Hoover InstitutionStanford University
Declare War. Make Peace.

Published September 16, 2025

The US Constitution grants Congress, not the President, the power to declare war and ratify peace treaties. Yet for decades, these responsibilities have eroded, replaced by authorizations, armistices, and ceasefires. This shift distorts the separation of powers, reduces accountability, and undermines diplomacy. Reasserting congressional authority and restoring formal declarations and treaties can strengthen American democracy and secure lasting peace.

Check out more from Russell A. Berman:

  • Read Strategika "What Happened to Declarations of War and Treaties of Peace?" by Russell Berman here.
  • Read "The Saudi Choice and Trump’s Realism" by Russell Berman here.
  • Read "The Information War Against Israel ‘Playbook’ Could Be Used Against America" by Russell Berman here.
  • Read "The Maritime Middle East and Challenges for American Strategy" by Russell Berman here.

Learn more about Russell A. Berman here.

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The opinions expressed in this video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University.

© 2025 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University.

Cast

Russell A. Berman

Russell A. Berman

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