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.
3,152 Articles
Much Ado About Nothing: Recent Changes to Department of Defense Directive 5240.01
Recent changes to this Defense Department directive do not reflect any change in policy and provide no new authority to deploy the military domestically or to use lethal force…
The U.S. National Security Memorandum on AI: Leading Experts Weigh In
Leading experts unpack the Biden administration's National Security Memorandum on AI.
Don’t Let Military and Overseas Voters Become the Next Targets for Voter Suppression
We hope Americans from both sides of the aisle will recognize the peril in withholding the right to vote from active-duty military personnel, from U.S. diplomats, and from all…
Symposium on Harold Hongju Koh’s ‘The National Security Constitution in the 21st Century’
Just Security is pleased to hold a symposium of leading experts engaging with Professor Harold Hongju Koh's recently-released The National Security Constitution in the 21st Century.
Courts Blocked Georgia’s Hand-Count Rule, But Risk of Election Misinformation Remains
The hand-counting rule provides foreign adversaries with a potentially tailor-made narrative to spread election disinformation.
Top 10 Election Litigation Cases in 2024 Implicating the Rule of Law
In this top ten list updated weekly, the most important of hundreds of election-law cases are ranked for their rule of law implications.
Rule of Law Index Shows Some Rays of Hope Amidst Continuing Global Recession
While the rule of law recession persists, the 2024 data show progress on some issues and some countries stepping back from the brink of autocracy.
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied: Moving Forward with a New Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
As formal debates on a proposed crimes against humanity treaty have continued, we have seen in every corner of the globe why this treaty is so desperately needed, not only to prevent…
Proportional Representation Could Reduce the Risk of Political Violence in the U.S.
There is no single cause of political violence in democracies. But one critical source is often overlooked: electoral system design.
Natural Disasters, Terrorist Disruptions and Presidential Elections
A bipartisan, synchronized response to elections taking place during emergencies would address the rights of affected voters and candidates.
The Just Security Podcast: The Spread of Political Propaganda on Encrypted Messaging Apps
Messaging platforms such as have become highly influential tools for manipulating and misleading voters around the world.
Heat Map of January 6th Defendants Across the United States
An interactive public resource.