[Findings]
- Citizens living closer to conflict were less confident in institutions such as the army, government, and parliament
- Exposure to violence increased support for democratic principles and constitutional limits on power
- The rule of law was not uniformly weakened by conflict
- Many citizens viewed emergency restrictions as temporary but continued to value legal safeguards that protect rights
[Implications]
- Countries facing external threats should aim to use clear legal processes for emergency measures, protecting core democratic rules
- Countries with emergency measures in place should clearly communicate that restrictions are temporary, ensure strong oversight, and safeguard judicial independence - even during conflict
- International assistance should also go towards constitutional governance, strong legal systems, and independent courts, not only military aid