i0.wp.com/www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/combo-1.jpg?fit=1024%2C438&ssl=1)
Northern Ireland’s Lessons for American Policing
Not that long ago, Americans would regularly go to Northern Ireland to offer advice on reforming the region’s notoriously repressive policing. Happily for Northern Ireland, and…
Why the Calls to Deploy Military Force in the US Protests Weren’t Surprising
Trump's and Cotton's rhetoric might be extreme, but the concepts they espouse are simply a culmination of a trend unfolding over at least 50 years.
Specific Questions for Congress (and News Media) to Ask Attorney General Barr
Former Department of Justice, FBI, and Pentagon officials have specific questions to ask Bill Barr. Plus an invitation for readers to send in their questions to add to the list.
COVID-19 en México: ¿Está en Riesgo la Democracia
Para entender lo que está pasando en México, es importante considerar tres factores contextuales: los niveles de conflicto político en constante crecimiento, el espiral de violencia,…
COVID-19 in Mexico: Democracy is Not at Risk?
To understand what is happening in Mexico, it is important to consider three contextual factors: the ever-increasing levels of political conflict, the spiral of violence, and the…
Bolton Book Confirms Most Serious Allegations in Trump Impeachment on Ukraine Quid Pro Quo
What John Bolton's book says about how President Donald Trump acted toward Ukraine and the 2020 elections.
National Security at the United Nations This Week (June 12-19)
(Editor’s Note: This is the latest in Just Security’s weekly series keeping readers up to date on developments at the United Nations at the intersection of national security,…
How Inter-State Procedures in Human Rights Treaties Can Support the Black Lives Matter Movement
The initiation of inter-State conciliation proceedings alone, under either convention, could send a powerful and symbolic message about the need for reform. The Conventions provide…
Make Democracy and Governance a Keystone of the US Global Fragility Strategy
The US too often views its work on fragile or failed states as "fixing" various sectors, without enough focus on the political dynamics underneath.
Black Lives Matter Might Just Rescue American Democracy
The movement forces Americans to recognize and confront the deep and longstanding connection between racist and authoritarian violence.