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

National Security Implications of Trump’s Superseding Indictment: A Damage Assessment 2.0

The alleged attempt to delete surveillance camera footage at Mar-a-Lago poses its own significant concerns for U.S. national security.
Side shot of Special Counsel Jack Smith

An Overlooked January 6 Charge: The “Stop the Count” Scheme

Section 241 can form the basis for charging Trump and conspirators in connection with their effort to "stop the count" in 2020 presidential election.
Headshot of U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy

Missed Opportunities in House FY24 NDAA for Human Rights Progress in U.S. Security Assistance

The House of Representatives' FY24 NDAA missed the mark in strengthening arms transfer law, which is currently opaque and outdated.

The Year of Section 702 Reform, Part III: Why Congress Should Not Exempt Warrantless “Foreign Intelligence” Queries

A cramped approach to protecting Americans’ privacy would be a mistake, both as a legal matter and a practical one.

Guatemalan Election Runoff Endangered by Corrupt Authorities

A surprise finish by an opposition candidate has spurred concern that the second round of elections will be canceled or stolen.

Trump Classified Docs Clearinghouse: All Key Documents in the Special Counsel Prosecution

A comprehensive public resource of all publicly available government documents, court filings, judicial opinions in Mar-a-Lago Special Counsel prosecution.
visual representation of a global communications network

A Close and Critical Look at the ‘Five Things’ the ACLU Says You Need to Know About ‘NSA Mass Surveillance’

The most compelling national security question this year is whether Congress will reauthorize Section 702 and, if so, what form that reauthorization will take.
IMAGE: Visual representation of a global network (via Getty Images)

The Perils and Promise of AI Regulation

With the launch of ChatGPT late last year, Congress is racing to catch up to the great promise and peril presented by the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). Just…

From ‘Island of Democracy’ to ‘Consolidated Authoritarian Regime’: The Need to Reverse Kyrgyzstan’s Slide

Effects of internal corruption and opaque institutions spill beyond borders, even to the war in Ukraine. Cases show the risks and the hope.
A man in a grey suit and a red tie walks surrounded by reporters holding phones towards him.

Senator Tommy Tuberville’s Dangerous Military Promotion Ploy

The U.S. military already faces a recruitment crisis. Senator Tommy Tuberville's politicization of the promotions process over abortion makes things worse, violating civil-military…
Kevin McCarthy speaks to reporters in front of a sign saying "Defend Our Nation."

Civilian Protection Gains Stagnate in FY24 House NDAA

As the Senate considers the NDAA, U.S. policymakers should rally around the passed House amendments poised to make progress for civilians.
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