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.
3,181 Articles
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.
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…
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…
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 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.
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.
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.