Brian Finucane

Brian Finucane, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group and former legal advisor at the U.S. State Department, joins to discuss the troubling intersection of Trump's foreign policy and domestic lawlessness. They analyze the implications of unchecked presidential power and the lawfulness of military actions in Venezuela. Finucane emphasizes the importance of international legal constraints, while highlighting the potential dangers of labeling groups as enemies—linking this rhetoric to risks in both foreign and domestic realms.

Brian Finucane, a Senior Adviser at the International Crisis Group and a former Department of State lawyer, dives deep into the rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. He discusses the controversial military buildup near Venezuela and clarifies the legal ambiguities of recent U.S. strikes. Finucane debunks narratives around narco-terrorism, while explaining why regime change in Caracas may be unrealistic. He also raises alarms about the implications for U.S. democracy and the erosion of congressional authority over military actions.

Brian Finucane, a Senior Adviser at the International Crisis Group, and Matthew Waxman, a law professor at Columbia, dive into the complexities of U.S. war powers following recent military actions. They discuss the Biden administration's legal justifications for operations in the Middle East without new congressional approvals. The duo explores historical contexts of the War Powers Resolution, the risks of 'creative lawyering' by the executive, and potential reforms for better congressional oversight. Their insights reveal the ongoing tension between executive authority and legislative accountability in matters of war.

Schools and hospitals bombed. Strikes on apartment buildings. Energy facilities targeted. And attacks on neighbouring states. Have Israel, the US, and Iran broken international law in the war, or what legal justification might they claim?  In this episode:  Geoffrey Nice, Human rights lawyer and former International Criminal Court prosecutor. Brian Finucane, Senior Adviser with the U.S. Program at International Crisis Group Nicholas Tsagourias, Professor of International Law at the University of Sheffield. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Brian Finucane, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group and expert in national security law, analyzes the legality of recent U.S. strikes on Venezuelan vessels. He discusses the gaps in the administration's disclosures and the significance of the strikes occurring outside territorial waters. Finucane explores presidential authority under Article II, historical limits on executive power, and early congressional responses. He raises concerns about the legal risks and potential precedents set by these actions, alongside alternatives for oversight and operational approaches.

Brian Finucane, a Senior Adviser at the Crisis Group; Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard Law professor and national security law expert; and Matt Gluck, Lawfare Research Fellow, dive into the escalating U.S. military operations in Yemen against the Houthi rebels. They analyze the Biden administration's legal justifications under the War Powers Resolution and the complexities of congressional oversight. The conversation highlights the evolving interpretations of military authority, the role of unmanned vehicles, and how the administration's actions may redefine U.S. engagement in conflict.

Brian Finucane, an expert on war powers, and Matt Waxman, a national security law scholar, delve into the complexities of U.S. military authority. They discuss the Biden administration's justifications for military actions in the Middle East without new congressional approval. The pair highlights the historical context of these actions, the ongoing tension between executive and legislative powers, and the urgent need for congressional reform to clarify war powers. Additionally, they explore the implications of this dynamic for future military engagements.

Experts in conflict resolution, constitutional law, and international relations discuss the escalating conflict in Yemen, exploring legal justifications for US military operations against Houthi rebels. They delve into the process of reporting military deployments, recent executive branch practice in understanding legal theory, and the scope of self-defense in strikes. They also analyze potential justifications for military intervention in Yemen and the administration's reliance on creative statutory interpretations without congressional authorization.

Defense analyst Brian Finucane and political commentator Josh Paul discuss U.S. arms transfers to Israel. They talk about the scale and process of these transfers, the legal and policy requirements, and the debate about imposing conditions on military assistance. They also address the potential complicity and liability for war crimes committed with U.S. weapons, the decision-making process on human rights violations, and the importance of following the law and considering actions.

In this live recording of the Lawfare Live event, “Ukraine and the Future of National Security Law,” Natalie Orpett moderated a panel of experts, including Brian Finucane, senior adviser for the U.S. Program at the International Crisis Group; Chimene Keitner, professor of international law at UC Hastings; Todd Huntley, director of the National Security Law Program at Georgetown Law; and Scott R. Anderson, Lawfare senior editor and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. They talked about a wide range of issues coming out of the current conflict in Ukraine, ranging from war crimes, to sanctions, to information operations, to the multidimensional role that technology is playing. They talked about what we're seeing now and what it may mean for the future of national security law and international law. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.