Drones and assassinations

TLDR

Carl Peterson's article, "A Short History of Drone Assassinations and Future Risks," examines the evolution of drones from military tools to potential instruments of political assassination. Highlighting their accessibility, technological advancements, and increasing use by non-state actors, Peterson explores the legal, ethical, and security challenges posed by drones in warfare and beyond.

Carl Peterson provides a comprehensive overview of how drones have evolved from surveillance tools to key components in modern warfare and, increasingly, tools for political violence. Initially weaponized by state actors, particularly the U.S. during the Global War on Terror, drones have been used to carry out high-profile targeted killings, such as those of Ayman al-Zawahiri and Qasem Soleimani. These strikes under frameworks like Title 10 and Title 50 of the U.S. Code remain controversial for their legality and morality.
 
However, Peterson highlights a key shift: the growing use of drones by non-state actors and in peacetime political contexts. Groups like ISIS and the Houthis have adapted commercial drones for reconnaissance and weaponization, showcasing their potential as low-cost but effective tools of asymmetric warfare. Political assassination attempts, such as the 2018 drone attack on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the 2024 attempted surveillance-based attack on Donald Trump, illustrate how drones are becoming more prevalent in domestic and international political conflicts.
 
The article discusses the implications of technological progress, particularly in first-person view (FPV) drones. Initially designed for recreational purposes, FPV drones are now being repurposed for kamikaze-style attacks, as seen in the Ukraine conflict. These drones are cheap, fast, and easy to operate, enabling even non-state actors and individuals to conduct sophisticated attacks. Peterson argues that the combination of accessible technology and increasingly skilled operators makes drone-based assassinations a rising global risk.
 
Ethically and legally, Peterson differentiates between military use in conflict zones and the dangers posed by drone-based attacks in peacetime. While military strikes are often framed within national security objectives, the potential for drones to be used in political assassinations raises new concerns about regulation, accountability, and misuse.
 

Concluding Reflections

Carl Peterson's article warns of the growing risks posed by the proliferation of drone technology, particularly as it becomes more accessible to non-state actors and individuals. From military operations to peacetime political violence, drones have shifted from precision warfare tools to destabilizing instruments of political and security threats. The article calls for urgent regulatory and ethical frameworks to address these risks, highlighting the fragile line between technological innovation and its unintended consequences.

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Source: Carl Peterson, "A Short History of Drone Assassinations and Future Risks," January 2025.