Narrowing the International Law Divide: The Drone Debate Matures

39 Yale Journal of International Law Online 1-14 (2014)

14 Pages Posted: 14 Nov 2013 Last revised: 25 Mar 2016

See all articles by Michael N. Schmitt

Michael N. Schmitt

Lieber Institute, USMA at West Point; University of Reading School of Law; Naval War College - Stockton Center for the Study of International Law

Date Written: November 13, 2013

Abstract

This article examines four reports on drone operations released in October 2013: 1) The Heyns UN Special Rapporteur report; 2) the Emmerson UN Special Rapporteur report; 3) the Human Rights Watch report; and 4) the Amnesty International report. It concludes that although the author does not necessarily agree with all conclusions reached in the four reports, they nevertheless represent a sea change in the nature of reports and commentary on drone operations. In particular, the four reports adopt the traditional approach to analyzing attacks under international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law.

Keywords: drone, predator, unmanned, humanitarian law, human rights watch, amnesty international

Suggested Citation

Schmitt, Michael N., Narrowing the International Law Divide: The Drone Debate Matures (November 13, 2013). 39 Yale Journal of International Law Online 1-14 (2014) , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2353907

Michael N. Schmitt (Contact Author)

Lieber Institute, USMA at West Point ( email )

600 Thayer Rd
West Point, NY Rhode Island 10996
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4016190192 (Phone)
02871-5150 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.reading.ac.uk/law/Staff/m-schmitt.aspx

University of Reading School of Law ( email )

Whiteknights
Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AH
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.reading.ac.uk/law/Staff/m-schmitt.aspx

Naval War College - Stockton Center for the Study of International Law ( email )

686 Cushing Road
Newport, RI 02841
United States

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