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
Dangerous Drone Bill Emerges from Senate Committee
It’s rare that a congressional committee tasked with overseeing homeland security approves a bill that would not only authorize sweeping surveillance, but also could pose a significant…
Just Security Podcast: Former FBI Agent Asha Rangappa on Inspector General’s Report on FBI Actions in 2016
On Friday, John Reed spoke with Yale University senior lecturer and former FBI Agent, Asha Rangappa about the Inspector General’s report on the FBI’s actions in the…
Not the Final Word
Can a sitting president be indicted? The public should be skeptical of the argument that a president can’t be, which frequently relies on two opinions by the Justice Department’s…
Paul Manafort = Evidence of Collusion
"The following facts essentially speak for themselves. Simply put, any fair reading of the public record would surely come to the conclusion that there is significant evidence…
What’s Ukraine Got to do With It? A Sideshow or Central Inquiry in Russia Probe?
Questions from a U.S. District Court judge recently in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s case against former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort illustrate a common point of…
What Could Michael Cohen Tell Mueller about Russia Collusion?
"Cohen was in frequent contact with foreign individuals [who] had knowledge of or played a role in 2016 election meddling," according to two FBI agents, reported Buzzfeed News.
Testimony from the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Hearing on Election Interference
Ryan Goodman, Just Security‘s co-editor-in-chief, is testifying on Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee as part of its hearing on, “Election Interference:…
Will the Supreme Court’s Understanding of the First Amendment Thwart Laws Aimed at Limiting Foreign Influence in U.S. Elections?
Calling attention to perhaps the greatest impediment to effective limits on foreign influence on our elections: the United States Supreme Court.
Loopholes in Public Corruption Laws Benefit Swamp Dwellers
If we are to deter corruption and hold accountable officials who breach the public’s trust, some changes in the law are needed.
If Grand Jury Thinks Manafort Obstructed Justice, Bail Judge Might Too
Special Counsel Robert Mueller unsealed a superseding indictment of Paul Manafort that adds defendant Konstantin Kilimnik, and includes charges of obstruction of justice and conspiracy…
Far from “Thin,” Evidence of Manafort’s Witness Tampering Likely Meets Necessary Standard
The fact that Special Counsel Robert Mueller has brought a motion alleging witness tampering by Paul Manafort says nothing about where things stand in the larger investigation.
What If Police Use ‘Rekognition’ Without Telling Defendants?
At least two US law enforcement departments -- and Motorola, which sells equipment to the government -- have already purchased access to Amazon’s “Rekognition” system. This…