In collaboration with Ante Zrile, a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb, Sandro Knezović, Research Adviser at the Institute for Development and International Relations, published a scientific article titled “The Executive Power versus the Legislative Power: The Powers of the US President and the Congress in Matters of Military Authority” in the journal Annals of the Croatian Political Science Association (Anali Hrvatskog politološkog društva) which is published by Croatian Political Science Association, ranked Q3 according to Scopus (Vol. 22, No. 1, 2025).
In the modern era, the balance of power ( or military powers) between the American President and Congress is becoming increasingly complex. This paper examines the use of military force by the last four U.S. presidents — Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden — evaluating their decisions in light of evolving technology and legal constraints. The authors raise concerns about how modern technologies are altering the way wars are fought and whether the acts of these presidents were compliant with applicable resolutions and authorisations. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between the executive and legislative branches, and how it can be ensured that Congress has an appropriate role in military decisions. To ensure accountability and openness in military interventions and restore the original balance of power, the paper proposes new guidelines for reforming American legislation. This research provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of shaping future U.S. military policy, drawing on both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications.
