civil society
198 Articles
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.
The US Can — and Must — Counter Russian Influence Undermining Kyrgyzstan’s Democratic Progress
The latest sign of backsliding is a draft "foreign agents" law modeled after one that gutted civil society in Russia.
The Just Security Podcast: Protecting Civic Space at the U.N. Climate Talks
Some of the world’s largest democracies lack a clear vision for protecting civic space and human rights in the UN climate talks.
To Avert Climate Crisis, Democracies Need to Protect Civic Space
During COP28, the international community must protect space for the public to participate in the collective effort to fight climate change.
Time to Enumerate the Slave Trade as a Distinct Provision in the Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
While the Draft Articles include a provision for enslavement, the slave trade and enslavement are distinct international crimes that should be enumerated as crimes against humanity.