Targeted Killings

Targeted Killings examines the evolution of targeted killing as a military tactic in the post-9/11 era. The book compiles eighteen essays from leading scholars and experts, organized into five sections that analyze different aspects of this controversial practice. Contributors explore the shift from traditional military engagement to targeted killing of non-combatants, addressing both legal frameworks and moral implications. The work covers key topics including self-defense rationale, target selection criteria, and the relationship between means and ends in modern warfare. Legal scholars and military experts present varying viewpoints on the legitimacy and effectiveness of targeted killing programs. Key arguments range from defense of the practice as a necessary counter-terrorism tool to strong opposition based on ethical concerns and potential for abuse. The book contributes to critical discussions about how military tactics and international law must adapt to asymmetrical warfare while maintaining ethical standards. Through its comprehensive analysis, the work raises fundamental questions about balancing national security with moral constraints in the modern era.

Limited reader reviews are available for this academic book on international law and ethics. Readers appreciate: - Clear organization and systematic analysis of targeted killing policies - Balance between philosophical arguments and legal frameworks - Examination of real cases alongside theoretical discussions - Accessibility for non-experts despite complex subject matter Main criticisms: - Some found the legal analysis overly technical - Limited coverage of certain geographical regions/conflicts - High academic price point ($120+ hardcover) Available Ratings: Goodreads: Not enough ratings to generate average Amazon: 5/5 (2 reviews) Google Books: No ratings Only two substantive reviews could be found online. One reader on Amazon noted the book "provides careful analysis of both sides of key debates." A review in the Journal of Military Ethics called it "comprehensive in scope but would benefit from more practical applications." Note: This summary is based on very limited public reader feedback, as the book is primarily used in academic settings.

Just and Unjust Wars by Michael Walzer This foundational text examines the ethics of warfare through historical examples and philosophical frameworks that intersect with questions of targeted killing and military intervention.

Law, Ethics and the War on Terror by Matthew Evangelista The text analyzes international legal frameworks and moral considerations in counterterrorism operations, including drone strikes and special operations.

The Ethics of Killing in War by Jeff McMahan The work presents a systematic examination of moral responsibility and liability in combat, addressing questions of combatant status and legitimate targeting.

Killing by Remote Control: The Ethics of an Unmanned Military by Bradley Jay Strawser The book explores the moral implications of drone warfare and remote targeting through legal, philosophical, and military perspectives.

War Law: Understanding International Law and Armed Conflict by Michael Byers The text dissects legal frameworks governing military force, including targeted strikes and assassination policies within the context of international law.

🎯 The term "targeted killing" was first officially used by Israel in 2000, becoming the first nation to openly acknowledge such operations. 📚 Editor Jens David Ohlin serves as Vice Dean and Professor of Law at Cornell Law School, where he specializes in international criminal law and military operations. ⚖️ The legal framework for targeted killings underwent significant changes after a 2010 U.S. federal court case (Al-Aulaqi v. Obama) that addressed the targeting of American citizens abroad. 🛩️ The development of drone technology has revolutionized targeted killing operations, with the first armed drone strike occurring in Afghanistan in October 2001. 🤝 The book includes contributions from 18 different experts across three continents, making it one of the most comprehensive collaborative works on the subject of targeted killings.