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.
3,181 Articles
The Fundamental Flaws in the Barnett/Wurman Defense of Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
"In their apparent effort to give credence to the Trump Executive Order, Professors Barnett and Wurman indefensibly ignore these core, constitutive principles."
Trump’s Doubly Flawed “Invasion” Theory
The president is wrong about what an invasion is—and what powers it triggers.
More Territory, More Problems: Can Trump Seize Greenland?
An essay on the lessons for the Trump administration of territorial acquisition from the McKinley era and the dangers it would pose today.
The People of New York v. Mayor Adams: Will Manhattan DA Bragg Come to the Rescue Yet Again?
District Attorney Alvin Brag could potentially fill the void in accountability by bringing charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
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.