Is America's Presidency Becoming Too Powerful?

November 5, 2026

Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

American presidents have spent decades expanding their executive power to wage war. As a new Congress takes shape during this week’s midterm elections, can lawmakers finally push back? CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen weighs in.

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About This Episode

Over the past 25 years, American presidents have steadily expanded their executive authority to take the country to war. CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen joins Deep Dish host Leslie Vinjamuri to explain the rise of what he calls the “imperial commander in chief,” what the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan can teach us about Trump's war with Iran, and whether a new Congress taking shape during the midterm elections this week can reclaim its authority over the use of military force.

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About the Speakers

Peter Bergen

National Security Analyst, CNN; Vice President for Global Studies and Fellows, New America

Peter Bergen is the author or editor of eleven books that have been translated into 25 languages, three of which were New York Times bestsellers; the producer of multiple Emmy-nominated documentaries and Vice President for Global Studies and Fellows at New America, a professor of practice at Arizona State University and CNN’s national security analyst.

Leslie Vinjamuri

President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She is Professor of Practice in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London.

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