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

Fighting Tunisia’s Rampant Corruption with Autocracy – Kais Saied’s Chimera
Three years since taking office as president, the pledges that legitimized his ascent have fallen far short as he moves to monopolize power.

Incendiary Speech That Spurs Violence is Rising in US, But Tools Exist to Shrink It
"It is vital to keep millions of Americans from being captured by conspiracies, disinformation, and violent rhetoric."

Our Prosecution Memo Points the Way for the Special Counsel
Some people have argued against the need for, or timing of, the appointment of a special counsel in the federal investigations of former president Donald Trump. But we welcome…

The Just Security Podcast: United States v. Trump – A Model Prosecution Memo for Mar-a-Lago
To discuss the Just Security Model Prosecution Memo we have Andrew Weissmann, Joyce Vance, and Ryan Goodman, who were among the memo’s authors

Tracking COP27: Notable Moments and Key Themes
As COP27 draws to a close, our tracker provides expert analysis and the latest climate coverage.

Is Colombia Trapped in “War Mode?” In Wake of Truth Commission, New Leftist Government Recalibrates US Ties
Strengthening rule of law and democracy will require re-engineering the joint policies of the US and Colombian governments.

Mar-a-Lago Model Prosecution Memo
"The authors have decades of experience as federal prosecutors and defense lawyers, as well as other legal expertise. Based upon this experience and the analysis that follows,…

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.

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.

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…

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.

Iranian Women’s Demands for Freedom Must Be Heard
Iranians continue to protest discriminatory rules in a bid to achieve gender equality.