Scholars’ Circle – Drone Warfare and Author Interview on “The Crime of Aggression and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine” – August 30, 2026

Scholars’ Circle – Drone Warfare and Author Interview on “The Crime of Aggression and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine” – August 30, 2026

From The Scholars' Circle by The Scholars' Circle

September 1, 2026 · 58 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of drone warfare and features an interview with experts on the topic and the legal aspects of aggression in warfare.

The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the use of drones in warfare. Unmanned weapons, often cheaper than many of the more complicated and advanced weapons used by major powers like the US and Russia, seem to be aiding defenders and creating a more level playing field. What can these drones do? Do they make wars more likely to break out? Or, do they serve as a cautionary tale against aggression? How do drones change the battlefield? [ dur: 30mins. ] Ori Swed is Associate Professor of Sociology at Texas Tech University. He is Director of the Peace, War & Social Conflict Laboratory. He is the co-author of “ Emulating underdogs: Tactical drones in the Russia-Ukraine war ” And “ The Empirical Determinants of Violent Nonstate Actor Drone Adoption “ Roberto J. González is Professor of Anthropology at San Jose State University. He is the author of The Quest to Automate Conflict, Militarize Data, and Predict the Future (2022) Hugh Gusterson is Professor of Anthropology and Public Policy at the University of British Colombia. He is the author of Drone: Remote Control Warfare and, with Professor Gonzalez, the co-editor of Militarization: A Reader…

People in this episode

Guests: Ori Swed, Roberto J. González, Hugh Gusterson

Topics covered

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