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.
3,471 Articles
Soldiers in Robes: Why Military Lawyers Can Not and Should Not Serve as Immigration Judges
DOJ’s recent decision to appoint several military lawyers, or JAGs, to serve as immigration judges is not only against the law, but a bad idea.
The Just Security Podcast: Examining the Trump Administration’s New Antifa Designations
Tom Joscelyn talks with former DOJ counsel Tom Brzozowski about new Antifa designations, their civil liberties impact, and changing limits on speech and association.
The Year Every Young American Should Serve
We should create universal access to national service: a year-long opportunity for every young American. The unity and future of our democracy demands it.
Impunity by Design: Latin America’s Quiet Crisis of Accountability
Across Latin America, political elites are quietly passing laws that narrow definitions, shield allies, and block legal pathways to investigate corruption and organized crime.
Sectarian Violence and the Price of Ignoring Transitional Justice in Syria
Sharaa must pursue accountability for both perpetrators of violence against Syrian minorities since Assad's fall, and against former Assad officials complicit in war crimes.
Defending ‘Sanctuary’ Principles During the Chicago Crackdown
Local governments must exercise their constitutional power to cut off cooperation with federal authorities that undermine residents' rights.
U.N. Extension of EU Troops in Bosnia Obscures Fissures Reflected in Debate
The EU should firm up its policy to help Bosnia advance toward EU membership with democratic governance. Only in this way can long-term stability be assured.
U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Putin-Backed Bosnian Serb Separatist Leader
The Trump administration's sanctions removal for Bosnian Serb separatist Milorad Dodik precedes a Russia-Led U.N. Security Council meeting.
The $550 Billion Shadow Budget: Trump’s Japan Deal and the Disappearing Appropriations Clause
The deal circumvents the Appropriations Clause and congressional safeguards designed to enforce it, creating a system answerable only to the White House.
Post-Conflict Election in the Southern Philippines Postponed for Third Time: Is Peace Unraveling?
A third postponement of elections for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao endangers a peace accord that ended a brutal war.
How Tech Platforms Allowed Russia Into Moldova: Lessons for the EU and Others
What played out across social media throughout Moldova's recent election exposed how easily disinformation fills the gaps between state regulation and platform indifference.
The Supreme Court: the Last Defense Against Trump’s Military Police State
The Supreme Court must not shirk its obligation to ensure that presidents cannot conscript the military in an effort to undermine democracy.