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
Donald Trump steps out from a plane

The Trump Indictment: What Top Intelligence Experts Are Saying

On June 13, former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty in response to an historic federal indictment concerning the mishandling of highly classified U.S. intelligence information.…
A police car in front of a sign that reads "no cop city."

DHS’s Newest Target: Atlanta “Cop City” Activists

Homeland security organizations are injecting federal spy agencies into local political matters, often without meaningful restrictions.
The back of a UN soldier, wearing the signature blue helmet and with "UN" on the back of his uniform, is seen as demonstrators carry a poster against the peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) at the UN facilities in Goma on July 25, 2022. Protesters stormed a UN base in the eastern Congolese city of Goma, demanding the departure of peacekeepers from the region, according to an AFP journalist. (Photo by MICHEL LUNANGA/AFP via Getty Images)

Disinformation in a Triple Threat: How Old and New Challenges Make Peacekeeping More Dangerous

As the largest financial contributor – and debtor – to UN peacekeeping, the US is uniquely positioned to reverse the trend.
Graphic of three missiles on top of the Iranian flag.

An Opening to Deescalate the Iran Nuclear Crisis?

Iran’s recent willingness to work with the IAEA on transparency measures could be a step toward deescalating the nuclear crisis.
Judge's gavel on the American flag

How Much Prison Time Does Former President Trump Face? Applying the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines

Calculating a potential prison sentence, with some caveats, in the case of former President Donald Trump's indictment.
Side view of the US Capitol Building, with a cloudy blue sky in the background

Recovering a Role for the Courts in Decisions to Wage War: How Congress Can Overcome the Political Question Doctrine (Some of the Time)

Congress should consider when and how the laws it enacts will be enforced and take steps to empower members of Congress to effectively challenge illegal wars in court.
The episode title is shown with sound waves behind it.

The Just Security Podcast: An Insider View of Trump’s Second Indictment

Espionage Act cases often require a balancing of the need to protect sensitive intelligence information and a defendant’s due process rights.

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

The former president's retention of highly classified intelligence has potentially grave implications for U.S. national security.
Right-wing white nationalists hold flags with signs like "white pride worldwide."

Four Takeaways From the Department of Justice Audit on Countering Domestic Terrorism

The Office of the Inspector General advises a department-wide strategy to bring together separate efforts from across all sections. 
A view of the U.S. Supreme Court, with a cloudy sky

Pending Supreme Court Case Complicates Special Counsel Smith’s Choices

Much has been written in the last 24 hours about where charges against former President Donald Trump would be brought with respect to his handling of government documents and obstructing…
Just Security

Bad for the Goose, Bad for the Gander: Drone Attacks in Russia Underscore Broader Risks

Recent drone attacks in Russia highlight legal and policy risks that must be weighed carefully.
A red, white, and blue button that reads "Vote" is shown with an American flag behind it.

The Road to Fairer Congressional Districts Might Start with the States

The route to less racially or politically gerrymandered congressional districts could pass through remapping state legislative districts.
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