Rule of law in the United States
In March 2025, the IBA released a statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing erosion of the rule of law in the US. The US administration's policies and actions in many areas including in relation to the independence of lawyers, women's rights, media freedom and world trade have caused alarm. On this page you will find a selection of articles, podcasts and other content addressing the issues.
A Global Insight feature on America’s use of military action and the international order
This Global Insight podcast assesses the criticism Trump's disregard for ethics and presidential norms
State of international law under Trump 2.0
This session brought together a number of distinguished speakers, including Beth Van Schaack and John Bellinger
Latest articles
Jettisoning the rules protecting US democracy
| 27 July 2026
The loss of trust in America
| 27 July 2026
US-Iran conflict appears intractable
| 24 July 2026
News releases
Podcasts
Webinars and conference sessions
Sessions at the IBA Annual Conference 2026
4-9 October 2026
The 2026 IBA Annual Conference will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark. Several sessions will touch upon the rule of law in the US.
Click to explore sessionsWhere is the US Supreme Court? What are the contrasts with the Supreme Courts of Canada and Mexico in terms of safeguarding the constitution, fundamental principles of democracy, and the rule of law?
6 October 2026
Many of the recent decisions by the United States Supreme Court appear to favour the Trump Administration – and have been decided on the “shadow docket”.China and Europe: recent trends and changes in trade and investment
6 October 2026
The strong economic tie between China and Europe is one of the prominent and solid pillars of today’s world but it has been tested in the turbulence of the ongoing trade war.Geoeconomics and the weaponisation of trade: the merger of international trade and geopolitics
7 October 2026
Supreme Court ruling this year in Learning Resources v. Trump clarified that IEEPA does not authorise tariffs, curbing executive overreach.- The US Declaration of Independence at 250 years and the rule of law
22 Jan 2026
The Declaration of Independence celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026. - The state of international law under the new Trump era
16 Jun 2025
The second term of Donald Trump’s US presidency has brought about significant changes across all aspects of the administration.
IBA Global Insight special edition – Donald Trump’s first term
Four years of disruption, destruction and disengagement from the rule of law.
A comprehensive compendium of IBA coverage of Trump’s presidency (2017-2021) is available in the Global Insight app and to download.
Find out more