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.
3,183 Articles

Congress Should Take Steps to Protect the Independence of Inspectors General
In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s assault on the federal government’s internal watchdogs -- the Inspector General (IG) community -- Congress should empower IGs with…

Seek and Speak the Truth
Promoting an environment that supports truth-telling is vital to the Intelligence Community.

Governors and Mayors, Beware: Lawsuits Opposing Coronavirus Mitigation Orders Are a Real Threat
Lessons from when Confederacy-sympathizing judges tried to prevent Lincoln from saving the republic. By leading legal historian David Golove.

9/11 All Over Again
As in the days after 9/11, the current challenges stemming from COVID-19 seem unprecedented. But the parallels are striking.

How Congress Can Save Lives, Protect Rights, and Exert U.S. Leadership Globally in Response to Coronavirus
Given the Trump administration’s foreign policy proclivities, it’s likely that Congress will have to do much of the heavy lifting.

The U.N. Needs Help Sustaining the Global Approach to Violent Extremism
Advocates have few forums to discuss implementation and sensitive issues such as government actions that contribute to radicalization.

The Toxic Confluence Online of Anti-Muslim Literature and Jihadist Messaging
An unusual and concerning detail emerged in a counterterrorism trial in the United Kingdom last month. A British Muslim, Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, was convicted in February of planning…

Threats to Democracy Spread with the Virus, We Must Keep Both in Check
In Hungary, the parliament has lost the ability to check the power of Viktor Orbán and his executive branch.

Beware of Political Manipulation in Assessing Success Against the Coronavirus
Now, at a moment when we need a coordinated and transparent global response, the full scale and scope of the global democratic erosion comes into view.

Keeping an Eye on the Civil Liberties Impact of Trump’s Coronavirus Response
Now is the time to be vigilant for attempts to leverage the crisis to obtain or retain powers that unnecessarily infringe on rights and liberties.

Military’s Response to the Coronavirus Crisis: Top 10 Principles
Ten key principles to follow as policymakers seek to utilize the military in a manner that is innovative, responsive to the crisis, and consistent with the rule of law.

One Doctor’s Place in China’s Battle for the COVID-19 Narrative
The Chinese Communist Party’s evolving effort to re-brand Dr. Li as a loyal soldier in their fight against COVID-19 captures the dramatic, unsettled state of the Chinese Communist…