Drones Argumentative Analysis

The moment I received the prompt to explore just war theory, the first controversial topic containing strong arguments on both sides that interested me was that of drone warfare. As tensions rise between countries and technology improves, the possibility of advanced warfare among nations seems imminent as drones are deployed in replacement of soldiers. The purposes of these unmanned drones in present day are primarily intel collection and target acquisition, which usually leads to extermination of known and presumed threats to the dispatcher. In the United States, when it comes to the topic of using drones within foreign countries, most of the citizens will agree that it is an efficient way to remotely deal with immediate threats to the country.

(Custom Reader 104) This topic intrigued me because I haven’t really thought about if the American citizens had to run in fear for their lives, knowing a drone flying around your safe territory could randomly eliminate you at any time. This made me wonder if situations like this created enmity or jealousy towards the safeguarded citizens belonging to the aggressor. The article highlights O’Connell’s dismay that the misuse and misplacement of drones within ethical bounds has fanned fire into the flames, only making those opposed to the United States angrier. (106) While O’Connell’s argument is definitely sincere in caring for the well-being of other beings, I believe that there can definitely situation in which another hostile would resort to hiding within the safe zones, which would endanger those who are immediately surrounding him and those who he may be plotting against. While this does not intrinsically warrant deployment of drones to search for and eliminate the target, it forces a great burden on to the shoulders of the CTU and the government that I’m sure no person would

(39) Gandhi suggests that if people halted killing, there would be more room to discuss and understand our enemies, rather than react with the quickest, yet most selfish means of gain. (41) Based on his comments, I believe that Gandhi would be incredibly against drone warfare, as the very concept invoking the use of drones requires malice between both sides of the equation. It creates a lifeless barrier that separates the two entities in a greater fashion than ever before. Gandhi believes that any hatred or ill-will towards an opposing party would eventually lead to the self-undoing of either party. (41) I believe that this is entirely true as both sides of the conflict tend to have a higher body count as the altercation continues. Most of my previous sources never seemed to acknowledge the avoidance of war, but just recognized war as a definite and deduce the best course of action to deal with the situation. Gandhi however believed that the only just war are those which are not fought at all.

In conclusion, I have learned that drones create an inhumane disconnection between two parties as physical altercations have before that. To answer the question if just war with drones possible, the use of the drones represents the beliefs of one party for personal gain, so it is not possible that drones can accomplish becoming a just war. Regarding just war in general, I have not found the answer to that