By Robert Smith, J.D.
Professor, School of Security and Global Studies at American Military University

Drones have dramatically changed the playing field of modern warfare. The use of drones, from battlefield surveillance to surgical strikes on suspected terrorists, has allowed the American military to fight to terrorism in ways unimagined just a decade ago. However, since this ongoing campaign has no traditional borders it raises the controversial and constitutionally troubling issues of the domestic use of drones. If drones were only used against terrorism or to patrol the border to stem illegal immigration, the rationale would arguably be more defensible.