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.

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3,152 Articles
President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders

A Free Speech View on the “Free Speech” Executive Order

There’s a version of this executive order that might have given free-speech advocates hope that the incoming administration would investigate “jawboning”—government pressure…
President Donald Trump sits behind a desk in an arena holding up a signed executive order.

What Just Happened: Withdrawing from Paris and other International Environmental Agreement Actions

President Donald Trump’s day one E.O. titled "Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements" combines provisions that are straightforward, inconsistent with…
In this photo illustration an iPhone displays a popup message on the social media platform TikTok

President Trump’s Attempt to “Save” TikTok is a Power-Grab that Subverts Free Speech

"I remain convinced that the statute authorizing the ban is an ill-advised and unconstitutional law that does lasting damage to the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans…
The episode title appears with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: The Supreme Court’s Decision on TikTok

Marty Lederman, Asha Rangappa, and Xiangnong (George) Wang discuss how the Supreme Court balanced free speech rights and national security concerns in the TikTok case.

Crisis in Georgia: Why the Trump Administration Should Step In To Shore Up US Influence

The ruling party is cracking down on protests and aligning with Russia and China, even Iran, risking added instability in a fraught region.
Kristi Noem walks down a busy hallway.

Questions for Senators (and Journalists) to Ask Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem

We asked experts what members of the committee should focus on in Noem’s confirmation hearing before the Senate.
Top shot of Pamela Bondi before the Senate Judiciary Committee

Senate Testimony on Confirmation of Attorney General: Preserving the Independence of the Department of Justice

Mary McCord's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee's confirmation hearing for Donald Trump's Attorney General nominee, Pam Bondi.
The episode title appears with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Final Report in the 2020 Election Interference Case

Joining the show to discuss Jack Smith's final report in the 20220 election interference case are Tom Joscelyn and Marty Lederman.
Side shot of Special Counsel Jack Smith

3 Highlights in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Final Report on 2020 Election Subversion Case

Experts identify 3 important insights from the Special Counsel’s report, despite it otherwise containing very little new information.
John Ratcliffe walks down a hallway.

Questions for Senators (and Journalists) to Ask CIA Director Nominee John Ratcliffe

We asked intelligence experts and former members of the intelligence community for questions they would ask Ratcliffe in Wednesday's hearing.
Pam Bondi headshot, side profile

Questions for Senators (And Journalists) to Ask Attorney General Nominee Pam Bondi

We asked leading experts what questions Committee members should ask Bondi in her confirmation hearing.
Marco Rubio on stage at Trump Rally

Questions for Senators (and Journalists) to Ask Secretary of State Nominee Marco Rubio

Experts suggest questions for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's confirmation hearing for Trump's pick for Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio.
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