Is Remote Warfare Moral? | The Mehdi Hasan Show

Summary

The video script discusses the ethical implications and consequences of drone warfare, particularly in the context of the U.S.'s 20-year war in Afghanistan. It highlights the tragic civilian deaths from a drone strike and questions the moral standing of such tactics. The conversation includes a former Air Force officer's perspective on the use of drones, the need for accountability, and the changing landscape of drone proliferation with other nations like China entering the scene. The debate also touches on the psychological impact of drones on civilian populations and the potential for increased conflict due to the lowering of barriers to the use of force.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The next month will mark one year since the tragic strike in Afghanistan where the U.S. mistakenly killed 10 innocent people, including 7 children, while targeting ISIS.
• 🏳️‍🦱 There was a lack of accountability for the U.S. military officers involved in the incident, with no exoneration provided.
• 🛑 President Joe Biden has since wound down the drone program, imposing strict limits including White House approval and tighter engagement rules.
• 📉 The number of drone strikes has notably decreased, especially in places like Yemen, reflecting a shift in American tactics in the war on terror.
• 📚 A new book by an Air Force officer discusses the ethics of drone warfare, questioning its morality and comparing it to other systems of warfare.
• 🤔 The author, a former drone operator, emphasizes the need for a rigorous moral analysis to understand the practice of remote operations.
• 🔍 The discussion raises questions about the proportionality and moral cost of drone strikes, which are considered ancient questions in warfare.
• 📉 The use of drones has been criticized for potentially creating more terrorists than they kill, by inciting resentment and joining the cause against the U.S.
• 🌐 The author challenges the notion that drone strikes are more politically costly, suggesting that self-discipline and citizen responsibility are key.
• 🚫 The script touches on the dilemma of the U.S. setting precedents for other nations, like Russia and China, to use drones in similar ways.
• 🛑 The interview concludes with the author's concern about the proliferation of drone technology and the ethical implications of its use by various actors.

Q & A

What significant event is being referenced at the beginning of the script?

The script refers to a tragic drone strike in Afghanistan that occurred a year prior, where the U.S. mistakenly targeted and killed 10 innocent people, including 7 children, instead of ISIS.

What changes has the U.S. made to its drone program in response to such incidents?

In response to incidents like the one in Afghanistan, the U.S. has wound down the program and imposed strict limits, including requiring White House approval and tightening rules of engagement.

How has the number of drone strikes in Yemen changed as a result of these new policies?

The number of drone strikes in Yemen has significantly decreased due to the new policies that have been put in place.

What is the central theme of the new book written by an Air Force officer?

The book by the Air Force officer focuses on the ethics of warfare, specifically the morality of drone strikes and their proliferation in the era of new technology and global powers like China.

What is the author's perspective on the morality of drone strikes compared to traditional fighter aircraft?

The author believes that drone strikes, as a practice, are not morally different from traditional fighter aircraft, and that ethical questions about proportionality and moral cost are not unique to drones.

What does the author suggest about the accountability of drone operators when things go wrong?

The author suggests that accountability should be based on whether the rules of engagement were followed. If they were violated, the crew could be held responsible, but if the rules were adhered to, the crew may not be at fault.

What is the author's response to critics who believe drone strikes create more terrorists than they eliminate?

The author challenges this notion by questioning whether the mode of killing (drone vs. traditional aircraft) would make a moral difference to someone who has been personally affected by such an attack.

How does the author address the concern that drone strikes may cause more political and psychological harm than good?

The author acknowledges the potential for increased resentment and trauma due to the constant presence of drones but argues that the solution lies in self-discipline and adherence to rules of engagement rather than banning drones outright.

What precedent does the author worry might be set by U.S. drone strikes for other nations?

The author is concerned that as drone technology becomes more widespread, other nations might follow the U.S.'s example and use drones in ways that could escalate conflicts or violate international norms.

What dilemma does the author discuss regarding the use of drones to assassinate foreign officials?

The author raises the dilemma of the U.S. setting a precedent for assassinations using drones, which could then be mirrored by other nations like Russia and China, potentially leading to a more volatile international landscape.

What is the author's proposed solution to the ethical and strategic challenges posed by drone warfare?

The author suggests that the solution involves imposing self-discipline, ensuring that the use of force is a last resort, and maintaining accountability for actions taken during warfare.