Considering your position as Secretary of State gave you insight into the US's drone program, what will you do to reform the targeting process?

As a hypothetical Secretary of State with insight into the U.S. drone program, reforming the targeting process would involve several key steps to enhance transparency, accountability, and effectiveness while minimizing civilian casualties and ensuring compliance with international law.

Reforming the Targeting Process

1. Enhance Transparency and Oversight

• Congressional Oversight: Strengthen congressional oversight by requiring regular reports on drone strikes, including the number of civilian casualties and the criteria used for target selection. This would ensure that the program is subject to robust scrutiny and accountability.
• Public Disclosure: Gradually increase public disclosure of drone strike data, balancing national security concerns with the need for transparency.

2. Improve Target Selection Criteria

• Specificity and Verification: Ensure that targets are identified with high specificity, using multiple sources of intelligence to verify the identity and role of individuals or groups targeted.
• Limit Signature Strikes: Phase out signature strikes, which target individuals based on behavior patterns rather than confirmed identities, to reduce civilian casualties and enhance the legitimacy of drone operations.

3. Strengthen International Cooperation and Norms

• International Frameworks: Work with international partners to establish clear norms and regulations for the use of drones, ensuring that all nations adhere to similar standards for transparency and accountability.
• Multilateral Agreements: Pursue multilateral agreements that address the proliferation of drones and establish guidelines for their use in various contexts, including counterterrorism operations.

4. Technological Advancements and Training

• Advanced Technology: Invest in advanced drone technologies that enhance precision and reduce collateral damage, such as improved sensors and targeting systems.
• Operator Training: Enhance training programs for drone operators to improve their ability to distinguish between legitimate targets and civilians.

5. Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Legal Compliance: Ensure that all drone operations comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law, including principles of necessity, proportionality, and distinction.
• Ethical Guidelines: Develop and implement ethical guidelines for drone use, considering the long-term implications of targeted killings on global stability and public perception.

By implementing these reforms, the U.S. can improve the effectiveness and legitimacy of its drone program, aligning it with evolving international norms and standards.