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.
3,431 Articles

Deference Should Follow Expertise, Not Pretext
Anthropic v. Department of War reveals why courts must distinguish genuine national security judgments from pretextual ones and how to do it.

Reinvention Blueprint No. 1: A Government That Works for People
Our democratic institutions are under strain, but one thing must be true if any reform is to take hold: government must deliver, and that delivery must be felt by all people.

Reinvention Blueprint No. 2: Democracy Works When Government Works
America’s civil service, built for a bygone era, urgently needs bold, comprehensive reform to build a government capable of delivering for the 21st century.

Welcome to Just Security’s Reinvention Blueprints
Just Security's Reinvention Blueprints series features expert proposals to rebuild U.S. government institutions so they serve the public and meet today's challenges.

Building Governing Machinery for the Next Pro-Democracy Moment
Domestic policy experts offer principles for reinvention meant to inform the work of policymakers, advocates, and governance rebuilders as they redesign federal institutions.

The Trump Administration Throws Gulf AI a Lifeline
The Trump administration significantly relaxed AI export controls on the UAE, and it's unclear what the United States got in return.

Challenging Toxic Air Exemptions – and a Pattern of Executive Overreach on Regulatory Rollbacks
Together, the Trump administration’s vision of the Clean Air Act’s exemption authority and shutting courts out from review is one of completely unchecked presidential power.

A Rule-of-Law Model for Governing AI Risks: The Global Significance of Canada’s New AI Strategy
Other middle powers should emulate Canada’s focus on the rule of law as a central principle of A.I. governance.

The Scope of Executive Privilege: Unpacking the D.C. Circuit’s Latest Decision
The D.C. Circuit upheld Navarro's contempt of Congress convictions, holding that executive privilege must be claimed by the president or an official authorized by the president.
The Just Security Podcast: Uncharted Territory: The Alien Terrorist Removal Court Hears Its First Case
Dani Schulkin is joined by Steve Vladeck and Jess Dawgert to discuss the first-ever case before the Alien Terrorist Removal Court.

Ukraine’s Successes Make the Case for How Democracy Support Enhances U.S. National Security
Ukraine's survival in the face of Russia's aggression demonstrates how U.S. support to civil society and democratic institutions becomes a national security asset.

The Israel-Lebanon Framework Agreement: Return to the “Land for Peace”’ Formula
Experts examine the implications of the framework agreement signed by Israel, Lebanon, and the United States in June.