Authorities to Use US Military Force Since the Passage of the 1973 War Powers Resolution
Abstract
Why does the United States not wage war as it did during World War II? Understanding the authorities granted to the branches of the US government is the first step in understanding how the nation employs its military force. An understanding of events after World War II explains why specific legislation changes the manner in which the US government approached global problems that may possibly require the use of military force. This discovery leads us to the next question of how and when is US foreign policy and strategy developed given this new legislation regulating the use of military force. An examination of several military theorists, the US Constitution and US history paints a picture of two branches of the US government attempting use their authorities to provide military force, in order to solve global crises. Those uses of force examined took place after the 1973 War Powers resolution, still occurring without a Congressional declaration of war and with unclear success compared to WWII. What are also unclear are the strategies and policies behind the employment of US force abroad during this time. The conclusion explains who is to blame and the consequences for not considering strategic and policy options available, such as declaring war.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1022108
Entities
People
- Jeremy P. Mcguire
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College