The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Greg Johnsen and Scott Anderson on the Fight Against the Houthis
May 3, 2025
Gregory Johnsen, an expert on Yemen and the Houthi movement, joins Scott R. Anderson to discuss the recent surge in Houthi attacks on shipping and military forces in the Red Sea. They delve into the U.S. and U.K. military responses and the legal complexities surrounding these actions, including the War Powers Resolution. The conversation highlights the implications of these attacks on global trade, the Houthis' strategic gains amidst conflict, and the persistent challenges of engaging with non-state actors in the region.
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U.S.-UK Retaliatory Strikes
- The U.S. and U.K. launched significant airstrikes against Houthi targets after months of attacks on shipping.
- These strikes sparked demonstrations in Houthi-controlled areas with vows of retaliation.
Legal Basis Under U.S. Law
- The U.S. likely justified the strikes legal solely on the president's Article II constitutional authority.
- There is no clear statutory authorization from Congress for these strikes on the Houthis in Yemen.
International Law Justification
- The U.S. and U.K. justified their strikes as acts of self-defense under international law.
- The right of self-defense extends to responding to attacks by non-state actors like the Houthis with no recognized government consent.