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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3,364 Articles
apartment block destroyed by Russian occupying forces in Izyum, Kharkiv oblast, Ukraine.

The Case for the International Crime of Domicide

"By defining domicide as a crime in its own standing, the international community would close protection gaps and move ever closer to ensuring that serious violations of economic,…
A person stands at a voting poll.

As Moore v. Harper Takes Shape, a Broad Coalition Takes Aim at the Independent State Legislature Theory

"In this hugely consequential case, in a highly polarized environment, experts of all stripes and partisan affiliations have now weighed in with roughly the same answer: Giving…
A sign hanging on a pole on Queen Street in the city center of Cardiff, United Kingdom, on August 25, 2022, warns that South Wales Police are using facial recognition. To the left of the sign, blurred in the distance, are people walking by. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

Emerging Tech Has a Front-Row Seat at India-Hosted UN Counterterrorism Meeting. What About Human Rights?

Hype and untested promises have accelerated deployment of artificial intelligence, biometrics, and more, in the dubious name of security.

The January 6th Hearings: Criminal Evidence Tracker – Trump Subpoena Edition

Tracking two federal crimes and one Georgia state crime, with evidence presented by the House Select Committee investigating January 6th.

Democracy at Risk: Are The Florida Election Police Violating the Law?

This is an important test case for American democracy in the newfound battles over voter suppression."
globe with interconnecting red lines, signifying the spread of COVID-19.

Global Rule of Law Index: Easing Health Crisis Unmasks Persistent Governance Crisis

"As concerning as the global rule of law trends are, the data from these [post-Soviet] states remind us that there is nothing inevitable about rising authoritarianism."
Just Security

Ending Perpetual War

With the threat of terrorism receding, the Biden administration should seize the moment and illuminate a path back to peace.
Kyaw Moe Tun (left), new Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations, pays a courtesy call to Secretary-General António Guterres.

Democracies Must Stop Playing Games with Myanmar’s Representation at the United Nations

Member States that believe in human rights must take the necessary steps to give the Burmese people a voice at the United Nations.
Just Security

Countering Iran’s Brand of Digital Authoritarianism

The Iranian government has perfected a sophisticated model of digital authoritarianism to suppress internal dissent.
Futuristic server room with light.

Dawning Digital Data Access via New EU Law

The EU Digital Service Act offers hope for increased data access for researchers that can help counter disinformation.
Canadian United Nations soldiers prepare to move out of a base in Gao on August 1, 2018, to take part in an operation during the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

Time to Come Clean: The Canadian Armed Forces and Protection of Civilians

Canada should be more transparent about its policies for preventing and responding to civilian harm in military operations.
The sun shines through a giant rainbow pride flag showing orange, yellow, green, and purple colors. People are carrying the flag through the street.

Violence Against Transgender People is on the Rise, Stopping it Requires a Holistic Solution

Responding to anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ violence requires support the leaders and organizations building safe communities and networks of safety.
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