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Watch the previously recorded event at the bottom of the webpage.
In the first nine months of his administration, President Trump has demonstrated a willingness to resort to the use of lethal force in response to a variety of global security challenges. Since taking office, the Trump administration has significantly increased lethal operations in places such as Yemen and proposed even more aggressive counterterrorism measures.
The use of armed drones and the expansive authority to use lethal force claimed by the U.S. government remain some of the most controversial aspects of U.S. counterterrorism policy. Though the Obama administration introduced limited policy constraints on the use of force aimed at increased protection of civilians, and reforms designed to increase transparency near the end of its tenure, the Trump administration appears to be rolling back these policies. Thus far, the Trump administration has expanded operations outside “hot battlefields” and delegated more strike authority to the military. Reports suggest that the new administration is proposing to go even further by loosening the limited policy constraints on the use of force and may seek to broaden the CIA’s role in conducting lethal strikes. These actions and proposals raise renewed concerns about the prospect of endless war and increased secrecy, and underscore the need for meaningful accountability and oversight of U.S. lethal operations abroad.
Please join the Stimson Center and Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Clinic for a panel event on issues surrounding U.S. drone policy under the Trump administration. The panel will discuss and evaluate past U.S. practice, analyze recent developments, and assess the Trump administration’s approach to the use of force, transparency, and accountability.
What: A panel discussion on U.S. drone policy under the Trump administration, and implications on use of force decision-making
Where: Stimson Center, 1211 Connecticut Ave NW, 8th Floor
When: Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 2:00-3:30 pm
Follow: @StimsonCenter @rachelstohl @apmoorehead @WaleedAlhariri and @LukeHartig on Twitter for event news and use #StimsonToday to join the conversation.
Featuring:
Waleed Alhariri, Head of New York Office, Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies
Alex Moorehead, Director, Project on Counterterrorism, Armed Conflict and Human Rights, Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute
Luke Hartig, Executive Director, National Journal’s Network Science Initiative
Rachel Stohl, Senior Associate, Conventional Defense Program, Stimson Center