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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3,333 Articles

Encryption Helps Ukrainians Resist Russia’s Invasion, but a European Plan Threatens the Underlying Trust Any Tech User Needs

The intended crime-fighting proposals could force encrypted-messaging services to abandon basic confidentiality or pull out of the market.
Internally displaced women carry jerrycans in the makeshift camp where they are sheltered in the village of Erebti, Ethiopia, on June 09, 2022.

For Biden’s Africa Strategy to Succeed, Prioritize Human Rights

The United States has an opportunity to put human rights at the center of its foreign policy on Africa.
Military police in full riot gear are pictured near Lafayette Park ahead of President Trump's trip to St. John's Church in Washington DC on June 1, 2020, where protesters were tear gassed.

Without Congressional Action, Lafayette Square and January 6th Can Happen Again

"Two amendments in the House-passed FY23 NDAA would close ... loopholes and make it harder for another Trump administration – or any future president – to abuse the powers…
Pro-Trump protestors, with torn American flags, gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Roadmap to Accountability: How the Jan. 6 Committee Can Help Enforce the 14th Amendment

How current legal processes — across the states — provide for the enforcement of section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
Black and red painting of Mahsa Amini with roses on it.

Iranian Women’s Demands for Freedom Must Be Heard

Iranians continue to protest discriminatory rules in a bid to achieve gender equality.
Rows of American flags in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

Why We Serve: Upholding the Democratic Process

"[D]emocracy must continuously be defended and ... our service to our community does not end but instead shifts in its form. This is something veterans have long known and appreciated."
An activist holding a placard reading "No to imitation of judicial reform!" stages a picket in front of Kiev's President Hotel during the Congress of Judges of Ukraine as law enforcement officers guard the site on March 9, 2021. Activists protested against the meeting, which was to elect members of the High Council of Justice and the Constitutional Court, whom demonstrators suspect of corruption. (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Fight Can Overcome US Skeptics

Amid likely GOP control of the House, strong steps would help Ukraine get the assistance it needs, while advancing reforms and EU accession.

Just Security Podcast: The FBI’s January 6th Intelligence Failures

The January 6th Committee is wrapping up its work, which has provided a detailed account of the individuals and groups involved in the attack. Thanks to the Committee, we know…
Protesters wave red National League For Democracy (NLD) flags and raise three-finger salutes on February 09, 2021 in Yangon.

Southeast Asia’s Leaders Should Work Toward a Freer Internet

Southeast Asia’s heads have begun to gather in Cambodia for a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), where they will also be joined by other world leaders…
FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies during a hearing before Senate Judiciary Committee at Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill August 4, 2022

The Missing Review of FBI’s January 6 Intelligence and Law Enforcement Failures

The country needs an examination of the FBI's organizational and individual flaws that helped bring us to January 6th.
Attorney General Merrick Garland departs after delivering a statement at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Mr. Attorney General, It’s Too Late to Appoint A Special Counsel

An "Open Letter" to Attorney General Merrick Garland in the matter of United States v. Donald J. Trump.
Person walks across blue tape arrows on a gymnasium floor, surrounded by voting stations

Election Denying Officials Who Refuse to Certify Election Results Could Face Prosecution

"Election officials who are considering abusing their power in service of election falsehoods do so at their legal peril."
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