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.
3,333 Articles

Defending Human Rights Is Not Terrorism: The Egypt Arrests as a Case in Point
The UN's global counterterrorism system creates a permissive and enabling environment that sustains and facilitates abuse of rights defenders,

Trump’s Veto Threat Over Confederate-Named Bases Erodes U.S. Security and American Values
Given the historical significance of this moment and the alternatives for commemorating real, heroism, Congress has a moral and practical obligation to act.

Cambodian Rights Activist and 55 Others Face Trial as Crackdown on Dissent Intensifies
Given the control that Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling party wields over the judiciary, their odds of getting a fair trial are slim.

COVID-19 and International Law Series: Human Rights Law – Civil and Political Rights
[Editor’s Note: This article is part of a Just Security series, COVID and International Law. All articles in the series can be found here.] States around the world have had…

How a New Administration—and a New Congress—Can Fix Prepublication Review: A Roadmap for Reform
The new administration, and the new Congress, should act more decisively to reform this broken system.

How to Fight Truth Decay: Protect the Truth Tellers
What better way of protecting the truth than by offering a safe haven for journalists who risk their lives to inform us.

Nestlé & Cargill v. Doe Series: American Courts Do Not Have Universal Jurisdiction Over All Wrongs Everywhere
[Editor’s Note: This article is part of a Just Security series on the consolidated cases of Nestlé USA, Inc. v. Doe I and Cargill Inc. v. Doe I, which was argued before…

Could America’s Electoral Process Foment Political Violence?
Scholars of political violence and regime transition caution that there is potential for further escalation of non-state violence in America because, while Election Day passed…

On Accountability and the Next Presidency, Starting With the Cabinet
To truly “Build Back Better,” as Biden promised, he must not nominate, appoint, or otherwise hire anyone for his administration who has seriously abused power.

The Next Attorney General’s Allegiance Must Be to the Rule of Law
The key credentials of the next AG should be significant prosecutorial experience at the federal or state level and an abiding fidelity to the apolitical administration of justice.

Mali: The “Good” Coup d’État?
Will the military, having violated democratic norms, work with a civilian-led government to bring the country back to rule of law and peaceful development?

US-Opposed Probe of Colombia’s Uribe Is Essential Step in Road to Peace
Uribe was released under pressure last month, but attempts to thwart transitional justice will only undermine efforts to sustain the 2016 peace agreement.