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.
3,165 Articles

The Just Security Podcast: The Situation in Los Angeles and the U.S. Military
An expert discussion with audience Q&A on the events in Los Angeles, the federalization of the National Guard, and use of U.S. Marines.

June 12 YouTube Live Event: The Situation in Los Angeles and the U.S. Military
A public event including audience Q&A on pressing legal and policy issues at stake.

The Mounting Crisis of Militarizing Immigration Enforcement
When part-time soldiers police their neighbors, federal authority displaces state and local officials, and strains civil-military relations.

Mass Deportation Policy and the Constitution: My Testimony Before the Senate Spotlight Forum
McCord's remarks for Senate panel address the administration’s mass deportation policy and constitutional rights of citizens and noncitizens.

“The Insurrection Act” by Any Other Name: Unpacking Trump’s Memorandum Authorizing Domestic Deployment of the Military
"The Memorandum ... raises many of the same concerns as an Insurrection Act invocation would, and that could end up looking quite similar in practice."

Relocating Nationwide Injunctions
Consolidating cases allows a clear, expedited path to Supreme Court review, helping quickly address matters involving executive orders.

Unequal Before the Law: How Trump’s Death Penalty Order Codifies Dangerous Speech
Tying the harshest punishment the state can impose to the identity of the accused is dangerous speech that can increase the risk of intergroup violence.

Big Tents and Collective Action Can Defeat Authoritarianism
The journey from individual angst to collective action and shared humanity takes time, vision, and commitment. Cases around the world show it is also the pathway to victory.

What are “Wartime Authorities” and When Can the President Use Them? An Expert Q&A
It is essential to understand the line between war and peace, scrutinize the application of wartime powers, and interrogate the president’s assertions when he triggers them.

The Just Security Podcast: Dismissal of Voting Rights Lawsuits
Chiraag Bains, in conversation with Dani Schulkin, discusses the impact on voting rights enforcement and the crucial role now played by voters & advocacy groups.

Civil Society is Mounting a Resistance to Trump—Business Leaders Must Follow Suit
Business leaders face now face a pivotal choice: unite to defend democracy or stay passive. They should look to civil society for inspiration on how to take meaningful action.

What Just Happened: The Trump Administration’s Dismissal of Voting Rights Lawsuits
Retreat from voting rights enforcement and efforts to tighten access to the ballot mark a rupture with the Civil Rights Division’s traditional role.