The Ethics of Pushbutton Warfare

<p>Modern technological warfare has escaped the bounds of traditional jus ad bellum arguments limiting the use of force. The push-button technologies of tomorrow such as stealth autonomous attack aircraft robot tanks hyper-velocity globe spanning missiles and space-based weapons have irrevocably pushed modern coercive force outside the constraints of traditional warfare. As the distance between policymakers and weapon application becomes more technologically removed the temptation to apply force for arbitrary political gain is no longer balanced by the probable loss of American lives. The traditional constraints the bellum arguments of just cause right intention proper authority last resort and probability of success will continue to lose applicability just as the traditional construct of fielded armies breaks down in favor of remote technological combat options. To address this increasing chasm between force policy and capability a new system of constraints must be developed that addresses the interconnected political and economic reality of a future America. This jus ad coactum or just use of coercive force argument includes the tenets of cultural sovereignty burden of authority and balance of risk. Regardless of content the United States must develop this new policy of constraints upon force in order to effectively leverage these push-button technologies in a politically balanced manner consistent with its role as world leader and supported by internationally accepted standards of practice and warfare.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>