Analyzing the Drone Debates: Targeted Killings, Remote Warfare, and Military Technology (Palgrave Pivot)

This book examines the principal arguments for and against the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and "targeted killing." While generally avoiding taking sides, this work informs the reader of the current and future role of remotely piloted aircrafts in both war and peace times. It summarizes the viewpoints of scholars and policymakers on whether drone warfare is effective, legal, and ethical. Among some of the controversial aspects discussed are the degree of precision in targeted killing exercises, whether civilian casualties are high or low, whether drones increase or decrease global terrorism, if killing someone remotely in a risk-free environment is unethical, and how personal privacy may be eroded by persistent surveillance from law enforcement operation of drones.