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.
3,165 Articles
Can the President Dismantle the Department of Education by Executive Order?
An Executive Order that purports to dismantle the Department of Education or any of its key functions is sure to be challenged in court but would still create disruptions and other…
What Just Happened: Purges at the DOJ and FBI — How Do and Don’t the Civil Service Laws Apply
Expert Backgrounder on how civil service laws do or do not protect DOJ and FBI officials from retaliation.
Freezing Support to Democracy and Human Rights Activists Undermines US Interests
Ending aid for democracy and human rights struggles inflicts long-term harm on American security and prosperity.
President Trump Is Ignoring the Impoundment Control Act, Welcoming a Fight in the Courts
The Impoundment Control Act makes clear that the president does not have the authority to unilaterally impound billions in federal funds.
Supporting Freedom and a Foreign Aid Freeze are Incompatible — But Perhaps the Point? A Case Study
The Trump administration’s action undermines bipartisan efforts to support freedom fighters and enables corrupt autocrats.
The Munich Security Conference Provides an Opportunity to Improve on the AI Elections Accord
Ahead of the Munich Security Conference, one crucial issue is at risk of falling by the wayside: protecting democracy from abuses of AI.
The Need for Course Correction: The Risks of Treating Drug Cartels as Terrorist Threats
While the executive order is intended to enhance national security, it raises significant concerns.
The Just Security Podcast: Repression of Lawyers in Belarus and Around the World
Nils Muiznieks, Maksim Polovinko, and Margaret Satterthwaite join the show to discuss the repression lawyers face in Belarus.
Solidarity Needed Amid Stranglehold on Belarusian Lawyers
Belarusian lawyers face severe threats under a near-total State-controlled legal system with hundreds disbarred or exiled simply for doing their jobs.
The Senate’s Dilemma: Kash Patel and the Purging of the FBI
Analysis of Kash Patel's nomination for FBI director in light of DOJ purge of FBI personnel and Patel's new answers to questions for record.
Connecting the Dots: Trump’s Tightening Grip on Press Freedom
The president and his allies are leading an effort to eviscerate the free press and construct an information ecosystem favorable to his views.
Q&A with Marietje Schaake on the Tech Coup and Trump
A Q&A with Marietje Schaake, author of The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley, on Big Tech and threats to democracy.