The Transformation of War, (In)Justice, and Exception: (Bio)Politics of Unmanned Warfare

In an era dominated by technological advancements, the discourse surrounding drone warfare has become increasingly complex, posing significant ethical, legal, and political challenges. This thesis critically examines the moral and legal permissibility within the principles of Just War Theory (JWT) regarding the sanctioning of political violence through the mechanism of the condition of exception. It investigates the narrative construction and justification for armed drone usage by the United States (US) government across multiple administrations—Obama, Trump, and Biden—and its implications on a global scale. Through discourse analysis and interpretation, the study delves into the temporal and spatial dimensions surrounding armed drone utilization, drawing insights from both JWT principles and the concepts of the state of exception and panopticon with the ultimate aim of assessing ongoing debates on the regulatory framework. The research question guiding this study is: How does the increasing autonomy of warfare, as exemplified by armed drone technology, challenge traditional JWT principles, and create a state of exception, and how can the potential implications for regulatory frameworks be interpreted and balanced ethically? The core puzzle tackled in this dissertation revolves around the striking lack of thorough policymaking efforts aimed at developing a theoretical and conceptual structure that defines the changing ethical and legal boundaries of drone warfare which is not reduced totally to efficiency calculus. The contribution of this thesis lies in its nuanced exploration of the reciprocal impacts of JWT, biopolitics, and necro-politics within the regulatory framework of drone warfare. By bridging the gap between politics and ethics, it seeks to narrow the divide between just and justified war, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in modern warfare recalling the essence of democracy and human judgment which is undermined by the efficiency calculus. The thesis warns against overlooking the transformative impact of armed drones and lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), cautioning against narratives driven solely by efficiency calculus that may overshadow perpetual states of exception created by these new weapons. Furthermore, the study advocates for the establishment of a new normative framework applicable to the political realm regarding the use of emerging technologies, prioritizing measurable human control ensured by democratic oversight. By addressing biopolitical and necro-political dimensions, the thesis aims to unravel the intricacies of regulating warfare executed by drone technology and smart weapons. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of accountability and ethical integrity in the face of rapidly advancing technology, calling for a regulatory framework that transcends simplistic categorizations and fosters international collaboration.