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.
3,161 Articles
Bill Barr’s Extreme Views on War Powers Mean Congress’s Window to Stop War with Iran is Now
Attorney General Barr’s extreme past positions on unilateral presidential power could cut out any required role for Congress in authorizing or rejecting war. Here's what Congress…
Why the Christchurch Call to Remove Online Terror Content Triggers Free Speech Concerns
In deciding whether to endorse the Christchurch Call, the question for U.S. policymakers was whether the text essentially called on the U.S. or others to act inconsistently with…
The Balance Has Shifted: The Data on Impeachment Favor Moving Ahead
"Blumenthal’s piece changes the balance to favor Congress acting now. His data decimate the major impediment to holding Trump accountable – the fear that this president would…
Christchurch Calls and Washington Isn’t Answering
One of the more predictable diplomatic rituals since 9/11 has been that when terrorists strike a close American ally, Washington stands in solidarity with that country, offering…
McGahn’s Chief of Staff, Annie Donaldson May Be Congress’ Prized Witness
Don McGahn's chief of staff had a front seat at the Trump White House during the Russia investigation, and has reasons to comply with Congress' subpoena.
The Nixon Impeachment—A Blueprint for Today
The Nixon blueprint includes smart devices—like appointing a Republican Chief Counsel—to conduct more effective impeachment hearings.
Why Robert Mueller Is Right that the Obstruction Statutes Apply to the President
Special Counsel Robert Mueller has a better argument than Attorney General William Barr about whether obstruction statutes apply to the president. They do, and here's why.
Lesson from Nixon: With Today’s Facts, Impeaching Trump Won’t Work
Impeachment of a president is a political act by Congress requiring time, facts, and bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. The Nixon impeachment had all that. Trump's…
CTRL+HALT+Defeat: State-Sponsored Surveillance and the Suppression of Dissent
A new lawsuit in Israeli court seeks accountability for the export of malicious spyware used for digital surveillance of human rights defenders, journalists, and political dissidents.…
The Precedent for Impeachment: Nixon, Not Clinton
[Editor’s note: Just Security is publishing a series in conversation with Sidney Blumenthal’s “An Open Memo: Comparison of Clinton Impeachment, Nixon Impeachment and…
An Open Memo: Comparison of Clinton Impeachment, Nixon Impeachment and Trump Pre-Impeachment
Blumenthal writes, "The Clinton example as a predictor should be dispensed with in considering Trump. ... Trump proceeds from a much weaker position than Nixon. He depends entirely…
All the President’s Lawyers: A Chart of Misconduct and Possible Crimes Revealed by Mueller Report
A nine-page Chart closely tracks the Mueller Report’s references to potential wrongdoing by President Trump’s personal lawyers.