DRONE WARFARE – A CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Abstract

Abstract

The US-led global war on terror, the US Af-Pak strategy, the phenomenon of terrorism and the employment of predator drones by the US administration in various parts of the world and particularly in Pakistan has drawn criticism on drone warfare. The introduction of armed drones to kill individuals or destroy targets inside other countries’ territories has raised various important questions of the rationale, necessity, targeting strategy and mechanism of drone operations. Moreover, the important notions of state sovereignty, monopoly over use of force and territorial integrity have also been put to test by the use of force in the form of armed drones, against individuals inside other states, without the formal declaration of wars. In addition, whether global war on terror is to be conducted and fought inside only a few selected states or anywhere where the terrorists are actually or perceived to be based or not. Lastly, the technological, psychological, moral, social and legal implications of drone warfare also need to be considered in detail, which has a potential of expanding or becoming a norm on a global level, due to a rapid proliferation of drone technology, its cost effectiveness and safety of its operators. The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate some of these important issues, significant for both 21st century international relations and modern warfare.