civil society
154 Articles

As EU and Local Elections Approach, Hungary’s Civil Society Braces for Renewed Government Assault
Human rights activists see Orban escalating repression of independent organizations and media, and they call on the US Congress to help.

On Georgia’s `Russian Law,’ Amendments Are a Trap: The West Should Just Say No
The best way for the US and EU to support citizens opposing the repressive legislation is to refuse to accept its legitimacy in any way.

How the Georgian Government, Once a US Ally, Became an Adversary, Against the Wishes of Its Protesting Citizens
Western leaders will have to respond quickly to deter the ruling Georgian Dream party from further repression against its opposition.

America’s Sanctions Habit is Hurting Peacemaking
Without reforms to blunt sanctions’ negative consequences for peacemaking, their effectiveness will be limited. Far greater effort is needed to ensure that this instrument of…

Protect Democracy by Defending its Defenders
In the face of global attacks on democracy, its defenders, led by democratic governments, should work together to map existing initiatives and assess what groups are left uncovered…

In Shifting US Ties with Niger and Africa, Focus on Human Rights and Democracy to Strengthen Partnerships
After a series of coups in the region following years of counterterrorism cooperation, the US needs a new approach to recover its stride.

Tracking Tech Company Commitments to Combat the Misuse of AI in Elections
Tracking social media platforms' and AI companies' public commitments to combat deceptive uses of AI in the 2024 elections. 

National Security at the United Nations This Week (Feb. 19-Feb. 23)
Our weekly series on developments at the United Nations at the intersection of national security, human rights, and the rule of law.

The Just Security Podcast: A Syrian War Crimes Verdict in a Dutch Court
A Dutch court recently convicted a man of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Syrian civil war.

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Pentagon’s New Civilian Harm Policy
In December 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) quietly released its Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR DOD-I), which was mandated by Section 936 of the…

As Senate Considers New Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Human Rights Focus Would Strengthen US Policy
As government forces battle armed groups in Burkina Faso, civilians face daily abuses, even death, amid a range of violations of their security and their property. At least 6,201…

Shaming without Naming: The Limits of Anonymous U.S. Visa Sanctions for Accountability
The Biden administration needs to use visa sanctions more transparently if they are to have a serious political impact.