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.
3,366 Articles

The Cynicism Behind the Administration’s Proposed Forced Labor Tariffs
The labor issues the U.S. Trade Representative claims to investigate are real problems. They should not become pretexts for tariffs the administration already wants.

The Continuing Saga of Chief Judge Boasberg’s Contempt of Court Inquiry Involving Todd Blanche and Emil Bove
Options for the DC Circuit en banc in these contempt of court proceedings.

Making Syria’s Transitional Justice Process Meaningful for Survivors and Communities
One of the central questions facing Syria is whether its emerging justice system can earn the trust of those in whose name it is being built.

Thoughts for Judge Advocates in Challenging Times
Former JAGs provide principles to guide U.S. military lawyers as the U.S. armed forces faces unprecedented legal and ethical pressures.

US-Central African Republic Deportation Agreement Escalates Attack on Immigrants and Puts Lives at Risk
Congress should demand transparency and require the U.S. government to publicly release third-country deportation agreements, including with the Central African Republic.

Protecting Environmental Rights Defenders Is Key to Giving Communities a Voice
Environmental human rights defenders must be empowered to design and implement their own forms of collective protection to shift the power imbalance.

The New October 7 Tribunal and the Legitimacy Challenge of Atrocity Adjudication
The tribunal will be judged not only by the verdicts it produces, but by the institutional model of accountability it leaves behind.

A Year Later: The Stakes of Ordering Military Personnel to Police American Streets
One year since Trump sent the National Guard to LA, a new report warns military deployments for domestic policing produce escalation, disillusionment, and politicization.

AI ‘Regulation’ in the Chokepoint State
President Trump’s new executive order on AI regulation rests on broad executive discretion and seeks to bypass judicial accountability.

Collection: Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.

The Lessons of Zambia’s RightsCon Cancellation for International Democracy Promotion
The once-lauded Zambian president's nixing of a major digital rights conference shows the risks of lionizing individual leaders without a backup plan.

Can the Secretary of Defense Remove Admirals from a Promotion List?
The legal questions raised by these removals ultimately extend far beyond the careers of the officers involved.