Joshua Kastenberg
Professor, UNM School of Law
Thursday, September 17th, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Botts Hall, Albuquerque Special Collections Library
423 Central NE, Albuquerque, NM (Central & Edith)
Although the United States has been moving toward the “unitary executive” style of government since the beginning of the Cold War, this process has accelerated during the “Global War on Terrorism.” Today, however, we have entered a new phase of governance in which a president commits military forces against a sovereign foreign nation without the acquiescence of Congress or the acceptance of the people. The Constitution clearly states that Congress has the authority to declare war. Since World War II, there has not been a conflict in which this has occurred, though Congress has given its blessing through the appropriation of monies or the approval of conscription. Now, however, the administration has launched the US into conflicts with Venezuela and Iran, though neither had threatened the US with any immediate force. This talk will explore whether the current actions violate the Constitution — and what that may mean for our basic freedoms at home.
Professor Joshua Kastenberg earned degrees from UCLA and Georgetown and has served in the U.S. Air Force. He has been Professor at the UNM School of Law since 2016 and before this time served for 20 years as a lawyer and judge in the Air Force, as well as a prosecuting attorney in criminal trials.
Preregistration is required.
$15 for AIA Members; $20 for Non-Members; Students under 30 with ID – Free.
Pay online or mail check made out to AIA by September 15th to: AIA, PO Box 92921, Albuquerque, NM 87199.
