Ukraine sharpens focus on US presidential constraints

Significance

The situation in Ukraine has not so far led President Joe Biden to go beyond his current policy of providing material and intelligence support to Kyiv. To do so would likely challenge constitutional and political constraints on his freedom of action.

Impacts

• Political support for aiding Ukraine is already being overtaken by concern about domestic economic issues.
• A bipartisan desire to reassert the legislature's role in foreign policy will gather strength in Congress.
• Perceptions of politicisation may reduce the Supreme Court’s authority if faced with constitutional questions around foreign policy.