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 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."

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…

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…

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.

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.

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."

As Another “Never Again” Scenario Quickly Approaches in Tigray, the Biden Administration Must Hold Parties to Their Word
With millions facing death, time is of the essence for the United States to demonstrate its commitment to the people of Tigray.

How Support to Partner Forces Enables Secret War
With security cooperation as a means of pursuing U.S. military objectives becoming more frequent, Department of Defense-led security cooperation, particularly under §§ 333, 127e,…

Canvassing Deserts: When Obstacles to Reaching Urban Voters Become Voter Suppression
Political canvassers operate at the grassroots of participatory democracy. They are coming in droves this election cycle, flocking to homes in swing districts. Their door-knocking…

Climate Change Diplomacy Has an Authoritarianism Problem
"[T]he ultimate goal of international climate negotiations is to provide current and future generations with the opportunity to live safe, healthy, prosperous, and dignified lives.…

Turkey’s Erdoğan Deploys Sweden and Finland’s NATO Membership Bids to Further His Repression
Any accession deal must ensure the potential newest members don’t flout the rule of law that helps underpin the strength of the alliance.