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

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…

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…

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.

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.

Turning the Page: A Biden Presidency and the Role for Us
From our editors-in-chief and editorial director.

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…

Destroying Federal Documents During a Presidential Transition Is a Federal Crime
Destroying or stealing documents belonging to the United States government is a crime.

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.

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 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…

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…