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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3,157 Articles
Russian Federation Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey V. Lavrov speaks during the United Nations Security Council meeting at the United Nations Headquarters to discuss the conflict in Ukraine on September 22, 2022 in New York City.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Committed Against Ukraine

Discussing details for an international tribunal for aggression against Ukraine including outreach, victim participation, and more.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remotely speaks on a screen during the United Nations General Assembly. Next to the screen is the United Nations emblem.

Аргументи щодо створення Спеціального трибуналу для переслідування злочину агресії, вчиненого щодо України

Rules of procedure and evidence; how many to prosecute; rights of accused; double jeopardy (non bis in idem); amnesty; immunity; penalties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remotely speaks on a screen during the United Nations General Assembly. Next to the screen is the United Nations emblem.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (Part III)

Rules of procedure and evidence; how many to prosecute; rights of accused; double jeopardy (non bis in idem); amnesty; immunity; penalties.
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest outside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.

Lessons Learned from the January 6th Intelligence Failures

The Jan. 6 paradox: Domestic intelligence agencies lack the tools they need, while agencies with the tools lack the authorities to act.
People attend a rally and a concert in support of annexation referendums in Russian-held regions of Ukraine, in Saint Petersburg on September 23, 2022. - Voting on whether Russia should annex Kremlin-controlled regions of Ukraine opened Friday as the West denounced the referendum that has dramatically raised the stakes of Moscow's seven-month invasion.

Q&A on Russia-Backed Referendums in Eastern Ukraine and International Law

"There is simply no legal route through which a referendum can take place unilaterally without the consent of the territorial state."
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) speaks at a Security Council meeting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He is surrounded by others, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) speaks at a Security Council meeting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He is surrounded by others, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (Part II)

Ця стаття також доступна українською мовою тут. [Editor’s Note: This article is part of a Just Security series, Prosecuting the Crime…
Different national flags fly in front of the General Secretariat Building at the United Nations Headquarters.

Tracking UNGA 77: Notable Moments and Key Themes

During the next two weeks, Just Security will highlight expert analysis and issues relating to the 77th United Nations General Assembly.
A youth looks out through a metal fence as she stands in the rain in front of a campground.

European Court Tackles the Thorny Issue of Family Repatriation From Northeast Syria

Despite its shortcomings, the ECHR decision on repatriation of alleged IS family members from Syria marks an important turning point.

Has a Trump Tipping Point Been Reached? Analyzing The NY Attorney General’s Case Against Trump

The New York Attorney General announced a monumental civil enforcement action against Trump and his associates today that could serve as the tipping point for other pending cases.…
A speaker in a white shirt addresses a crowd with a blue sky and clouds behind him. There is a sign that reads "5th Anniversary Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day" and "Hope is Home"

Inching Forward but a Long Road Ahead to Achieve Justice for the Rohingya

Five years after the Myanmar military launched its clearance operation targeting the Rohingya in Rakhine State, the wheels of international justice continue slowly to turn. On…
A crowd gathers around a man (not seen) who had been beaten by a crowd because they suspected him of taking part in a thwarted "terrorist" attack on the military base in the background, in Kati, Mali, on July 22, 2022. The Malian army said it had thwarted the alleged "terrorist" attack on the base, which is located on the outskirts of the capital and is used by the military junta that rules Mali.

The Failing Response to Violent Extremism in Africa – and the Need to Reform the International Approach

Militant groups recruit where predatory governments alienate youth, exclude vulnerable groups, and rule with violent impunity.
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