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
Statues in front of the US capitol building. Behind the statues, flags at the US Capitol fly at half-mast to honor US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, on January 8, 2021, in Washington, DC. Sicknick died from injuries sustained during the attempted coup on January 6th.

Their Fourteenth Amendment, Section 3 and Ours

A preeminent legal historian writes about original understanding of 14th Amendment; how it can disqualify President Trump from future office.
A circle chart shows the Senate’s votes during Trump’s second impeachment. 57% convict; 13% critical of Trump on merits, but did not convict; 19% neutral on Trump on merits and did not convict; and 11% support Trump on merits and did not convict.

In Their Own Words: The 43 Republicans’ Explanations of Their Votes Not to Convict Trump in Impeachment Trial

We catalogued the pubic explanations of the 43 Senate Republicans on conclusion of the Impeachment Trial. See what you find in them.
The Senate floor during the start of the impeachment hearing on January 11, 2021.

Questions for Senators to Ask the Legal Teams During the Impeachment Trial

A list of questions for the Q&A period during the Impeachment Trial, written by Bob Bauer and Ryan Goodman.
The Senate floor during the start of the impeachment hearing on January 11, 2021.

Time to Reconsider the 14th Amendment for Trump’s Role in the Insurrection

Impeachment and conviction isn't the only way to keep Trump out of the game, writes Jim Wagstaffe. Congress should pitch 14th Amendment disqualification, too.
Supporters of US President Donald Trump participate in the Million MAGA March to protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, in front of the US Supreme Court on December 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. They carry Trump flags, American flags, and other flags.

Authoritarian Populism, Courts and Democratic Erosion

The uniquely strong American judicial system managed to hold the line and, ultimately, fend off Donald Trump’s assault on U.S. institutions.
Insurrectionists storm the Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. They waive Trump flags, American flags, police flags, and other white supremacy flags.

#StopTheSteal: Timeline of Social Media and Extremist Activities Leading to 1/6 Insurrection

How a convergence of disinformation, domestic extremists and anti-democracy movements reached a horrifying climax at the U.S. Capitol.
A bus passes a bus stop on Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest with an ad from the Federal Bureau of Investigation seeking information related to violence at the U.S. Capitol, on January 9, 2021 in Washington, DC. Two people walk past in face masks.

To Prevent Domestic Terrorism, the US Needs Community Reporting That Protects Civil Liberties

The government needs to strengthen its toolkit for preventing domestic terrorism, that includes better community reporting.
Members of the Wayuu ethnic group watch as a US army helicopter arrives for a joint exercise in the "Tres Bocas" area, northern Colombia, on the border with Venezuela, on March 13, 2020. The helicopter kicks up a large wall of dust that is taller than the people standing nearby.

Give Local Civil Society a Say in U.S. Security Assistance

Certain guidelines can help in navigating the challenges of creating a more prominent and consistent role for those who stand to gain or lose most.
A street in Kampala, Uganda is lined with billboards of Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni who is running for his 6th presidential term. Cars sit in traffic next to the billboards on January 4, 2021.

Uganda’s Museveni Secured His Sixth Term in Office: What the International Community Can Do Now

Museveni’s model of martial rule with an artifice of electoral legitimacy persists with the assistance of Uganda’s international and regional partners. They have a stake in…
Roger Stone speaks with Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio during a demonstration the night before the December 12th “Stop The Steal” rally in Washington DC.

EXCLUSIVE: New Video of Roger Stone with Proud Boys Leaders Who May Have Planned for Capitol Attack

Footage obtained by Just Security from Parler shows Roger Stone and Proud Boys leaders Enrique Tarrio and Ethan Nordean (a.k.a. Rufio Panman) participating together in a demonstration…
Trump whispers to a White House staffer as he makes his way to board Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on September 26, 2020.

Is Jeffrey Clark’s Secret Conversation With Trump “Privileged”?

A few days after President Joe Biden’s inauguration, news reports broke that then-President Donald Trump had met with Jeffrey Clark, the acting chief of the Department of Justice’s…
Trump supporters infiltrate the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. They do not wear face masks, and one man appears to take a selfie or video on a phone. The insurgents placed a sign against a statue. The sign reads, “America First Never Give up Never Surrender.” A police officer, who wears a surgical mask, appears to stand nearby watching them but not stopping them.

Social Media Video Evidence in Impeachment Trial: Lessons from International Tribunals

Five international experts discuss this pivotal moment in use of social media footage in Senate trial.
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