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.
3,156 Articles

January 6th Report Summarizes Extremist Threat – But Leaves Key Gaps
"The absence of recommendations concerning violent extremism and law enforcement represent two of the most glaring omissions in the report."

2023 Forward: Democracy, Russia-Ukraine War, Tech Policy, Climate Change
"In the final few days of 2022, we turn again to an expression of thanks – to our amazing colleagues who help produce Just Security, to our authors who fill the pages with their…

Congress Mandates Sweeping Transparency Reforms for International Agreements
"While there are still important gaps in the oversight regime, this legislative enactment represents the most significant transparency reform for international agreements in a…

Major Highlights of the January 6th Report
Among the investigation's closest observers, Goodman and Hendrix analyze key new revelations in the House Select Committee's final report.

Extend US Leadership on Ukraine to Post-War Reconstruction Too
G7 donors are planning now for Ukraine’s recovery. Experts explain why that should include appointing an American to lead coordination.

The Just Security Podcast: The Conclusion of the January 6th Committee
After nearly a year and a half of hearings and interviews the January 6th Committee is wrapping up its work. It held its final hearing on Monday, will issue its final report Thursday,…

The FY 2023 NDAA Falls Short on Security Assistance Oversight
The NDAA did little to address the civilian harm, corruption, and weapons diversion linked to U.S. security assistance and cooperation.

How Jan. 6th Committee’s Revelations of Interference in Their Investigation Can Enable the Special Counsel
The kind of new evidence that can aid Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigations of January 6th and Mar-a-Lago.

Shireen Abu Akleh’s Killing Raises Questions about U.S. Security Assistance to Israel
U.S. officials should ensure the Leahy laws are applied consistently to all countries, including Israel.

Missed Opportunities and Minor Progress: The FY 2023 National Defense Bill and War Powers
One big disappointing omission and otherwise a mixed bag from the standpoint of winding down the United States’ forever wars -- despite leaders of both parties having proclaimed…

The U.N. Fact-Finding Mission: An Accountability Turn for Iran?
The creation of the first U.N. fact-finding mission on Iran signals that the world will not stand silent in the face of egregious human rights abuses.

As Haiti’s Last 10 Lawmakers’ Terms Expire, Political Transition Must Take Priority Over Military Intervention
A human rights defender urges the US to press the Prime Minister to reach an agreement to proceed with a civil society transition plan.