On Killing Remotely: The Psychology of Killing with Drones

Society has established rules of engagement in armed conflict, but with advances in technology, these rules have evolved. Lt Col Wayne Phelps and Lt Col Dave Grossman's book "On Killing" explores the ethics of remote military engagement, the misconceptions about PTSD among RPA operators, and the specter of military weaponry controlled by robots. It is an urgent and compelling reminder that it should always be difficult to kill another human being lest we risk losing what makes us human.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Throughout history, society has established intricate guidelines for engaging adversaries in armed conflict. These rules have undergone a remarkable transformation with advancements in technology, spanning from the armor of the Middle Ages to the use of nerve gas in World War I and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in our present era. In the contemporary context, where the act of killing an enemy can be perceived as virtually risk-free and akin to engaging in a violent video game, the definition of warfare becomes increasingly blurred. Moreover, the impact of remote combat on individual soldiers and the unforeseen repercussions that could affect us all demand urgent attention. To address these critical questions, Lt. Col. Wayne Phelps, a former commander of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft unit, and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a renowned scholar and author of the seminal work "On Killing," shed light on the experiences of the men and women serving in today's chair force. Their book delves into the ethical considerations of remote military engagement, challenges misconceptions about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among RPA operators, and raises concerns about the potential control of military weaponry by robots. Through their compelling narrative, they serve as a stark reminder that the act of killing another human being should always be approached with profound introspection, as it carries the risk of eroding what distinguishes us as human beings.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780316628297