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
Why It May Not Matter If BuzzFeed Got It Wrong: “Encouraging” Perjury is Also a Crime
"If President Trump encouraged, rather than directed, Cohen to lie to Congress, the President would still be guilty of a federal crime involving an obstruction of justice."
Why Trump’s Directing Cohen, Others to Lie Would Be Far Worse Than Watergate
The threats to U.S. national security make these alleged acts of suborning perjury, false statements, and obstruction of justice much worse than Watergate.
The Dangers of Democratic Republic of Congo’s Post-Election Dispute
The announced results of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Dec. 30 presidential elections have thrown the country into confusion. Precedents elsewhere on the continent show…
U.S. Congress Should Stop Security Assistance to Guatemala Until Rule of Law is Restored
As a former Appeal’s Court judge in Guatemala, I am deeply concerned about the rapidly escalating constitutional crisis that threatens recent progress to establish the rule of…
Decoding What Barr Really Said About Letting the Public See the Mueller Report
"Barr didn’t answer the key question of whether he’d make Mueller’s final report public—or, if he did, his answer missed the mark."
For Enduring Peace, Colombia Must Protect Advocates for Rights and Prosecute War Crimes
The coming year will be critical for efforts to secure an end to the armed conflict that has gripped Colombia for the last five decades. Human rights advocates working to address…
What to Watch for in Bill Barr’s Confirmation Hearing
Just Security asked experts what to watch for in the Senate Judiciary Committee’s confirmation hearings for William Barr, President Trump’s nominee to replace Jeff Sessions…
Attorney General Nominee Barr on Transparency: A Direct Answer? Or Misdirection?
In his written opening statement for his confirmation hearing as attorney general, William Barr says his goal is "to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law."…
In 2019, Will the Global March of Authoritarianism Turn Into a Stampede … or a Slog?
The global march of authoritarianism is off to a vigorous start this year. And if 2018 and the impending milestones of 2019 are any indication, the standoff between democracy and…
Trump Campaign in Legal Jeopardy Over Manafort’s Sharing Data with Russian Agent
According to a court filing earlier this week, former 2016 Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort shared presidential campaign polling data with Konstantin Kilimnik, a Russian citizen…
When the Pardon Furthers the Conspiracy: Limits to the Pardon Power
As the special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election continues to close in on President Donald Trump and his closest advisors, there have been reinvigorated…
Research Shows Terrorists Aren’t Necessarily Uneducated. So How Can Education Prevent Terror?
Researchers say ideology and grievance are necessary drivers of extremism. Educators are in a position to challenge grievance narratives.