Civitas Outlook
Topic
Constitutionalism
Published on
December 3, 2025
Contributors
Richard Epstein
Episode 10
The Libertarian

Trump’s War on Narco Boats

About this episode

Richard Epstein examines the constitutional, statutory, and international-law implications of the Trump administration’s recent strikes on vessels in the Caribbean alleged to be transporting “narco-terrorists.” Epstein outlines the traditional separation of war powers, emphasizing the limits on unilateral executive action and the enduring constraints imposed by international norms governing the use of force, self-defense, and the treatment of noncombatants. Their discussion highlights key precedents in maritime and public international law, the challenges of applying long-standing legal doctrines to modern security threats, and the potential domestic and geopolitical consequences of executive overreach.

All other episodes on

The Libertarian

Who Decides When America Goes to War?

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Dec 19, 2025

Trump Flirts with Price Controls

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Jan 15, 2026

Can Social Media Platforms Be Held Liable for User Speech?

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Jan 31, 2026

Tax the Rich . . . Until They Leave: Mamdani and Rent Control

Richard Epstein addresses NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push for rent control and higher inheritance taxes.

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Mar 21, 2026

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More on

Constitutionalism

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Former AGs Barr and Mukasey Cite Civitas in a SCOTUS Brief

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The inimitable Richard Epstein offers his unique perspective on national developments in public policy and the law.

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Law Talk

Welcome to Law Talk with Richard Epstein and John Yoo. Our show is hosted by Charles C. W. Cooke.

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Like most complex systems, the administrative state resists easy answers.

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Deportable aliens have no constitutional right to avoid detention.

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