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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3,333 Articles
Stack Of Law Books In Front Of Scales Of Justice

Trump Has a “Right to Pursue Legal Challenges” to Election, But Not Without the Facts

Author of book on civil procedure discusses the Trump Campaign litigation to date, and Rule 11 sanctions for filing frivolous lawsuits.

How to Restore Ethics to the U.S. Department of State

The task demands accountability for the ethical scandals that have occurred at State during the Trump administration and a public commitment to rebuilding the infrastructure, including…
US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris stand onstage after delivering remarks in Wilmington, Delaware, on November 7, 2020, after being declared the winners of the presidential election.

The GSA’s Delay in Recognizing the Biden Transition Team and the National Security Implications

Why the absence of a concession and existence of litigation are no excuse for the GSA under the Presidential Transition Act to delay any further, and the immense national security…
Democratic presidential candidate and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks about White Nationalism during a campaign press conference on August 7, 2019 in Burlington, Iowa.

A Letter to President-Elect Biden on Restoring Relations with the Intelligence Community

A letter to President-elect Biden on key actions that should be implemented immediately—within days even — after taking office on Jan. 20, 2021.
Customers watch a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump on a television during an election watching event at a local bar on November 4, 2020 in Beijing, China.

Trump’s 2020 Election Reality Show

It will be important for rule-of-law advocates to understand the perennial appeal of myth, and the motives of those who reject democracy and prefer a form of autocracy.
US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris stand onstage greeting the crowd in Wilmington, Delaware, on November 7, 2020, after being declared the winners of the presidential election.

Turning the Page: A Biden Presidency and the Role for Us

From our editors-in-chief and editorial director.
The International Criminal Court's prosecutor Fatou Bensouda gives a press conference in Sudan's capital Khartoum on October 20, 2020, at the conclusion of her five-day visit to the country.

National Security This Week at the United Nations (Oct 30-Nov 6)

 “Unwavering Support” for ICC Amid U.S. Sanctions  72 countries at the U.N. on Monday offered their “unwavering support” for the International Criminal Court…
Executive Orders regarding trade lay on the Resolute desk in the Oval Office of the White House March 31, 2017 in Washington, DC.

Destroying Federal Documents During a Presidential Transition Is a Federal Crime

Destroying or stealing documents belonging to the United States government is a crime.
A sign that reads, "Dead End."

No, State Legislatures Cannot Overrule the Popular Vote

Trump supporters' idea of state Legislatures' picking electors to overrule Americans' votes in Pennsylvania or elsewhere is a complete non-starter.
National Guard soldiers patrol the streets of Philadelphia the morning after Americans voted in the presidential election on November 04, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Initial Risk Assessment for U.S. Post-Election Violence

President Donald Trump's false statements about the results are the primary driver for the increased threat of post-election violence.
An Oregon State police officer stands next to a balloon outside the Police Union building in Portland, Oregon, on September 4, 2020.

An Analytic Framework for Assessing Risks of U.S. Post-Election Violence

"When I served as a senior analyst for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, I developed frameworks to evaluate the risk of election-related instability overseas. As a National…
A poll worker helps a voter fill out a provisional ballot at Park Tavern polling station on November 3, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Civic Leaders Are Stepping up to Safeguard the Election and Our Rule of Law

Civic leaders of all stripes can perform a critical function, by setting high expectations for officials and the public, urging responsible and peaceful conduct, and reinforcing…
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