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
India’s Digital Path: Leaning Democratic or Authoritarian?
As the two largest democracies in the world, India and the United States should be working together to combat this abuse of technology. But India has taken some troubling steps…
Norms Watch: Damage to Democracy and Rule of Law in January 2019
Welcome to the latest installment of Norms Watch, our series tracking both the flouting of democratic norms by the Trump administration and the erosion of those norms in reactions…
Can American Political Candidates Help Stop the Flood of Disinformation with a Pledge?
U.S. intelligence officials are already issuing warnings about foreign interference in American democracy ahead of what promises to be a bruising 2020 election cycle. Delivering…
To Presidential Candidates Drafting Platforms: Restore U.S. Human Rights Leadership
As the number of candidates running for president in 2020 rapidly expands, an important component of any foreign policy platform, along with protecting national security and advancing…
To Roger Stone: Witness Intimidation Is Not Protected Speech
Roger Stone, arraigned today, is not accepting the Mueller indictment passively. He is, not surprisingly, loudly and publicly attacking the charges — decrying the “inquisition,”…
“We are all Darfur!” – Sudan’s Unity Protests Stand a Real Chance. Time for the West to Step Up
A series of student-led protests in Sudan that started in the provinces has grown into a bona fide movement. Hesitation by the U.S. and its allies to support a nonviolent, gradual,…
How Did Roger Stone Know What the President Told Mueller?
"There’s a likely simple—and non-nefarious—answer to a question circulating on Twitter and cable news shows. There’s also an indication of legal trouble for President Donald…
Roger Stone Indictment Implicates Trump Campaign in Election Law Violations
"The details of Stone’s allegedly illegal activities laid out in the indictment implicate the Trump campaign, and perhaps President Trump himself, in illegally soliciting a campaign…
The Withering of the Giuliani Defense of “No Crime of Collusion” in Wake of Roger Stone’s Indictment
Former White House Counsel Bob Bauer on the trajectory of the Russia investigation in light of Stone's indictment.
A Dangerous Bet on Recognition in Venezuela
Tess Bridgeman, former National Security Council Deputy Legal Adviser, breaks down the political and legal risks that flow from formal legal recognition of Guaidó in Venezuela.
What the Constitution Says About Trump’s Obstruction of Pelosi’s Afghanistan Trip
President Donald Trump’s retaliation against Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s withdrawing the State of the Union invitation — denying Pelosi’s use of military aircraft to travel…
Western Covert Action and Russian Active Measures: Hypocrisy or Divergent Values?
Most Americans now realize the Kremlin has attempted to influence, interfere, and subvert our democratic system. Recent reports even suggest the Russian intelligence services may…