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
National Security Advisor John Bolton

Bolton Book Confirms Most Serious Allegations in Trump Impeachment on Ukraine Quid Pro Quo

What John Bolton's book says about how President Donald Trump acted toward Ukraine and the 2020 elections.
Staff prepare an empty General Assembly hall for elections by secret ballot without a plenary meeting.

National Security at the United Nations This Week (June 12-19)

(Editor’s Note: This is the latest in Just Security’s weekly series keeping readers up to date on developments at the United Nations at the intersection of national security,…
Protesters march through the city during a protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement on June 14, 2020 in Wellington, New Zealand. A protester holds a sign reading, "Indigenous People for Black Liberation #BLM"

How Inter-State Procedures in Human Rights Treaties Can Support the Black Lives Matter Movement

The initiation of inter-State conciliation proceedings alone, under either convention, could send a powerful and symbolic message about the need for reform. The Conventions provide…
Christian faithfuls hold signs reading, "Politicians work for the good of Nigeria," "God is love," and "God hates injustice"as they march on the streets of Abuja during a prayer and penance for peace and security in Nigeria in Abuja on March 1, 2020.

Make Democracy and Governance a Keystone of the US Global Fragility Strategy

The US too often views its work on fragile or failed states as "fixing" various sectors, without enough focus on the political dynamics underneath.
Protesters take video and photos of police in helmets and respirators on June 14, 2020 in Richmond, United States.

Black Lives Matter Might Just Rescue American Democracy

The movement forces Americans to recognize and confront the deep and longstanding connection between racist and authoritarian violence.
A demonstrator walks in front of a row of military police members wearing riot gear as they push back demonstrators outside of the White House, June 1, 2020 in Washington D.C.

Statement of Homeland and National Security Leaders

Former Republican and Democratic cabinet members and other senior officials speak out about protests, use of the military, racial justice, and policing.
Members of the D.C. National Guard stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as demonstrators, who are not seen in the image, participate in a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, on June 2, 2020 in Washington, DC.

The Strength of America’s Apolitical Military

A statement by former U.S. ambassadors, Generals and Admirals, senior officials on the response to nationwide protests for racial justice.
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Robert Redfield (C) speaks about the COVID-19 (coronavirus) alongside Vice President Mike Pence and members of the Coronavirus Task Force in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, March 9, 2020.

Redactions in CDC Communications Policies Leave Key Questions Unanswered

Newly released CDC documents — via FOIA — confirm Office of Vice President’s involvement in CDC COVID-19 communications, leave important details concealed, and raise First…
Virtual press briefing by the President of the UN General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande

National Security at the United Nations This Week (June 5-12)

(Editor’s Note: This is the latest in Just Security’s weekly series keeping readers up to date on developments at the United Nations at the intersection of national security,…
U.S. Army Fort Benning sign reading, "Welcome to Fort Benning Home of the Maneuver Center"

At Confederate-Named Army Bases, Highlight US Ideals By Renaming Them for Honorable Figures

The facilities should be named after accomplished figures who represent the diversity that makes the country and the Army strong. And there are plenty.
Police without mask fasks watch protesters in face masks on June 6, 2020 in Brooklyn NY. A protester on a bike has a sign reading, "Defund the NYPD."

Researchers on Atrocity Prevention Warn: US on Path to Widespread Political Violence

The United States remains on the precipice of widespread human rights violations against its own civilian population. As scholars of armed conflict and human rights with a combined…
Potesters lie on the ground in front of a line of police cars in the position that George Floyd was in when he died. June 6, 2020 - Los Angeles, United States

International Standards Regarding the Handling of Demonstrations

Just as much as nauseating scenes of excessive use of force by the police captured by media and citizens’ smartphones fly in the face of the protections that should be afforded…
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