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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3,335 Articles

The Gravity of Michael Ellis’ Promotion to Senior Director for Intelligence at the White House

The person just put in charge of intelligence at the NSC was credibly accused of abusing the classification system in the Ukraine matter, and was even personally named in the articles…
Relatives of missing people take part in a massive protest against violence, crime and the disappearance of people, in Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico, on May 4, 2018.

Mexico’s Amnesty Proposal: An Instrument of Transitional Justice?

As violence in Mexico reaches record highs, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has proposed an amnesty law aimed at benefiting individuals accused of involvement in the country’s…
White House Counsel Don McGahn stands behind Trump during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House October 17, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Congress Needs a “Rocket Docket” for Its Disputes With the President

A rocket docket could have prevented many of the abuses seen during the Trump administration, would reduce the likelihood of future abuses, and will enhance Congress’ ability…
In this picture taken on February 7, 2020, a mother shows her phone to her child who has cancer as they sit inside a ward in a hospital in Srinagar. Both wear face masks.

As Trump Returns from India, Others in U.S. Must Press Modi on Rights in Kashmir and Across the Country

It is critical that a broad and diverse group of powerful actors in the United States not ignore the Indian government’s turn toward authoritarianism.
The United States Capitol building in Washington DC, USA

For House, Senate National Security Committees, Stopgaps for Term Limits

Some alternatives to retain experience in key committee leadership for the good of congressional oversight.
Andrew Weissmann, Lisa Monaco, Bob Bauer, and Ryan Goodman speak on a pannel at NYU Law.

Video of Panel on the “Crisis at the Justice Department”

Bob Bauer, Lisa Monaco, and Andrew Weissmann, with Ryan Goodman (moderator).
A man uses a smartphone while speaking with another riding a motorcycle along the side of a street in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 23, 2019.

For Free Expression in Iran, the U.S. Can Act to Keep the Internet On

The US should allow American companies to provide technology services and platforms to the Iranian people without fear of violating sanctions.
Voters cast their ballots on Election Day November 04, 2008, at Centreville High School in Clifton, Virginia.

Why the 2020 Election Will Be A Mess: It’s Just Too Easy for Putin

The 2020 election cycle will provide the Kremlin opportunities to pursue further subversion, disinformation, and deception.
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: Ukraine Impeachment Trial

Just Security has compiled and curated all publicly available documents in Congress’s impeachment inquiry concerning President Donald Trump in connection with Ukraine. This collection…
US Department of Justice building at night.

The Soul of the Justice Department: Who Must Stand Up For It Now

A powerful essay by Lisa Monaco, who served in the Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama Justice Departments before serving as Assistant to the President for Homeland Security.
Carl Voss, Des Moines City Councilman and a precinct chair, returns to his car after he unsuccessfully attempted to drop off a caucus results packet from Precinct 55 at the Iowa Democratic Party headquarters February 4, 2020 in Des Moines, Iowa. He is surrounded by reporters.

The Simple Lessons from a Complicated Iowa Caucus

There's a role for everyone in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of election results -- states, Congress and the public.
Razor wire lines in front of the US flag at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Guantanamo’s Ugly Taint on U.S. Diplomacy

Watching the Guantanamo proceedings from behind the courtroom's safety glass brings to mind a different prison, halfway around the world, in Egypt.
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