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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3,363 Articles
Ruth Amoah and her workers at Moments Chocolate workplace remove husks from roasted cocoa beans on June 18, 2019, in Accra.

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…
The white supremacist group, the Proud Boys, rally against the results of the U.S. Presidential election outside the Georgia State Capitol on November 18, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. They do not wear face masks, and one wears a MAGA hat. A person appearing to be a sheriff or police office speaks with their leader, Enrique Tarrio, who wears a bullet proof vest.

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…
Members and supporters of The Washington Region Religious Campaign Against Torture hold a rally to demand Congressional action to stop torture on Capitol Hill March 10, 2008 in Washington, DC. A banner reads, “Torture is un-American.”

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.
Letters reading, “Department of Justice” on the outside wall of the Justice Department building. Plants can be seen out of focus in front of the letters.

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.
Transition Mali President Bah Ndaw without a face mask is seen with Malii Interim Vice President Colonel Assimi Goita, who wears a face, mask during his inauguration ceremony at the CICB (Centre International de Conferences de Bamako) in Bamako on September 25, 2020. Other soldiers with face masks sit and stand behind the two.

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?
A truck displays posters against the "False Positives in Colombia", extrajudicial executions during the Democratic Security program of the Alvaro Uribe government during a protest on August 06, 2020 in Bogota, Colombia.

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.
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.
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