Policy & Advocacy
Drones: Ethics and Use CSMG Presentation (2014)
Drones: Ethics and Use, Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, Catholic University of America, Center for International Social Development, Politics Department, presented at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, February 4, 2014
Presentation by Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love on ethical, legal, strategic, and social implications of US drone use. Reviews the history and scale of US drone operations, civilian harm and accident risk, how drones reshape warfare and globalization, just war theory (JWT) criteria, institutional gaps, proliferation risks, commercial and domestic uses, and policy prescriptions calling for international norms and moral accountability.
Drones transform how, where, and by whom force is used. Their tactical advantages do not resolve the moral, legal, humanitarian, and strategic problems they create. Addressing these challenges requires new international norms, stronger accountability, avoidance of attack roles outside warzones, and a sustained commitment to building just and sustainable peace.