Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)
258 Articles

Defense Policy Negotiations Near Completion in Congress, With Human Rights Provisions in Play
Issues at stake include militarization of law enforcement, civilian casualties, military base renaming, arms transfers, and more.

Good Governance Paper No. 14: War Powers Reform
Essay in a series of top experts exploring proposals to restore and promote nonpartisan principles of good government, public integrity, and the rule of law.

Toward a New Approach to National and Human Security: Introduction
One year from today marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. A president addressing the nation on such a solemn occasion should be able to tell the American people not only that there…

Questions the Senate Should Ask State Legal Adviser Nominee CJ Mahoney
The State Department Legal Adviser is the most senior U.S. lawyer responsible for ensuring the United States upholds its international legal obligations, which is now, more than…

An Incremental Step Toward Stopping Forever War?
If Congress wants to end the forever wars, it will have to start reclaiming the authority it has ceded under the 2001 AUMF. It may be ready to start trying.

White House ‘1264 Notice’ and Novel Legal Claims for Military Action Against Iran
"The administration’s positions amount to a fundamental revision of existing legal foundations for military action against Iran that can be undertaken by this and future presidents."

What the State Department Legal Adviser Promised Congress on Iran
Will Mr. Marik String keep his word?

How to Recover a Role for Congress and the Courts in Decisions to Wage War
A recent set of cases on congressional standing opens up an opportunity to restore Congress’ recourse to the courts for serious war powers violations—if Congress is willing…

Why the 2002 AUMF Does Not Apply to Iran
There is no congressional statute authorizing military attacks on Iran.

Mark Esper vs. Mark Esper on the 2002 AUMF and Iran
In his recent nomination hearing for Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper told Senator Duckworth the 2002 AUMF would not cover military action against Iran.

Hidden Gems: Civilian Casualties and Use of Force Reporting Provisions in the Annual Defense Bill
For all the ways that the NDAA falls short on various human rights issues, there are some bright spots that should not be overlooked.

What Did We Learn About Mark Esper and How He Views the World?
From Iran to Afghanistan to collective self-defense, the big takeaways from the Senate confirmation hearing for Mark Esper, nominated by the president to be defense secretary.…