Great Decisions in Foreign Policy Season 47 Episode 10

Ep 10. War Powers: Congress and the President

  • TV-Y
  • April 2, 2019
  • 25 min

In the 10th episode of season 47 of Great Decisions in Foreign Policy titled "War Powers: Congress and the President," experts examine the constitutional separation of powers between the president and Congress when it comes to declaring and engaging in war. The episode delves into how various presidents, ranging from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama, have used executive power to initiate military action without explicit congressional approval. While some argue that this is necessary to act quickly in response to threats to national security, others argue that it undermines the democratic process and the power of Congress as a co-equal branch of government.

The episode features interviews with various experts, including retired Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, who served in both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, as well as members of Congress who have been vocal about exerting more congressional oversight over military action. The episode also examines recent examples of executive war powers, including the Trump administration's assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Through interviews and analysis, the episode explores the arguments for and against executive war powers, and the potential consequences of limiting or expanding those powers. It also delves into the historical context of war powers in the United States, from the Founding Fathers’ debates about the authority to declare war to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which attempted to curtail the president’s unilateral authority to engage in military action.

Overall, "War Powers: Congress and the President" provides a thought-provoking examination of one of the most fundamental issues in American foreign policy: Who has the power to declare and engage in war? As the United States continues to grapple with complex national security challenges around the world, this episode offers timely insights into how the country's democratic institutions can balance competing interests and responsibilities in times of crisis.

Description
Watch Great Decisions in Foreign Policy - War Powers: Congress and the President (s47 e10) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Great Decisions in Foreign Policy, Season 47 Episode 10, is available to watch and stream on PBS. You can also buy, rent Great Decisions in Foreign Policy on demand at Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play online.
  • First Aired
    April 2, 2019
  • Content Rating
    TV-Y
  • Runtime
    25 min
  • Language
    English