The Trump Administration has demonstrated its willingness to use force against other states, such as Venezuela and Iran, as well as against non-state actors, such as suspected drug traffickers in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Such uses of force by the executive branch are subject to both international law and constitutional law limitations. This panel will examine whether the Trump Administration's uses of force can be justified under international law, and in particular under the law of self-defense in light of its imminence requirement. This panel will also examine whether the Trump Administration's uses of force amount to constitutionally authorized unilateral executive action, or if the president is required to obtain congressional approval.
