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
Why Mohamed bin Salman’s Slush Fund is an Urgent National Security Matter for Congress
"It may be shocking for Americans to realize that there are no laws barring U.S. officials from working or doing business with foreign governments once out of office, despite the…
One Year Later, Lessons from Ukraine in Fighting Disinformation
Despite persistent Russian-backed manipulation, Ukraine and its allies are winning the information war in key respects.
The Limited Scope of Vice President Pence’s Speech or Debate Clause Immunity
Pence's protection under the Speech and Debate Clause won't protect him from a subpoena to testify before the Special Counsel's grand jury.
Repatriating Alleged ISIS-Linked Men from Northeast Syria: The Start of Judicial Responses to the Political Stalemate
Recent rulings may force countries to reckon with their denial of due process to the accused and justice to the victims.
Purpose “Unknown”: Proposed Forms Would Undermine Corporate Transparency Act’s Ownership Reporting Regime
Without significant changes, FinCEN’s proposed ownership information reports will enable incomplete reporting and undermine the anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and tax…
The Year of Section 702 Reform, Part I: Backdoor Searches
Requiring a warrant for U.S. person queries honors the balance between security and liberty struck in the Fourth Amendment and ensures that Section 702 can’t be used to get around…
Could It Happen Here?: The Holocaust and Atrocities in the 21st Century
(Editor’s note: This article is published as part of our ongoing coverage of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Read related content here.) As for many, last month’s…
Israel is Annexing the West Bank. Don’t be Misled by its Gaslighting
Three indicators can show a change in the legal status of a territory, demonstrating de jure annexation, even without a formal declaration. Under this test, Israel is presently…
The US Needs a Strategy for (Human) Security Cooperation
The result is a frequent perception of enabling rights abuses and atrocities committed by foreign military partners.
Rephrasing the “Ethical Checklist”: Grappling with Tough Foreign Policy Choices
How can states pursue more ethical, value-based approaches to foreign policy amidst competing priorities and strategic realities?
A Big Few Weeks for Guantanamo: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
"It’s been an uncharacteristically Guantanamo-news-filled few weeks – some good, some bad, some ugly. Here’s a quick rundown of recent developments."
Trump’s Hush Money is News Again. Here’s Why We Should Care
A criminal investigation of former president Donald Trump now being restarted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and also discussed in a new book by one of his former…