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.
3,333 Articles
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…
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…