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.
3,470 Articles
America’s War on Drug Smugglers at Sea Is Unlawful—and It Is Failing
U.S. strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels mark an unlawful expansion of military force into what has long been—and should remain—a law enforcement mission.
Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers, Operation Southern Spear, Operation Absolute Resolve
Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.
What the Presumption of Regularity’s Erosion Means for Challenges to Executive Action
The erosion of the presumption of regularity presents opportunities to those challenging the Trump administration’s agenda in court.
The Anti-Corruption Tracker: Mapping the Erosion of Oversight and Accountability
This Anti-Corruption Tracker focuses on the erosion or dismantling of oversight and accountability systems within the United States Executive Branch.
U.S. Supreme Court’s Rejection of the “Presumption of Regularity”
Trump v. Cook marked a significant break from the traditional judicial deference known as the "presumption of regularity."
Collateral Accountability: The Oldest Check on Federal Lawlessness
As a federal-level accountability desert forms, states are reviving "collateral accountability" — damages suits against federal officers who violate constitutional rights.
A Sentence in Damascus and An Accused in Moscow: The Limits of Syria’s First Attempt at Accountability
Bashar Al-Assad's in absentia conviction represents a milestone in Syria's justice system, but the trial was plagued by glaring problems.
Why the Trump Administration is Pushing States to Quit the ICC, and How Member States Can Push Back
States parties should use the United States’ bid for support in its fight against the ICC to push back on Washington’s attempt to dismantle the Court.
States Can Fight Federal Overreach by Protecting State Data
States must be vigilant stewards of their data — auditing what they hold, limiting what they share, and enforcing legal constraints against federal overreach.
Is Trump pushing Iceland into the EU?
Iceland may seek European integration partly as a hedge against a more capricious and unpredictable United States, and others may follow.
“Can We Do This?”: The Role of Military Leaders and Their Legal Advice
On the role of U.S. military leaders in addressing legal constraints and strategic questions.
Sword of the People: The Power of Grand Juries to Investigate Administration Corruption
The untold power of regular grand juries and special grand juries to independently conduct investigations and issue reports when federal prosecutors won't.