Why hasn't the us declared war since World War 2?

Answer 1

The USA has declared war since World War 2. The War on Drugs was declared and President George W. Bush declared a War on Terror. The difference is that these wars against particular crimes were not on any one specific nation but against a huge network of criminals in many countries. They did not declare war in Viet Nam because they went there as consultants to the South Vietnamese government and their forces. The war effort on the part of the Americans escalated because the "good ol' boy network" of politicians and presidents escalated the amount of troops. marines, air force aviators and naval presence in Viet Nam.

The Korean War was a war between South Korea and communist North Korea. The United Nations replied to the appeal by South Korea for help in defeating the Northern Koreans. The US was part of the United Nations and they did not need to declare war on North Korea. That war is still in effect since they never signed any armistice papers or surrender documents. So that war could be reinstated by the Northern or Southern Koreans at any time. The UN has been watching North Korea for many years since they now have nuclear capabilities. That country is ruled by a madman sadly.

The US could declare war on any nation at any time if a nation chose to attack the US in a formal military way. The attack on the Twin Towers, Pentagon and the other plane's thwarted target was not done by any formal military force of a nation. It was done by terrorists. Therefore the US could not declare war against a country. It is in our constitution that the President must appeal to the congress/senate/house of representatives in order for them to declare war against any nation and it cannot be for non-aggresive reasons: for example if the US did not like the way China behaved for any reason that is not a reason for war. But if China declared war on the US or did a bold attack then the Congress would have reason for declaring war. I doubt China would bite the hand that feeds them.

The United Nations came to the aid of Kuwait during the Gulf War. They defeated Saddam Hussein then and did not need to declare war on behalf of Kuwait.