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.
3,433 Articles
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.
Why and How the Senate Should Swiftly Dismiss the Impeachment Charges Against Mayorkas
"The articles are also facially and substantively defective in many other respects. Upon convening as a court of impeachment, the Senate should swiftly reject the articles as a…
As Senate Considers New Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Human Rights Focus Would Strengthen US Policy
As government forces battle armed groups in Burkina Faso, civilians face daily abuses, even death, amid a range of violations of their security and their property. At least 6,201…
A Guide to Thursday’s Hearing on Trump’s Motion to Dismiss the Manhattan Prosecution
A guide to the hearing where the Manhattan court will take up former President Trump's motion to dismiss District Attorney Alvin Bragg's prosecution for hush money payment in 2016…
The Real “Robert Hur Report” (Versus What You Read in the News)
"To clarify thinking about this topic, let’s consider another way Hur could have represented his actual findings on page 1 of his executive summary."
Dissecting Trump’s “Peacefully and Patriotically” Defense of the January 6th Attack
An analysis of former President Trump's reference to "peacefully and patriotically" in his January 6th Ellipse speech - for the trial and court of public opinion.
A Welcome US Course Adjustment – But Now the Western Balkans Needs a Full Policy Recalibration
Recent warnings to Bosnian separatists and other obstructionists are helpful, but deeper changes are needed. The upcoming Biden-Scholz meeting is a chance.
Biden Can, But Shouldn’t, Federalize the Texas National Guard
Invocation of the Insurrection Act in response to Texas' obstruction of CBP agents at the U.S.-Mexico border would be inappropriate.