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.
3,162 Articles
“Play Ball”: Why the Panic Over a Trump-Zelenskyy White House Meeting?
The symbolism of a foreign leader meeting with the US president in the White House sends an unmistakable signal worldwide, especially in this case to Russia.
Norms Watch: Damage to Democracy and Rule of Law in September 2019
Editor’s Note: Welcome to the latest installment of Norms Watch, our series tracking both the flouting of democratic norms by the Trump administration and the erosion of those…
Getting the Jay Treaty Right on “Executive Privilege”
A central historical claim in ongoing debates about the president's ability to keep diplomatic correspondence from the House of Representatives is not just flawed, but gets the…
Know Your Rights: Conversations with Congress
Federal employees have the right to communicate with Congress free from intimidation, bullying and unfair harassment.
Ukraine Prosecutor General Announces Audit of Cases Including Firm Linked to Hunter Biden
The Prosecutor General’s announcement comes within twelve hours of the release of text messages showing U.S. diplomats working behind the scenes to advance President Donald Trump…
Trump’s Extortion of Ukraine Is an Impeachable Abuse of Power
The publicly known facts about President Trump’s interactions with Ukraine constitute a prima facie case for impeachment based on abuse of presidential power.
For Scientific Integrity in Government, Fix Political Appointments Process
The Brennan Center's National Task Force on Rule of Law and Democracy recommends ways to rein in abuses by converting long-held norms into law.
Ukrainian Funding Delay Created a Paper Trail That Congress Should Follow
The Office of Management and Budget prevented the release of the Ukraine funding through its apportionment authority, a bureaucratic process that necessarily creates a paper trail.
Pompeo’s Letter Is the Trump Administration’s Opening Salvo of Obstruction
The Trump administration now seems to be reverting to its previous strategy of total obstruction based on maximalist interpretations of executive authority.
Greg Craig: The Government’s Latest Swing at FARA Enforcement & What Comes Next
In an offshoot of the Paul Manafort case in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, former Obama White House counsel and veteran Washington lobbyist Greg Craig was acquitted…
Deciphering the Pompeo-House Clash Over Witnesses
Top congressional oversight expert breaks it down — what are the competing claims, and which ones are stronger or weaker?
Bringing the Rule of Law to Sudan
The country's new civilian ministers of justice and foreign affairs outlined their plans at the United Nations and appealed for international support before the window of opportunity…