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
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.
Norms Watch: Damage to Democracy and Rule of Law in December 2018
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…
Ruminations on RICO and Asset Forfeiture in the Trump Business Empire
Garrett Graff provided an excellent summary in Wired of the seventeen Trump-related investigations currently open. The settlement of fraud allegations against Trump University…
The 116th Congress and Preventing Extremist Violence: Look North for Guidance
Democrats taking control of the U.S. House today with the start of the 116th Congress have a long and growing list of policy (as well as investigative) priorities. Included on…
Coming to Terms with the Impeachment Process: The Case for Starting a Formal Inquiry
A threshold question is whether even to start an inquiry and set the ground rules. The time for doing so is now, writes former White House Counsel Bob Bauer.