International law and the politics of urban air operations / Matthew C. Waxman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Waxman, Matthew C., 1972-

Contributor:

Project Air Force (U.S.)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Air warfare (International law).

Combatants and noncombatants (International law).

Aeronautics, Military--Law and legislation--United States.

Aeronautics, Military.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvii, 80 pages)

Place of Publication:

Santa Monica, CA : Rand, 2000.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Urban environments pose many difficulties for those planning and conducting military operations within the boundaries of international law and self-imposed political constraints. Whereas the speed and agility of air power, plus its ability to deliver firepower precisely (and with relatively low risk to U.S. personnel), may make it the instrument of choice, the heightened risk of collateral damage when operating in urban environments partially offsets U.S. technological superiority. Recent U.S. and coalition operations in the Balkans and elsewhere have demonstrated the difficulty of target selection and of balancing the competing concerns of avoiding collateral damage, minimizing risk of U.S. casualties, and maximizing military effectiveness. Urban areas also provide adversaries with opportunities to use human shields and to propagandize civilian injuries, further offsetting some advantages of air power. The report discusses how continued technological advances in such areas as precision guidance and target identification may help alleviate some of the conflicting legal, political, and operational pressures facing planners, although they will not be a panacea. Advances may well bring new or tightened constraints on military operations.

Notes:

At head of title: Project Air Force.

"Prepared for the United States Air Force."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 73-80).

ISBN:

0-8330-4423-0

OCLC:

70763679