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.
3,152 Articles

National Security at the United Nations This Week (Feb. 19-Feb. 23)
Our weekly series on developments at the United Nations at the intersection of national security, human rights, and the rule of law.

What to Expect Following Trump’s Civil Fraud Judgment: A Primer on the Appeals Process and More
Answering questions about appellate procedures and how former President Trump may try to stop or limit $450m civil fraud judgment.

Russian Opposition Searches for Shreds of Hope After Navalny’s Death
Lines to endorse an antiwar candidate for president and to lay flowers in memory of Navalny show courage and a desire for democracy.

Expert Backgrounder: Federalizing the National Guard and Domestic Use of the Military
An expert explainer on when the President of the United States can 'federalize" the National Guard and deploy U.S. military forces domestically.

Trump Must Pay $450m Civil Fraud Judgment, But Now Avoids Corp Death Penalty
Trump must pay more than $350 million in “ill-gotten” gains—and can't run a New York business for three years, a judge ruled on Friday - but also clawed back an earlier remedy.

Navalny’s Death and the Kremlin
The cause of a better Russia for which Navalny gave his life is neither a lost nor impossible cause.

The ABA Urges Action Against Abusive Commercial Spyware, and Policymakers Should Listen
The leading association of American lawyers added its voice to the chorus of concern surrounding the proliferation of commercial spyware.

The Just Security Podcast: A Syrian War Crimes Verdict in a Dutch Court
A Dutch court recently convicted a man of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Syrian civil war.

Multiple Threats Converge to Heighten Disinformation Risks to This Year’s US Elections
Both the private sector and government will have to work more seriously to help safeguard American democracy from falsehoods.

Trump Fails to Get N.Y. Hush-Money Case Dismissed, as Judge Gears Up for March Trial
A report from the Manhattan courtroom on the hearing of former President Donald Trump's motion to dismiss DA Alvin Bragg's prosecution.

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Pentagon’s New Civilian Harm Policy
In December 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly released its Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR DOD-I), which was mandated by Section 936 of the…

US Government’s $300 Million for West Africa — How to Make it Count
To turn the tide in democracies under stress, the US needs to balances near-term increases in stability with aid for democratic governance.