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.
3,363 Articles

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.

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.