War mediated by satellites. US drone warfare and its socio-political consequences

Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the mediation phenomenon in US drone warfare and its consequences for drone operators and for global politics. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The primary issue is how the physical separation from the battlefield affects soldiers controlling unmanned vehicles and how technological dominance associated with drones impacts international law and perception of the enemy. The paper analyzes a broad range of sources, including academic literature, NGO reports, journalistic investigations, military textbooks, and personal accounts from drone operators. The theoretical framework draws from Carl Schmitt’s books, “Nomos of the Earth” and “Theory of the Partisan”. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: In the first part, the study examines the mechanics of drone warfare and analyzes the personal experiences of drone operators. In the second part, the focus shifts to the realm of geopolitics, exploring the transformations it undergoes due to the impact of remote warfare. RESEARCH RESULTS: Workers in the unmanned warfare program exhibit symptoms similar to those experienced by soldiers on the battlefield. The precise and “humanitarian” elimination of enemies can be counterproductive, potentially leading to the dehumanization of the enemy and radicalization on both sides of the conflict. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The fact of separation from the battlefield does not necessarily guarantee safety, precision, or humanitarian outcomes. On the contrary, in some instances, it can lead to soldiers’ suffering, civilian casualties, and escalation of conflict intensity.