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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3,397 Articles
U.S. Army soldiers work fortifying the US-Mexico border fence with barbed wire on November 26, 2018 in Mexicali, Mexico.

DOD Inspector General’s Report Whitewashes Potential Violations of the Posse Comitatus Act

In finding no violation of Posse Comitatus Act, the IG misinterprets federal law and exaggerates the power of DOD policy — creating a dangerous precedent for the domestic use…
A branch of Alfa Bank stands in the city center on October 03, 2019 in Kiev, Ukraine.

The Trump-Alfa Bank Server Mystery Resurfaces

The recent release of the final volume of the Senate Intelligence Committee report on Russian 2016 election interference and two new lawsuits by Russia’s Alfa Bank have brought…
A flower in the street placed by demonstrators revisiting the site where a protester was killed on August 26, 2020 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

We Need a Task Force on Political Violence in America

A Task Force on Political Violence could potentially help the U.S. government be more prepared for the rising possibility of violence and its impact.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (R) holds a joint news conference on the International Criminal Court with US Attorney General William Barr, at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 11, 2020.

The Int’l Criminal Court Executive Order: Global Reactions Compiled

With the Trump administration poised to issue sanctions under its new executive order aimed at the ICC, Beth Van Schaack gathers key global reactions to the order and identifies…
The central bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 22, 2016 in Lubumbashi.

Shoring up Sanctions Enforcement in Sub-Saharan Africa: A North Korea Case Study

Helping countries bolster regulatory systems for national security could also build a more sound international financial system overall.
John Durham and William Barr

Bill Barr’s Hidden Truths About Justice Department’s Rule of Forbearance in an Election

Revelations of what Barr said in a deposition under oath in 1995 and in a private Oval Office meeting with President Bush.

Does Cy Vance Already Have the Trump Organization Tax Returns?

The Manhattan DA may already have obtained the pertinent New York state tax returns for the Trump Organization and its executives, including Trump and his family. If this is the…
A protester watches federal officers through the gate in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility early in the morning on August 21, 2020 in Portland, Oregon.

Bringing Abolition to National Security

"Though far less explored, abolition may also be the most promising option for dealing with discriminatory national security laws and policies. Without understanding the historical,…
Graffiti showing a US drone is depicted on a wall to protest against US drone strikes on September 19, 2018 in Sana'a, Yemen.

State Dept. Inspector General Report: A Troubling Message on Arms Sales

"A stunning revelation given the repeated, severe cases of civilian casualties resulting from Saudi-led Coalition operations over the past several years."
An aerial view San Quentin State Prison on July 08, 2020 in San Quentin, California.

Hardwired Against Change: Race, Incarceration, and COVID-19

"Given the unique risks of exposure, infection, and death in prisons, jails and detention centers, challenging carceral secrecy is even more important than ever in the midst of…
Trump shakes hands with Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley after addressing the troops at Bagram Air Field during a surprise Thanksgiving day visit, on November 28, 2019 in Afghanistan.

Breaking Ranks in a Civil-Military Crisis: Strategic Communication to Register Dissent

Military leaders have principled options to address a legally questionable political decision while maintaining the rule of law and civilian control.
Manafort, Johnson, and Giuliani

Manafort’s Reward: Sen. Ron Johnson and the Ukraine Conspiracy Investigation: Part II

How Senator Johnson’s efforts have worked in tandem with Paul Manafort’s efforts — as the former Trump campaign chair has likely remained silent in exchange for a pardon.
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