Democracy
501 Articles

When the President Does It …
Lessons from Nixon's forgotten essay in defense of his infamous remark.

Commandeering, Coercion, and Executive Power
States have constitutional protections against commandeering and coercion — but face a new challenge when the federal government sidelines states completely.

“Fight Back: How States Can Counter Authoritarianism” Series
A series exploring the powers and authorities state and local governments have to check federal overreach and protect democratic norms and individual rights.

Introduction to “Fight Back: How States Can Counter Authoritarianism” Series
State and local governments have constitutional and legal powers that can be harnessed to challenge repressive federal actions and to advance meaningful freedom and equality.

The Trump Administration’s Use of State Power Against Media: Keeping Track of the Big Picture
Tracking the use of State power requires systematically identifying linkages between individual developments and broader trends. This interactive graphic offers one method.

“When the Guardrails Erode” Series
Bringing together expert analysis that traces this erosion, assesses the risks for democratic governance, and outlines pathways to rebuild or even reinvent these safeguards.

Reinvention Blueprint No. 1: A Government That Works for People
Our democratic institutions are under strain, but one thing must be true if any reform is to take hold: government must deliver, and that delivery must be felt by all people.

Reinvention Blueprint No. 2: Democracy Works When Government Works
America’s civil service, built for a bygone era, urgently needs bold, comprehensive reform to build a government capable of delivering for the 21st century.

Welcome to Just Security’s Reinvention Blueprints
Just Security's Reinvention Blueprints series features expert proposals to rebuild U.S. government institutions so they serve the public and meet today's challenges.

Building Governing Machinery for the Next Pro-Democracy Moment
Domestic policy experts offer principles for reinvention meant to inform the work of policymakers, advocates, and governance rebuilders as they redesign federal institutions.

Ukraine’s Successes Make the Case for How Democracy Support Enhances U.S. National Security
Ukraine's survival in the face of Russia's aggression demonstrates how U.S. support to civil society and democratic institutions becomes a national security asset.

The U.S. and the EU Must Wake Up to Threats in Georgia
Georgian Dream is crushing Georgia's civil society, courts, and opposition to entrench one-party rule and Russian influence; only targeted U.S. and EU sanctions can stop it.