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.
3,181 Articles
Two Major Distortions in the White House’s Scorched Earth Letter to Congress
White House Counsel Cipollone's letter to Congress is a profoundly troubling document with a political purpose: stonewalling Congress while trying to muddy the waters with pretextual…
A Formal Vote to Authorize Impeachment Won’t Fix White House Obstruction — And Could Create More Roadblocks
A full vote by the House to support the ongoing impeachment inquiry could end up creating more roadblocks for Congress.
New Spy Museum’s Torture Exhibit Glosses Over Depravity
If any visitor to the new International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. leaves the exhibit without a clear understanding that the CIA torture program was immoral, illegal, and counterproductive…
The Real Decline of OLC
How a string of controversial decisions by the Trump Office of Legal Counsel has eroded its legitimacy. From a former government attorney who served in the Trump administration's…
Open Letter Explains How Responsible Whistleblowers Make America Safer
An open letter, now signed by over 100 former national security officials from Republican and Democratic administrations, explains that responsible whistleblowers help ensure wrongdoing…
Overwhelming Confirmation of Whistleblower Complaint: An Annotation
A comprehensive guide to official documents and investigative reports that corroborate and confirm specific allegations in the Ukrainegate whistleblower's complaint.
Congress Wakes Up, Finally Decides to Tackle Kleptocracy
A brief overview of some of the bills in question, including the most important piece of anti-kleptocracy legislation the U.S. has ever seen,
“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…