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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3,435 Articles
Military officers at an honor guard ceremony

How Military Leaders Can Navigate a Crisis of Democracy: Lessons from the Reservist Protests in Israel

Leaders must communicate carefully with the public and subordinates, and minimize damage to the military, without adding to societal tension.
The episode title is shown with sound waves in the background.

The Just Security Podcast: The Trump Indictment in Georgia

The indictment charges that the defendants engaged in a sweeping criminal enterprise to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. 
Protesters hold signs in French opposing ECOWAS.

An International Law Assessment of ECOWAS’ Threat to Use Force in Niger

Under international law, the only possible legal basis for a potential ECOWAS military intervention would be an invitation by Niger extended to ECOWAS to use force on its territory.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Trump Trial in Fulton County

Legal experts answer questions about what to expect in the Fulton County, Georgia prosecution of former President Donald Trump and co-defendants.
(From L to R) Former Serbian Minister of Defence Zoran Djordjevic, then-Serbian Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vulin, Serbian Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina Stanimir Vukicevic and President of the Serbian entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republika Srpska) Milorad Dodik attend an event to promote Slavic - Serbian ties on July 7, 2017 in Bratunac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The gathering aimed to highlight Bosnian Serb victims of the Bosnian 1992-1995 war. Bratunac is located near Srebrenica, where the genocide against Muslim Bosnian civilians by Bosnian Serbs forces took place in 1995. (Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images)

US Sanctions Against Serbia’s Intel Boss Should Signal a More Holistic Policy Redo

The commendable action will only have an impact as part of a broader change in the Biden administration’s posture on the Western Balkans.
A group of individuals speaking at a podium in front of cameras.

The Fulton County DA’s Options: Multi-Defendant Trial(s) and the Paths Ahead

Analyzing the risks and rewards of multi-defendant trials for the State and for the defendants.
Over the shoulder shot of an individual gaming

How Russia is Using Online Video Games to Promote the War in Ukraine

Russia's exploitation of online gaming demonstrates that virtual battlefields have a bearing on real ones.

Deciphering the Trump Indictment from the Apparent Fulton County Docket Entry

Legal experts discuss the likely charges against former President Trump and other defendants based on the apparent docket entry in Fulton County, Georgia.
Fulton County Courthouse

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Georgia Indictment of Trump

Legal experts answer questions about what to expect in the anticipated Fulton County indictment of former President Donald Trump.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, flanked by Air Force personnel, checks a Hermes 900 drone

The Legal Takeover of the Manifestly Unlawful Order Doctrine in Israel

The involvement of lawyers allows combatants to absolve themselves from thinking about human rights considerations as long as they believe the military functions as part of a democratic…
Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Kagan sit in a crowd and watch the State of the Union address. They are both wearing black robes.

John Roberts Takes Control on Voting Rights

Despite some positive developments, it is likely that ongoing and future civil-rights litigation will be contoured to satisfy, not an audience of nine, but a Chief Justice whose…
A banner calling for the departure of the French Army from Niger is seen as supporters of Niger's ruling military junta, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), demonstrate in Niamey on August 10, 2023. West African leaders on Thursday increased their threat of imminent military action against Niger after the country's coup leaders moved to consolidate their control two weeks after seizing power. At an emergency summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), members decided "to order the deployment of the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger," its Commission President Omar Touray said. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images),

West Africa’s Grim Trajectory

The Niger coup is part of a cascade of crises that underscore democratic backsliding and the need for a broad regional strategy.
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