The Ethics of Pushbutton Warfare: Self-Imposed Constraints on the Technological Freedom to Apply Military Force

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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.