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The relationship between the Executive branch and Congress regarding war has evolved significantly since the end of the Cold War, with a notable increase in executive power. This shift can be attributed to several factors that reflect broader changes in international relations and domestic politics.

Following the Cold War, the nature of conflicts changed, leading to more military engagements that did not require formal declarations of war. The Executive branch began to engage in military actions unilaterally, often citing the need for rapid responses to international crises, humanitarian interventions, or counterterrorism efforts. This trend is reflected in instances such as the interventions in Kosovo, Libya, and military operations against terrorist groups. The President assumed a more dominant role in military decision-making, effectively sidelining Congress in many instances where troop deployment or military intervention was concerned.

Additionally, the War Powers Resolution of 1973, designed to check presidential power, has often been viewed as inadequate in practice. Presidents have frequently interpreted the resolution broadly, leading to continued assertions of executive authority in military matters without substantial consultation or approval from Congress.

These developments have contributed to a landscape where executive power in matters of war and military engagement is significantly greater than it was traditionally understood to be, marking a consequential change in the balance of authority concerning war decisions between