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.
3,165 Articles
Timeline: Politicization and Weaponization of Justice Department in Second Trump Administration
A detailed chronology of January 20, 2025 - present.
The Just Security Podcast: What Just Happened Series, CIA Officers’ Lawsuit at Intersection of DEI and National Security
A small number of intelligence officers who were fired because one of their duties involved DEI efforts at CIA have sued to keep their jobs.
How DHS Laid the Groundwork for More Intelligence Abuse
The DHS I&A's new guidance validates an expansive view of legal authorities that permit abusive counterterrorism and surveillance powers.
Countering Russian Lawfare and Gray Zone Operations
Using international venues to confront Russian malign efforts is key to effectively calling out illegitimate and illegal Russian activities.
Turkey, PKK Make New Peace Overtures Amid Regional Shifts and Possible Erdogan Power Play
With new peace offerings, Turkey aims to shift complex intra-Kurdish relations that may improve regional security and Erdogan's position.
“Fired” Member of U.S. Privacy Oversight Board Discusses What He Considers at Stake
"The risks to U.S. persons, as well as non-U.S. persons, from the misuse, abuse, and exfiltration of data are quite substantial."
In a New Era for Syria, States Must Take Responsibility for Their Islamic State-Affiliated Prisoners and Families
It is a matter not only of justice, law, and human dignity, but also an obligation to relieve Syrians of this war legacy as they rebuild their society.
The Racial Twist in Trump’s Cutoff of Refugee Admissions
A case that prompted a court injunction helps show executive orders on refugee resettlement and on South Africa are egregious and unlawful.
Trump’s China Tariff Now Treats Hong Kong the Same as the Mainland, a First in US Policy
Trump's tariffs treat Hong Kong as indistinguishable from China, disregarding Hong Kong’s status as an autonomous territory.
No, the Defense Department Did Not “Ignore” a Judicial Order in 1973 Cambodia Bombing Case
I argued the Holtzman case. Nothing in Holtzman v. Schlesinger suggests that the military, acting under Presidential instructions, is empowered to ignore court orders.
Human Rights and Democracy in the Quantum Age
Now is the time to prepare for the second quantum revolution.
The Voices from Kyiv: Is the World Legal Order in Decay?
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, and states’ reactions to it, are setting the stage for possible changes to the international legal order. In the end, this is a battle for a…