Accession Number:

AD1041056

Title:

Targeted Killing: Managing American Perceptions On Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

AIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE, AIR UNIVERSITY MAXWELL AFB United States

Personal Author(s):

• Johnson,Gregory D

Report Date:

2016-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

48.0

Abstract:

The use of UAVs to preform targeted strikes on enemy personnel has changed the viewpoint of the American populace towards the military in turn, causing change in how politicians choose to present their arguments for or against military campaigns. This research will analyze data from various sources in reference to the American approval rating for UAV targeted strikes. In addition, foreign policy, legislation, legal analysis, and exploration of moral and ethical consequences will be reviewed to answer the research question. This research will show that although these strikes have been useful in killing high level targets of terrorist organizations, it has also caused tension among nations and been used as a tool for terrorist recruitment. Additionally, this research will show the lack of transparency of the program, and that it continues to increase in criticism because the harm to civilians outweighs the good it does for the war on terror.

Descriptors:

• unmanned aerial vehicles
• national security
• foreign relations
• terrorists
• legislation
• perception
• national politics

Subject Categories:

• Pilotless Aircraft
• Government and Political Science

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE