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
A woman speaks at a podium while others stand around her. One holds a sign that says, "Justice for Shireen."

The Path to Justice for Shireen Abu Akleh Runs Through Washington

The US failure to act on her killing will perpetuate the cycle of impunity and expose more journalists to the risk of injury or death.
(L) People protest against the killing of 24-year-old Congolese refugee Moise Kabagambe at the site of his death in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 5, 2022 (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images); (R) Protesters attend a rally for Black teen Ralph Yarl in front of U.S. District Court on April 18, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Chase Castor/Getty Images)

Welcome Back: How JAPER Becomes Real for the People in Brazil and the US

The legacy of discrimination endured by Black communities in the United States and Brazil will only be remedied if their respective governments truly consult with local communities,…
In this photo illustration, pages are viewed from the unsealed federal indictment of former U.S. President Donald Trump on June 9, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Prosecuting a President – Under What Conditions Is It Warranted?

"Democracies that resort readily to the criminal law against political rivals risk finding themselves at some stage categorized as ex-democracies."
Social network connection people with molecule structure blue color black background. Abstract futuristic digital technology graphic illustration concept.

Restricting the Government from Speaking to Tech Companies Will Spread Disinformation and Harm Democracy

Invoking the First Amendment, a single district court judge effectively issued a prior restraint on large swaths of speech, cutting short an essential dialogue between the government…
Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a speech in Moscow on June 27, 2023, to hundreds of officers of the Russian military and secret services whom he said prevented a larger crisis when the Wagner Group was marching toward the Russian capital on June 24. Behind him, two soldiers conduct a sword ceremony. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)

How Does Putin’s Response to Prigozhin’s Mutiny Change the Threat from Russia?

The U.S. government is likely reassessing Russia's stability and predictability, which are clearly diminished coming out of this episode.
Modi (L) and Biden (R) sit next to another in front of American and Indian flags.

Hate Speech from Modi Supporters Belies His Claims of Indian Democracy During US Visit

Comments by his ministers and party leaders reinforce the lamentable record of the government’s abusive and discriminatory policies.
Technical background with a silhouette of a man

Weighing the Risks: Why a New Conversation is Needed on AI Safety

The rapid development of AI implies that different stakeholders must prepare to tackle existing and future risks simultaneously.
IMAGE: US President Joe Biden speaks to representatives of more than 100 countries during a virtual democracy summit at the White House in Washington DC on December 9, 2021. (Photo by Nicholas Kamm / AFP) (Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)

2023 ‘Democracy Perception Index’ a Wake-Up Call for US, EU

"Perhaps surprisingly, the survey found that only around half of citizens in the United States and parts of western Europe viewed their country as a democracy."
A large banner reads "2022 CPAC Hungary." Viktor Orban stands at a podium and addresses a crowd, standing between an American and a Hungarian flag.

The Global Far-Right Authoritarian Alliance Threatening US Democracy – And How to Weaken It

Authoritarians across the globe are collaborating. To counter them, those interested in protecting democracy must do the same.
Conceptual technology illustration of artificial intelligence

Regulation is Not Enough: A Blueprint for Winning the AI Race

The race for AI supremacy will be determined by innovation, infrastructure, and integration with the private sector.
Chuck Schumer stands at a podium, with cameras surrounding him.

To Legislate on AI, Schumer Should Start with the Basics

Editor’s Note: This article was cross-posted with Tech Policy Press here.  Last Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) unveiled his SAFE Innovation Framework,…
Employees work at the Tunisian Sergaz company, which controls the Tunisian segment of the Trans-Mediterranean (Transmed) pipeline, through which natural gas flows from Algeria to Italy, in El-Haouaria, some 100km east of the capital Tunis, on April 14, 2022. (Photo by FETHI BELAID/AFP via Getty Images)

Global Ambitions and Tunisia’s Crisis Could Spur Algeria to Rethink Its Non-Intervention Policy

The US and Europe, working with multilateral institutions, could help the two countries capitalize on mutual economic and security interests.
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