FPGS Security Series: Deciding War: How Far Does Presidential Power Go?

What is the president’s power to use military force? Where does his power come from? What are the limits on the president’s power to use military force? These questions have been debated since the founding of the country but are especially relevant today. This discussion/panel will address these questions and identify limitations and enabling factors that throughout the course of American history have influenced presidents’ decisions on whether to use or refrain from using force. Among the factors tobe discussed are the constitution, the War Powers Act and other laws, domestic politics, and perceptions of international threats.