If I’m not mistaken, a requirement for membership in the United Nations is that the nation pledge not to go to war without UN authorization except in the case of an unprovoked attack. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that there have been almost no declarations of war since the advent of the United Nations.
When someone says “declaration of war” I immediately picture a group of white Europeans wearing top hats, tails, and impressive facial hair shaking their fists, pounding on tables and blustering on about the righteousness of their cause.
The relative dearth of DoW’s since the mid-20th century also coincides with advent of nuclear weapons. That could be a factor as well.
Any chance we can get a link to the column in question?
The development of international law has simply changed the diplomatic conventions, if not necessarily the reality of warfare.
Could be this one:
And Groucho Marx.
Perhaps you haven’t paid attention to recent events? You seem to be under the impression that it’s impossible to go to war without formally declaring war.