I hope you enjoy these thought-provoking pieces on constitutional limits on executive power, shifting dynamics in international security, debates in economic and legal theory, the realities of the drug war, and my own small gripe about a modern political tradition.

First, Ivan Eland discusses the Founders’ original intention for Congress to initiate conflict, lamenting how modern presidents usually treat this authority as a mere “courtesy.” Indeed, the Trump administration’s policy of “unpredictability” resembles authoritarianism rather than republican governance.

In a second piece, Eland emphasizes that, ironically, the United States’ behavior as an unreliable partner—through threats related to Greenland and its “peace-at-any-price” strategies in Ukraine—is ultimately prompting Europe to take responsibility for its own defense. This shift could prove beneficial for both Europe and America.

Scott Beyer discusses the “Petrodollar” theory. How much does it really explain?

Addison Gills writes about the Supreme Court decision that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act cannot be used by the President to unilaterally levy taxes under the guise of regulating trade, highlighting Justice Gorsuch’s concurrence.

Kristian Fors writes about how the current drug war strategy guarantees chaos and violence without long-lasting results. To combat the cartels, target their pocketbooks.

Finally, I share my grievance with the modern State of the Union tradition.

Enjoy.

Jonathan Hofer
Managing Editor