War Powers
Highlights:
Timeline of Boat Strikes and Related Actions
A timeline that chronicles major events in the Trump administration’s campaign of lethal strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Key Questions on U.S. Killing Tren de Aragua Leader Inside Venezuela
Does the killing of Tren de Aragua's leader by the U.S. military in Venezuela constitute murder? An extrajudicial killing? What was its purported legal basis?
Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers, Operation Southern Spear, Operation Absolute Resolve
Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.
The Just Security Podcast: Murder on the High Seas Part V
Tess Bridgeman and Rachel Goldbrenner are joined by Rebecca Ingber and Brian Finucane to examine escalating U.S. strikes on suspected drug traffickers.
Collection: Iran, Israel and the United States at War (2025-2026 Operations)
Experts analyze the US-Israel Iran military conflicts - covering nuclear diplomacy; strategic, security, and regional implications; and domestic and international law.
What the Iran War Reveals About the War Powers Resolution and How Congress Can Act
It is Congress’s responsibility to assert its constitutional prerogatives with respect to the use of force and to rein in a lawless executive.
195 Articles
At the 60-Day Mark, the Iran War is Triply Illegal
Under the War Powers Resolution, Trump must now terminate the hostilities against Iran he began two months ago. He seems set against doing so.
Legal Foundations of Honorable Military Service
As former judge advocates, it was our responsibility while on active duty to advise on the legal demands of and limits on senior officers’ authority and responsibility.
The Court Gutted Congress’s War Power. It’s Time to Give It Back.
A 1983 Supreme Court ruling eviscerated the law allowing Congress to end war. The Iran strikes make that a five-alarm emergency.
Did the United States Just Bomb Ecuador?
The U.S. military continues maritime strikes on alleged drug smugglers and may now be hitting targets on land. Brian Finucane analyzes Trump’s latest War Powers report.
Operation Epic Fury: Reports of the Death of International Law are Greatly Exaggerated
"I am sure some restrictionists will critique my analysis by claiming it is not grounded in orthodox interpretations of international law."
Double Preemption, Imminence, and the U.S. Attack Against Iran
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s argument that Operation Epic Fury was an act of preemptive self-defense is not credible and does not satisfy the necessary precondition.
Top Questions the Trump Administration Needs to Answer on War with Iran
What Congress, journalists, and the public should ask the Trump administration about its war in Iran.
The Trump Administration’s Theory of Constitutional War Powers: “The President Could Decide”
The legal memo justifying its Venezuela operations provides insight into the administration's use-of-force decisions and the factual evidence undergirding them.
What the Current Crises Facing Iran Mean for Human Rights and Rules on the Use of Force
The human rights crisis in Iran reveals the limits of a legal system designed to restrain force even when restraint carries profound human costs.
U.S. Allies and Adversaries’ Reactions to Operation Absolute Resolve to Capture Maduro: UN Security Council Emergency Meeting
Key excerpts from the Jan. 5 U.N. Security Council meeting on the U.S. operation that captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.
Five War Powers Takeaways from the Senate’s Venezuela Hearing
The Senate's hearing with Rubio offered little solace to those concerned about the use of force against Venezuela.
Collection: U.S., Greenland, and NATO
Experts examine legal, political, and security dimensions of U.S. policy on Greenland, including U.S.-NATO relations, congressional oversight, and geopolitical implications.