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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3,337 Articles
The U.S. Capitol is seen after the House narrowly passed a bill forwarding President Donald Trump's agenda at the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Bogus “Antifa” Designations and FBI Warrantless Access to Americans’ Communications

"Any expert of national security surveillance law following the government’s escalating actions on “antifa” can connect the dots to FISA electronic surveillance."
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche (L) speaks alongside Assistant Attorney General for Fraud Enforcement Colin McDonald during a news conference at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice building on April 07, 2026 in Washington, DC. Blanche addressed the department's work on anti-fraud efforts and announced the creation of a National Fraud Enforcement Division. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Trump Administration’s Fraud Problem

The Trump administration invokes “fraud” to justify freezing Medicaid, SNAP, and family aid, sidestepping legal safeguards and turning vital programs into political weapons.
The Washington Monument reflects in the Capitol Reflecting Pool at sunset on a warm evening on June 2, 2025 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

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.
(L/R) US Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio look on as US President Donald Trump holds up a resolution document that he signed during the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)

Some Questions for Congress About Trump’s Request for Funding for the Board of Peace

Close scrutiny of the administration’s plans for contributions to the Board of Peace is warranted in light of the large dollar amounts involved.
Mourners hold their candles in the air during a moment of silence during a vigil to mark one week since the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival, on the corner of Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

No, There Isn’t a Trans Shooter Problem

Reactions to mass shootings often fixate on gender identity, ignoring extremist ideologies. This misplaced focus fuels scapegoating and deepens division.

The Tightrope Walk of Democratic Defense: Lessons from Taiwan’s Platform Governance Challenge

The safeguards emerging from Taiwan's effort to address information manipulation risks offer democracies a platform governance roadmap.
Women embrace in front of memorial flowers on October 28, 2018 outside of the Tree of Life Synagogue after a shooting there left 11 people dead in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Global Crises, Local Impacts: How Mayors Need to Prepare

Global conflicts are fueling local polarization and extremism. Mayors must act early to protect their communities before violence erupts.
Someone in a fluorescent yellow safety jacket on a bicycle is standing speaking with several others at a campaign booth for the TISZA opposition political party. The booth has a poster on it apparently promoting two male candidates. There are trees and apparent residential block buildings in the background and neat brown pavers underfoot.

Hungary’s Election Could End Orbán’s Rule — But Will It End His Power?

Hungary's parliamentary election will test Prime Minister Viktor Orban's strength, as well as whether a change could successfully undo 16 years of autocratic rule.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Oliver Contreras / AFP via Getty Images)

The Dangers of Hegseth’s “Warfighter” Ethos

Hegseth may present his version of a warfighter as the paragon of U.S. military power, but for all his talk, he fails to recognize the true strengths of the armed forces.
Supporters of South Korea's impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol watch a live stream of Yoon's trial on his insurrection charges near the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on February 19, 2026, as Yoon (2nd row L) is seen on the screen. A South Korean court found ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of insurrection on February 19, and sentenced him to life in prison, saying his martial law declaration in December 2024 was a plot to "paralyse" the National Assembly. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP via Getty Images)

The Judicial Reckoning for the Abuse of Presidential Power in Korea

A South Korean judge on how the South Korean judicial system served as a bulwark of democratic resilience in the face of a constitutional crisis.
Magnifying glass over computer code (vie Getty Images)

Myths and Facts About Section 702 Backdoor Searches: A Reply to George Croner

A rebuttal to George Croner’s critique of the Brennan Center’s “Myths and Facts” on FISA Section 702 backdoor searches and why RISAA falls short.
Empty witness table with microphones and nameplate sits in a large hearing room in the Congressional Auditorium at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.

The Anti-Stonewalling Playbook: How Congress Can Plan Now to Counter Executive Branch Obstruction Next Term

Former Justice Department official provides steps Congress can take to prepare an oversight agenda now for the next congressional term.
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