Drones

ON TOPIC

The use of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in war and counter-terrorism operations remains a highly controversial issue both domestically and abroad. A recent string of events, however—including a leaked Justice Department document, the discovery of a secret drone base in Saudi Arabia, and President Obama's nomination of John Brennan as CIA Director—has brought the issue to the forefront. As the debate over the ethics and constitutionality of drone warfare takes center stage, Brookings experts examine the legal and political implications of drone technology.

A drone equipped with cameras and sensors flies over a simulation of a contaminated area during a training exercise of a nuclear accident following an earthquake in the region of the nuclear site of Cadarache (REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier)

Opinion

No-Fly Zone: How “Drone” Safety Rules can also Help Protect Privacy

May 2, 2013, John Villasenor

John Villasenor explains the complications surrounding how drone safety rules will affect unmanned aircraft privacy. He addresses privacy concerns in light of the forthcoming increase in the usage of unmanned aircraft amongst private individuals, paparazzi, companies, and law enforcement agencies, for example.

Recent Activity

Refine by: Military Technology | U.S. Military Affairs | U.S. Foreign Policy | Terrorism

Interview | Charlie Rose

A Discussion About Drones

March 29, 2013, Peter W. Singer
Expert Q & A | Akbar Ahmed

America's War on Terror Is Now a War Against Tribal Islam

March 25, 2013, Akbar Ahmed
In the News

The airspace [for the FAA's six drone test sites], under the current schedule, opens up [in] 2015...and so we will see one of the most fundamental shifts in who and how you can use the airspace above us.
February 26, 2013, Peter W. Singer, National Public Radio
Interview | NPR

It's Time to Recognize the Valor of Cyber Warriors

February 19, 2013, Peter W. Singer
In the News

The question of where a homeowner's control of airspace stops and public airspace begins is already complex. Adding claims by state government to the mix makes it even messier.
January 31, 2013, John Villasenor, U.S. News & World Report
Expert Q & A | Peter W. Singer

The Big Bet: New Rules of War

January 23, 2013, Peter W. Singer
In the News

Obviously when you have an unmanned aircraft, there is no risk of a pilot being shot down and killed or captured in hostile territory, so these unmanned aircraft make it possible to conduct operations in places where you wouldn't want to put a human pilot at risk.
December 4, 2012, John Villasenor, Globe and Mail
In the News

If it's lawful, ethical and moral to use force, then it's lawful, ethical and moral to use drones.
December 1, 2012, Benjamin Wittes, New Zealand Herald
Interview | PBS Need to Know

Drones in Pakistan

September 14, 2012, Peter W. Singer
Interview | NPR

How 9/11 Changed How Americans View The World

September 10, 2012, Robert Kagan