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.

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3,431 Articles
The E. Barrett Prettyman United States Court House is seen early morning on December 10, 2024, in Washington, DC.

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.
A blue architectural blueprint-style graphic with white grid lines and hand-lettered labels arranged like room names on a floor plan, symbolizing the architecture of institutional reinvention.

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.
A blue architectural blueprint-style graphic with white grid lines and hand-lettered labels arranged like room names on a floor plan, symbolizing the architecture of institutional reinvention.

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.
A blue architectural blueprint-style graphic with white grid lines and hand-lettered labels arranged like room names on a floor plan, symbolizing the architecture of institutional reinvention.

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.
A blue architectural blueprint-style graphic with white grid lines and hand-lettered labels arranged like room names on a floor plan, overlaid with the white text "Just Security's Reinvention Blueprints."

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.
A building belonging to DAMAC, a Dubai-based luxury real estate developer founded in 2002 by businessman Hussain Sajwani, is seen in Dubai on June 4, 2026.

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.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters is seen on February 13, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney standing near a row of Canadian flags.

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 E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse in Washington, D.C., with a carved stone panel depicting historical courtroom and law enforcement scenes in the foreground.

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.
The blue and yellow Ukrainian flag flies above the U.S. flag on the same flag pole, with two birds flying to the left against a whitish gray sky.

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.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C, back) looks on as (L/R, front row) Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, State Department Chief of Staff Daniel Holler, and Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh sign a framework agreement at the US Department of State in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2026.

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.
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