Rule of Law

Democracies function on the understanding that all citizens are equal under and subject to the law. Rule of law can often be one of the most difficult areas for countries transitioning to democracy, as the advantages afforded to elites under autocratic systems can be hard to dislodge.  When societies ensure that political leaders, business leaders, and social elites are not offered special judicial treatment, however, they are better equipped to promote equality, provide real chances of economic and social advancement, and attract foreign investment and economic activity.   

Content

UkraineAlert

May 15, 2024

Georgia’s government uses Kremlin playbook to consolidate grip on power

By Lucy Minicozzi-Wheeland

The Georgian government's efforts to adopt a Kremlin-style law imposing restrictions on civil society has sparked huge protests and led to questions over the country's future geopolitical direction, writes Lucy Minicozzi-Wheeland.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

In the News

May 14, 2024

McCord joins MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports to discuss Hope Hicks testimony

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Rule of Law

In the News

May 14, 2024

McCord quoted in Raq Story on Trump hush money trial

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Rule of Law

UkraineAlert

May 9, 2024

Russia’s Georgia strategy offers hints of Kremlin vision for Ukraine

By Nicholas Chkhaidze

Russia's attempts to force Georgia back into the Kremlin orbit via political control offer a hint of Moscow's vision for a future settlement with a defeated Ukraine, writes Nicholas Chkhaidze.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

May 7, 2024

McCord joins MSNBC to discuss Trump’s legal battles and the Supreme Court

By Atlantic Council

Americas Democratic Transitions

In the News

May 7, 2024

McCord in The New York Times: ‘It’s a Very Winnable Case’: Three Writers Dissect the Trump Trial

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Rule of Law

UkraineAlert

May 7, 2024

Putin cannot be allowed to use chemical weapons in Ukraine with impunity

By Emma Nix

After years of Ukrainians sounding the alarm over Russia’s alleged use of chemical weapons, the US Department of State has now substantiated these claims, writes Emma Nix.

Arms Control Conflict

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2024

Seven questions (and answers) if the ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli officials

By Mark Klamberg

Israel’s government has voiced its concern in recent days that the International Criminal Court will soon issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials in connection with the war in Gaza.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2024

Dispatch from Tbilisi: Amid Georgia’s battle for democracy, Russian influence is already here

By Eto Buziashvili

The West has criticized Georgia's “foreign agent” law. Now it must take action to help defend democracy and the rule of law in Georgia.

Politics & Diplomacy Rule of Law

New Atlanticist

May 2, 2024

Is the Bangladesh success story unraveling?

By Ali Riaz

As the Bangladesh’s system of governance has become more autocratic, social development has received less attention from the government.

Bangladesh Fiscal and Structural Reform

Experts