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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3,366 Articles
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Presidential Immunity Decision May Have Implications for Congressional-Executive Divide on Criminal Contempt

With Trump v. United States, a majority of the Supreme Court appears ready to resolve a longstanding dispute over prosecutorial discretion in contempt of Congress cases in favor…
The three former political prisoners are laughing as they sit at a table in front of microphones against a blue backdrop displaying the logo of German news agency Deutsche Welle, which organized the press conference.

Magnitsky Sanctions and Political Prisoners: Lessons from the Case of Vladimir Kara-Murza

The US and allies can build on the coordinated Magnitsky-like sanctions in his case to continue turning up the heat on repressive regimes.
The U.S. Department of Justice Building, where the Office of Legal Counsel resides.

Warrantless “Defensive” Searches of FISA Section 702 Data Violate the Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment requires that queries of the FISA Section 702 database for information about U.S. persons be performed pursuant to a court order, regardless of whether the…
The episode title appears with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: How can the U.S. Address Political Violence and Threats?

Rachel Kleinfeld reflects on the threats of political violence in the United States and offers solutions ahead of the 2024 election.
Save Our Allies workers hand out toys in a supply tent in an Afghan refugee camp on November 4, 2021 in Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

US Is Finally Aiding Stranded Afghan Allies, But Congress Needs to Step Up

Crucial bipartisan legislation has been stalled for years, placing the burden of care on hardworking Americans instead.
Digital generated image of multi coloured data against black background.

The Double Black Box: AI Inside the National Security Ecosystem

The use of AI to advance U.S. national security will complicate the application of constitutional checks and balances.
A helicopter hovers over lines of tan-colored Humvee-like military vehicles on a tarmac.

Three Years on From Taliban’s Takeover, What’s Next Amid Afghanistan’s Impasse?

Unfocused efforts to break the logjam over human rights and diplomatic recognition raise questions about how to move forward.

After Immunity: The Path Forward for the January 6th Case

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction II. The Supreme Court’s Immunity Framework III. Applying the Court’s Immunity Decision to the Indictment 1. Undisputed Unofficial Conduct…
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko (R)

Pay Attention to Belarus

Internal repression -- more than 1,400 political prisoners -- extends outward, too, as dictator Alexander Lukashenka's threatens US and EU security with hybrid ops and nuclear…
Golden circuits surround the word "AI" against a blue background.

AI’s Potential to Advance Human Rights? Striking the Right Balance

The risks of AI are well-known, but devoting more effort to understanding its benefits towards human rights will help harness its potential.
The episode title appears with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: Assessing the Laws of War

Cordula Droege, chief legal officer and head of the legal division of the International Committee of the Red Cross, assesses the laws of war.
UN Secretary General speaks in front of the General Assembly

Toward an International Register of Damage for the Occupation of Palestinian Territory

The International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, finding Israel’s…
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