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.
3,364 Articles

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.

The Year of Section 702’s Reauthorization: A Reply on “Back Door” Searches
There are targeted, sensible reforms regarding use of Section 702-acquired information by the FBI for non-national security investigations that would avoid throwing the baby out…

Rehabilitation for Torture at Guantanamo is a Moral and Legal Imperative
To be an effective leader, the United States must honor its commitments under the Convention Against Torture.
As Afghanistan Hearings Begin, Congress Must Rise Above Partisanship to Find Meaningful Solutions
Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee begins hearings on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The Proud Boys and Oath Keepers Are Domestic Terrorists, It’s Past Time to Call Them What They Are
The Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6th are not drinking buddies or patriots. They are violent extremists.

Mind the Gap: The UK is About to Set Problematic Precedents on Content Regulation
Potentially positive elements of the UK's Online Safety Bill "are overshadowed and at risk of being negated by some of the more politically-motivated, hyperbolic aspects. The House…