How drones have added a new dynamic to conflicts

Drones have become the means of the first choice in modern warfare and are used by state and non-state actors. “While 15 years ago, the main threat for countries and populations was that of improvised explosive devices that could be remotely activated with only a mobile phone, today these IEDs can be flown towards the target of choice to enhance their impact and effectiveness, or aim at more politically salient targets.” Particularly non-state actors have recognised these new possibilities. Critics of drone warfare often point out governments’ proclivity to publish videos of what appear to be surgically accurate hits from their drones, but with the result of an increase in civilian casualties. Moreover, while the number of civilian casualties of drone attacks may still be high, it remained “pale in comparison to those resulting from traditional technologies such as artillery, car bombs, as well as small arms and light weapons – as observed in the war in Iraq or the Syrian civil war”, said Gilli. “Overall, when in fact we look at available statistics, it seems that over the past 20 years, the primary source of civilian casualties in conflicts was not drone strikes but small arms and light weapons.” The latter notwithstanding, drones have certainly simplified actors’ engagement in conflicts.