Precision Guided Munitions in an Urban Environment

ISBN: 1288410247

Author: Higgins, Daniel J

Condition: New

This paper answers the question of whether law or morality demand that nations utilize precision guided weapons (PGMs) when attacking a target in an urban setting where the likelihood of collateral damage is high. It first defines the terms PGMs and collateral damage and lists reasons why collateral damage occurs--even with PGMs. It next reviews applicable international treaties concerning aerial bombardment to determine if they require the use of PGMs, before conducting a similar review of customary international law concepts. The paper concludes by looking at Just War theory and whether or not morality demands that nations use PGMs in an urban setting. Ultimately the paper reaches the conclusion that neither international treaty nor customary international law demand attacking nations use PGMs, although there is clearly a growing trend to do so, and this trend will likely form the basis of future international law. However, the paper concludes that Just War theory's jus in bello demands that professional airmen utilize PGMs in an urban environment--a practice the U.S. seems to be following.