Dissertation Abstract

The Distortion of the Principle of Self-Defence - How Obama’s Drone Policy Undermined the International Rule of Law.


Weaponised drones became a fundamental feature in Obama’s fight against terrorism. Despite significant push back from international organisations and scholars, who lamented the drones’ widespread and seemingly unchecked use across multiple different states, Obama’s policies and justifications proved that drone strikes, in the name of self-defence, were here to stay. Even with such conviction held by the Obama administration, there are still layers of uncertainty when it comes to questions of the international rule of law. 

Modern conflict undoubtedly places a level of pressure on international law when seeking to offer guidance on the appropriate course of action in conflict. A balance however, must be struck between accepting modern tactics and technology, and respecting the traditional rule of law – put in place to keep a measure on violence. Obama however, and his expanding use of drones as a form of self-defence, removed the scales altogether and sought to lay a new path of law; one which was better suited to the aims and goals of America.

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