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
The Caribbean Strikes and the Collapse of Legal Oversight in U.S. Military Operations
Congress and the public must do more to address the dangerous pressures imposed on servicemembers and defend the guardrails that protect both U.S. forces and democracy.
Distorted Laws on “Foreign Agents” Threaten Democracy: Mobilizing a Response
Civil society can share knowledge, boost public support, and build coalitions to resist the spread of autocratic "foreign agents" laws.
Should Inspectors General be Moved to the Legislative Branch?
Almost immediately upon taking office for his second term, President Donald Trump unlawfully fired 17 inspectors general (IGs), and over the course of this year has taken actions…
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part III
Tess Bridgeman is joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to assess the latest strikes, the brief detention of two survivors, where the campaign may be headed, and what…
When Deference is No Longer Due
Reasons for historical deference to the executive branch's judgement in matters of national security and foreign affairs have been severely undermined.
Weaponizing the Espionage Act: What It Means for Whistleblowers, Reporters, and Democracy
How the Trump administration could weaponize the Espionage Act and its chilling effect to control the press and justify suppression.
Attacks on U.S. Legal Profession Reflect Global Slide in Countries It Once Aided
Political pressures like those used to silence legal professionals and undermine rule of law in Europe and Eurasia echo patterns of the autocratic playbook.
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part II — What We Know about U.S. Vessel Strikes One Month In
Tess Bridgeman and Rachel Goldbrenner are joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to analyze the facts, the law, and implications of U.S. killings in the Caribbean.
After Another Sham Election in Georgia, the Country’s Citizens Persist
Georgians will fight for their democracy, as the ruling party now becomes one of the world's many paranoid, insecure dictatorships that know their days are numbered.
Swatting Attacks and Nihilistic Violent Extremism: A Primer
Swatting attacks are sometimes dismissed as pranks or hoaxes. But they’ve wreaked havoc on college campuses this year and a network of extremists is behind many of them.
Trump’s Outline of a Domestic War
Former Undersecretary of Navy and Chair of Defense Policy Board discusses import of President Trump's address to active duty military leaders at Quantico.
What the Senate Judiciary Committee Should Ask A.G. Bondi on Drug Cartel Strikes
Annotated questions Congress should be asking about U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.