Rethinking the Drone War, published by Marine Corps University Press, is a col-Lection of articles written in 2014 that attempts to improve the conduct of unmanned combat in a way that bolsters America's image and influence. The authors contend that new U.S. strike processes, built by policies that balance combat effectiveness with civilian protection, could serve as a positive precedent in the midst of a global increase in the use of combat drones. A reevaluation of drone combat could come at no better time. Military drone strikes have rapidly grown in frequency and scale. Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates noted in May 2017 that 80 airstrikes were executed in the few months since President Trump's inauguration. The U.S. monopoly over unmanned combat also has eroded resulting in more attacks worldwide. Six nations operated armed, drones when these essays were written-a number that has grown to nearly 30. Eight nations and, terrify-ingly, two terrorist organizations have since conducted drone combat strikes.
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