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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3,150 Articles
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The Just Security Podcast: Diving Deeper into DeepSeek

Brianna Rosen, Lennart Heim, Keegan McBride, & Lauren Wagner discuss what DeepSeek means for national security and U.S. policy going forward.
President Donald J Trump speaks with reporters and signs executive orders in the Oval Office

What Happens After the Most Powerful Media Institutions Keep Surrendering to Trump

U.S. media institutions are abandoning their own First Amendment rights by settling lawsuits with Trump, writes Jaffer for the New York Times.
Members of the Proud Boys wearing orange hats stand in front of the U.S. capital.

Nine Experts on the Impact of President Trump’s Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Offenders

We asked nine experts about what clemencies might herald for the future of the rule of law, political violence, and extremism.
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek logo is seen on a phone in front of a flag of China

What DeepSeek Really Changes About AI Competition

Beyond the hype, a crucial look at the real costs of China's DeepSeek, why compute still matters, and what US policymakers should do about it.
Collage of Bondi (L) and Patel (R)

From Pardons to Purges: Pressing Questions that Bondi and Patel Must Answer Now

McCord weighs in on the nominations for attorney general and FBI director.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: The front of the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID) headquarters building is seen on September 15, 2014, in Washington, DC. (Photo by J. David Ake/Getty Images)

Can the President Dissolve USAID by Executive Order?

Dissolution of USAID or formal transfer of its functions provided by Congress would require legislation - the president may not unilaterally override a statute by executive order.  
Stacks of case files in white boxes,

Federal Employee Rights: What Probationary Employees Need to Know

With so much uncertainty facing federal employees, many on probation want to know what their rights are—especially when it comes to actions against their employment like removing…
The photo shows the herder in the cener of the frame, facing the camera and holding a stick behind him over his shoulders. He's standing in an arid environment, with a few scraggly trees and mostly emaciated livestock in the background.

Surge of Hate Speech in the Sahel, Including on WhatsApp, Signals Atrocity Risk

The threat is greatest in central Mali, but persecution of the Fulbe (Fulani) across the region seeds fertile ground for ethnic cleansing.
The photo shows an older woman in a head scarf at the right of the photo in the foreground, against the backdrop of a wrecked interior of a home.

What Just Happened: Trump’s Termination of West Bank Settler Sanctions

The reversal of Biden measures against Israeli settlers leaves few tools in the event an escalation threatens further conflict in the region.
The Department of Justice

The Real Reason Trump’s Purge of Career DOJ Officials Should Alarm You

Senate Judiciary Committee and Department of Justice alum maps out the threat posed to 2028 election by President Trump's personnel moves inside the Department of Justice.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech

Throwing Caution to the Wind: Unpacking the U.K. AI Opportunities Action Plan

The U.K. AI Opportunities Action Plan prioritizes a speculative future benefit over safeguarding against foreseeable risks to human rights.

No Claim to Fame: Kash Patel and False or Misleading Statements About the 2016 Russia Investigation

Below is a Table that provides important statements made by Kash Patel about the Justice Department’s investigation of Russia’s interference in the 2016 election – and compares…
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