As events continue to unfold after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, local political science experts are weighing in.
Notre Dame professor of History and Peace studies Asher Kaufman says recent actions such as the ones taken by the United States in Venezuela and the recent blockade in Cuba international relations could be shifting from diplomacy used first to force.
“The whole argument that we used to make about why China cannot take over Taiwan was based on international law, was based on international norms, but that has been literally obliterated, first by Russia, but now also by the United States,” Kaufman said.
Sean Savage, a political science professor at Saint Mary’s College says a major question is the reasoning behind the attack and if President Trump violated the War Powers Act by not getting congressional approval before the attack.
“In terms of, is this sort of a real war, in the sense of going to war against a particular country? If so, yes, that would require a resolution, and therefore Trump has violated War Powers Act, or, on the other hand, is this just another military operation, like ordering drone strikes or covert operations to kill you know terrorist leaders, which, you know, Trump and previous presidents have done,” Savage said.
Indiana University South Bend political science professor Elizabeth Bennion says concerns about a larger conflict happening are top of mind, especially with Iran retaliating by firing at Israel and U.S. bases along the Gulf.
“The President will need to convince Congress and the American people that the action was needed now and also have a clear exit strategy ready to explain how this will promote peace rather than ongoing conflict of the type that he came to office promising to avoid,” Bennion said.
All three experts say it is too early to know exactly what will happen in relation to the potential instability in the Middle East and here at home.