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.
3,152 Articles
Stopped Security Assistance: From Counter-Narcotics to Combating Human Trafficking Programs
The Trump administration's "stop work" order on U.S. foreign assistance may hurt its foreign policy goals and national security priorities.
Court Says Warrant Needed for U.S. Person Queries of FISA Section 702 Data
Judge Hall’s Hasbajrami decision marks the first time a court has ruled that U.S. person queries of FISA Section 702 data must be performed pursuant to a warrant or an exception…
The Colombian Model of Success: Civil Society and Excess Force by Anti-Riot Squads and Police Units
To counter impunity, civil society and survivors of police brutality are organizing against abuses such as eye mutilation.
Stop-Work Order on US Foreign Aid Puts China First and America Last
President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio's 90-day halt endangers health, economic and other programs, leaving gaps for China to fill.
Syria Needs the International Criminal Court
The Assad atrocities have long served as a painful example of the limits of international justice, but there is now a chance to change that.
Taliban Charges Show US Dilemma, Double Standards in Opposing International Criminal Court
The ICC’s mandate to pursue accountability for grave crimes applies regardless of whether alleged perpetrators are U.S. allies or adversaries.
What Just Happened: Sanctuary Policies and the DOJ Memo’s Empty Threat of Criminal Liability
A leading expert analyzes the Justice Department threat to prosecute state and local officials in sanctuary cities.
The Legal Problem with Trump’s WHO Order: The US Cannot Withdraw Until It Pays Its Dues
US and international law haven't changed since the last time Trump tried mandating withdrawal and nonpayment during his first term.
What Just Happened: What Trump’s Hobbling of the Privacy Oversight Board Portends for Exercise of Surveillance Powers
A “small” story about the removal of the three Democrats on the Private and Civil Liberties Board (PCLOB) is ominous.
What Just Happened: Trump’s January 6 Pardons and Assaults on Law Enforcement Officers By The Numbers
Trump pardoned nearly all the Jan. 6 defendants – including violent offenders. Several hundred of the pardoned defendants were charged with assaulting or obstructing law enforcement…
A Start for AI Transparency at DHS with Room to Grow
An assessment of the achievements and areas for improvement in the DHS's most recent AI use case inventory.
What Just Happened: Unpacking Exec Order on National Emergency at the Southern Border
An expert explainer on the Executive Order Declaring National Emergency Southern Border and deployment of troops.