A panel of experts discusses U.S. drone policy.

A panel of experts discusses U.S. drone policy.

"The U.S., by what it does and how it does it, ought to set and reinforce a norm that the use of armed drones should be exceptional," argues Richard N. Haass.

Due to the 9/11 attacks and the continued threat posed by international terrorism, the United States claims it is "currently at war with al-Qaeda and its associated forces," a conflict that extends beyond traditional battlefield settings to any country that is "unwilling or unable" to take action itself. The United States reserves the right to conduct targeted killings, although only against "senior" members of al-Qaeda who "pose an imminent threat the United States of America." Although the U.S. military has a vast array of tools in its arsenal, the primary vehicle for its targeted killings program are drones, which have been used in over 95 percent of the 420—and counting—targeted killings over the last decade.

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Carla Anne Robbins says, "The drone war isn't going away. As the U.S. slashes budgets, the lethality and cost-effectiveness of drone strikes will likely make them an even more attractive option. But that doesn't mean the current policy is wise or even sustainable."

Micah Zenko says, "Military officials increasingly believe that the Obama administration must think through its current practices and policies of targeted killings, and consider how they can be reformed, or risk others following in U.S. footsteps."

With the recent revelation of a United Nations inquiry into U.S. drone strikes policies and practices, Micah Zenko says the UN has actually been investigating U.S. drones for ten years—but to no effect.

Micah Zenko says the nomination of John Brennan to become the next CIA director can be crucial in scrutinizing the U.S. drone program.

Micah Zenko says unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a different kind of weapon, and one that is quickly proliferating

Micah Zenko, CFR's Douglas Dillon fellow in the Center for Preventive Action, discusses U.S. drone strikes and their global implications.

On the subject of targeted killings, Micah Zenko says nations must be transparent about their adherence to international law and defend attacks' proportionality.

Micah Zenko says no matter who wins in November, the United States should get ready for ten more years of drones.

American approach to deadly drone strikes in Pakistan proves overly blunt, says journalist and Waziristan native Pir Zubair Shah.

Colonel Brian M. Killough, USAF, says the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, is a measured step in the long trek toward a globally-capable navy that an emerging superpower needs. While a solid indicator of intent, it's not a threat—yet.

Micah Zenko argues that U.S. targeted killings campaign is a short-term tactic, not a long-term solution to enduring political or security challenge.

Micah Zenko says that the debate over domestic surveillance is heating up, but it's not time to panic.

Micah Zenko and Emma Welch map out the launch pads for Obama's secret wars.

Frank G. Klotz argues that allocating the radio-frequency spectrum can be an untidy process—and have implications for both national security and global economic infrastructure.

The Department of Defense submitted this report in April 2012, outlining its current investment in unmanned aircraft systems (also known as drones) and future financial, personnel, and infrastructure needs through Fiscal Year 2017.

Micah Zenko explains the creation, use, and future of drones.