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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3,181 Articles
A collection of FBI rubber stamps reading, “Secret,” “Top secret material attached,” “Confidential material attached,” “Training,” and more.

Constitution Day 2019: The Hidden Domestic Surveillance Crisis

As we mark the 232nd anniversary of the signing of America’s governing charter, we have ample evidence that it continues to be violated by the federal officials charged with…
Words from 'The New Colossus' poem by Emma Lazarus are engraved on the Emma Lazarus Memorial Plaque in Battery Park on August 14, 2019 in New York City.

Norms Watch: Damage to Democracy and Rule of Law in August 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…
Side by side images of a man leaving flowers at a memorial near the Walmart in El Paso, Texas, where 23 people were killed in a mass shooting on August 16, 2019, and flowers and messages placed on the Lakemba Mosque wall in tribute to the victims of the Christchurch attacks on March 22, 2019 in Sydney, Australia.

18 Years After 9/11, We Face a New International Terrorist Threat

"We as a society should be talking about a new form of international terrorism—white supremacist terrorism—rather than insisting on calling it 'domestic terrorism.'"
Mike Pence and Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Trump and Giuliani’s Quest for Fake Ukraine “Dirt” on Biden: An Explainer

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence last week gave an odd response to a question about whether the United States is withholding $250 million of aid for Ukraine until that country helps…
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey speaks to members of the media at the Rayburn House Office Building after testifying to the House Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform committees on Capitol Hill December 07, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Nuts and Bolts of the IG Report on Comey: Correcting Misconceptions

On the morning of Aug. 29, I finished up my lecture notes for my first day teaching a class called “Law of Secrecy.” I would touch on classification, leaking, prepublication…
Rally attendees cast shadows as they hold campaign signs during a rally held by 2020 Democratic Presidential hopeful Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) in Davenport, Iowa on August 12, 2019.

Calling Off Iowa’s “Digital Caucuses” Is a Wise Display of Caution

DNC decision to block Iowa digital caucus deserves praise writes cybersecurity expert.
A chart with columns for the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency reads, “How long will it take?” DOJ: “Unclear, but a substantive response is required within 30 working days.” CIA: “As a general rule, 30 days. But lengthier, more complex submissions ‘may require a longer period of time for review.’” Question 2: “Is there a process for appealing censorship decisions?” DOJ: “Yes. Appeals are to the Deputy Attorney General, who will process appeals within 15 days.” CIA: “Yes. Appeals are to the Assistant Deputy Director.” Question 3: “Where do these rules come from?” DOJ: “28 C.F.R. 17.18” CIA: “CIA AR 13-10, Agency Prepublication Review of Certain Material Prepared for Public Dissemination (May 10, 2013); CIA Secrecy Agreement (Form 368).”

New Resource Tool Sheds Light on Government’s Prepublication Review System

For more than three years, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University have been litigating a series of Freedom of Information…
Subcommittee ranking member Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) speaks as Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) looks on during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism hearing titled 'Extremist Content and Russian Disinformation Online' on Capitol Hill, October 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. A sign behind them reads, “The Russian Toolbox in the 2016 Election – Propaganda, Fake News, Trolls, and Bots: Yes – Hacking and Theft of Political Information: Yes – Timed Leaks of Damaging Material: Yes“

War is as War Does: World Order and the Future of Conflict

The release of the first part of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee’s bipartisan investigation into Russia’s 2016 election interference and Robert Mueller’s recent…
An empty bench before the start of the Senate Intelligence Committee's hearing where FBI Director James Comey will testify on June 8, 2017 in Washington, D.C.

Public Document Clearinghouse: Congressional Russia Investigations

To create a public resource, Just Security has compiled significant documents in Congress's various Russia investigations dating back to the 2016 election cycle. ...
The United States Capitol building at night in Washington DC, USA.

Just Security Launches the Russia Investigation Congressional Clearinghouse

The clearinghouse's project director, Andy Wright discusses his inspiration for the project and the features of this new public database.
A photo of Serb war crimes suspect Ratko Mladic is held on a poster during a demonstration in front of Serbian Parliament on May 29, 2011 in Belgrade, called by ultra-nationalists against Mladic's arrest late May 26.

The Tit-for-Tat Dynamics of 21st Century Extremism

After two decades of focus on militant jihadist terrorism, a broader understanding is developing of another form of extremism – that of the violent far-right or ultra-nationalist…
The dome of the U.S. Capitol Buidling and the US flag.

Expert Summaries of Mueller Report: A Collection

Top legal experts provide condensed, brief summaries of the Special Counsel's report.
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