lawfare
/ˈlɔːfɛər/
Definition
The strategic use of legal arguments and creative interpretations of existing statutes by the executive branch to justify military action and bypass traditional legislative oversight.
Etymology
A portmanteau of 'law' and 'warfare,' coined in the late 20th century to describe the use of the legal system as a tool to achieve military or geopolitical objectives. It is modeled after established terms like 'warfare' and 'welfare.'
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how lawyers in various administrations have manipulated legal language to consolidate war powers within the presidency, effectively sidelining Congress. This practice, termed 'executive lawfare,' turned once-restrictive laws like the War Powers Resolution into 'Swiss cheese.'
One Man’s War
Read the full article ↗Foreign Affairs