Terrorism and the US Drone Attacks in Pakistan: Killing First

This book examines the US drone attacks against terrorists in Pakistan to assess whether the 'pre-emptive use of combat drones to kill terrorists is ever legally justified. It explores the doctrinal discourse of pre-emption and analyses the states rights to self-defence in pre-emptive or preventive use of force. The author argues that the policy to 'kill first is easy to adopt, but any disregard for the web of legal requirements surrounding the policy has the potential to undercut the legal claims of an armed act.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into a critical analysis of the United States' drone attacks against terrorists in Pakistan, seeking to assess the legality of employing pre-emptive strikes to eliminate threats. By examining the doctrinal discourse surrounding pre-emption, the book highlights the intricate tensions between the permissible scope of self-defense and its boundaries. Drawing from a rich tapestry of historical laws of war, both divinely ordained and humanly crafted, the book employs a positivist legal framework to explore and elucidate the doctrine of pre-emption. Furthermore, it delves into the examination of the states' rights to self-defense, particularly in the context of pre-emptive or preventive use of force.

The book undertakes a thorough investigation into the decision by the United States to resort to pre-emption through the deployment of combat drones in its war on terror. It seeks to answer the question of whether pre-emptive strikes against terrorism can be a viable strategy in the future. The author argues that while the policy of "kill first" may seem appealing, any disregard for the intricate web of legal requirements surrounding such actions has the potential to weaken the legal legitimacy of armed acts.

By providing a legal framework for analyzing these controversies, the book enables a more nuanced and informed discussion rather than resorting to a simplistic choice between law and policy. This book will appeal to scholars and researchers in the fields of international relations, Asian politics, South Asian studies, and security studies, particularly those interested in global security law, new wars, and emerging technologies of warfare.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 158 x 242 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367700768