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.
Highlights:
Big Tents and Collective Action Can Defeat Authoritarianism
The journey from individual angst to collective action and shared humanity takes time, vision, and commitment. Cases around the world show it is also the pathway to victory.
Civil Society is Mounting a Resistance to Trump—Business Leaders Must Follow Suit
Business leaders face now face a pivotal choice: unite to defend democracy or stay passive. They should look to civil society for inspiration on how to take meaningful action.
What Just Happened: The Trump Administration’s Dismissal of Voting Rights Lawsuits
Retreat from voting rights enforcement and efforts to tighten access to the ballot mark a rupture with the Civil Rights Division’s traditional role.
Relocating Nationwide Injunctions
Consolidating cases allows a clear, expedited path to Supreme Court review, helping quickly address matters involving executive orders.
Unequal Before the Law: How Trump’s Death Penalty Order Codifies Dangerous Speech
Tying the harshest punishment the state can impose to the identity of the accused is dangerous speech that can increase the risk of intergroup violence.
What are “Wartime Authorities” and When Can the President Use Them? An Expert Q&A
It is essential to understand the line between war and peace, scrutinize the application of wartime powers, and interrogate the president’s assertions when he triggers them.
3,088 Articles
Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions
A public resource tracking all the legal challenges to the Trump administration's executive orders and actions.
Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
Just Security’s Artificial Intelligence Archive
Just Security's collection of articles analyzing the implications of AI for society, democracy, human rights, and warfare.
The Just Security Podcast: Dismissal of Voting Rights Lawsuits
Chiraag Bains, in conversation with Dani Schulkin, discusses the impact on voting rights enforcement and the crucial role now played by voters & advocacy groups.
From Air Force One to Economic Entanglement: The Real Stakes of Trump’s Middle East Diplomacy
As Trump reinforces his foreign policy priorities, expanding the use of “sticky power” will be essential to sustaining U.S. influence and outcompeting rivals across the globe.
When the Free Press Falters: What America Can Learn from Russia’s Descent
The unraveling of press freedom in the United States mirrors Putin's capture of the Russian media, write two experts who know both terrains.
How Trump’s Law Firm Settlements Circumvent Congress and Violate Federal Spending Laws
The Trump administration has operated outside the appropriations process and congressional oversight through its law firm settlements.
Another Abrego Garcia, and the Administration’s “Contrivance” to Keep Him in El Salvador’s Prison
Fourth Circuit rejects the government's attempt to keep a detainee very similar to Abrego Garcia in CECOT prison.
A Terrible Idea
On the reconciliation bill’s provision that would restrict federal courts’ authority to hold government officials in contempt for violating court orders
The Just Security Podcast: What’s Next for U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Assistance?
Expert panel considers the proposed restructuring of the State Department and unpacks the implications for U.S. foreign policy, what's at stake, and what lies ahead.
Just Security’s Russia–Ukraine War Archive
A catalog of over 100 articles (many with Ukrainian translations) on the Russia Ukraine War -- law, diplomacy, policy options, and more.
Just Security’s Climate Archive
A catalog of articles analyzing the diplomatic, political, legal, security, and humanitarian consequences of the international climate crisis.