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.
3,333 Articles
Remaking Iraq: How Iranian-Backed Militias Captured the Country
The U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003 brought about a painful and gradual transition from dictatorship to deeply flawed parliamentary democracy. This story is now…
Profiles of the January 6th Inmates in the D.C. Jail
Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and James Comer (R-Ky.), Chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, recently announced their intent to arrange for a congressional…
How will the ICC’s Arrest Warrant for Putin Play Out in Practice?
Will the ICC prosecutor's logic behind going “straight to the top” of the Kremlin with arrest warrants be borne out in practice? It would be a mistake simply to chart aspirations.…
Remembering the Iraq War: Has Washington Really Learned the Lessons?
Unless lessons from the Iraq War are fully understood and retained, the United States runs the risk of blundering again.
The Manhattan DA’s Charges and Trump’s Defenses: A Detailed Preview
Analyzing DA Bragg's options for felony charges, including campaign finance crimes and conspiracy to prevent an election, and Trump's defenses.
The Fallacy of US and EU Policy in the Western Balkans
Unlike their approach to Ukraine, the partners have largely coddled Russian satellites whose actions increasingly destabilize the region.
The Just Security Podcast: What the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers Don’t Want You to Know
In courtrooms, on Twitter, and in media reports the groups are trying to clean up their image, and people are buying it.
Attorney General Merrick Garland and Intelligence Community Leaders Testify on the Reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA
Editor’s Note: This article, originally published on March 2, has been updated to reflect the testimony of top intelligence leaders before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence…
Is Meta Up for the Challenge Now That It’s Reinstated Trump?
Meta has struggled to articulate clear, accessible policies on content moderation that are sufficiently flexible to respond to evolving threats.
Opaque Transparency on the Use of Force: Observations on the 2022 “1264” Report
The 2022 report illustrates the limits of congressionally mandated reporting requirements on matters of war and peace and the need for Congress to be more proactive in informing…
Republicans Are Calling to Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Here’s Why Their Case is Bunk
The arguments to impeach Sec. Mayorkas boil down to disapproval of the Biden administration’s relaxation of Trump-era immigration policies.
US Must Sharpen Attention to Potential Global Crisis Posed by Russia and China
Given Putin's war on Ukraine and Xi's threats to Taiwan and the two leaders' "no limits" partnership, deterrence and democracy are at risk.