FutureLearn

From State Control to Remote Control: Warfare in the 21st Century (FutureLearn)

Offered by University of Bath,

Explore the impact and ethics of using drones, special ops units and private security firms, with this free online course. States are increasingly using remote control methods, such as drones, private military companies and special operations units, to engage in activities traditionally performed by conventional armed forces.

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This course looks at the reasons behind this trend including security privatisation and risk aversion among politicians and the public. It also studies the opportunities that remote methods provide to circumvent the law.
We’ll ask how our understanding of war and security is changing, and how states in the future will ensure our security through such non-traditional means.

What topics will you cover?

Examination of the philosophical, ethical and cultural challenges raised by remote control warfare
In-depth case studies focusing on Pakistan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq to study the real-life implications of the move towards remote control warfare
Study of American, British and European motives for the use of remote means to fight wars

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for the recent trend towards remote control warfare
Exhibit an awareness of the receiving-end consequences of remote control warfare
Display an understanding of the ethical implications of remote control warfare

Go to Class

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