Rule of Law, Rights, and Democratic Order

Faculty leads

Democratic governance depends on institutions that uphold legal accountability, protect fundamental rights, and maintain public trust. Yet democratic erosion increasingly occurs through the gradual weakening or politicization of courts, regulatory bodies, and other institutions designed to constrain power. This pillar examines how legal frameworks, professional communities, and administrative institutions can reinforce the rule of law and strengthen democratic resilience. Through interdisciplinary research and engagement with policymakers and practitioners, the work aims to identify practical strategies that protect democratic institutions and strengthen accountable governance.

Research focus area

• Anti-corruption strategies and transnational coordination
• The role of professional legal associations and legal communities in democratic resilience
• Freedom of speech and the narratives that sustain democratic legitimacy
• The design, oversight, and accountability of administrative institutions

Disciplinary Foundation

This pillar draws primarily from law, public policy, and public administration, while engaging related perspectives from political science, economics, sociology, and other disciplines that contribute to understanding democratic governance.

Deliverables

Research will produce:

• Applied, large-scale initiatives aimed at strengthening rule-of-law institutions in the United States
• Evidence-based tools and policy frameworks for policymakers, public officials, and civil society organizations