Conor Friedersdorf discusses Trudeau's Online Harms Act, which allows punishment for future actions. They delve into extreme provisions like life sentences for advocating genocide, sparking concerns about free speech and governmental control.

Benjamin Wittes, a legal and national security expert, joins Conor Friedersdorf, a journalist critical of drone warfare, for a thought-provoking debate on the ethics of drone strikes. They discuss the legal ramifications and resolve questions surrounding targeted killings, exploring the psychological effects on civilians and the broader implications of U.S. drone policy. The conversation critiques the Obama administration’s approach, highlighting the need for greater transparency and ethical standards amidst the evolving landscape of modern warfare.

From February 15, 2014: The University of Richmond invited Ben and Conor Friedersdorf to participate in a debate on the ethics of drone warfare. Conor is a familiar voice in the anti-drone camp, as those who have come across his articles in The Atlantic well know. I edited the podcast version of the debate for length and got rid of the introductions and audience questions. It thus proceeds as four speeches: Ben and Conor each give opening remarks, in that order, and then each responds to the other.While the back-and-forth touched on the legal issues behind targeted killing, it was really about the many ethical implications, both positive and negative, of U.S. drone policy. These range from the precedent the United States sets in the international community, to the psychological effects of drones on civilians. In a discussion that can often focus on the big issues of civilian casualties, oversight, legality, and sovereignty, these other questions can get lost in the foray. But as Al Qaeda continues to morph and the United States struggles to define the boundaries of the war it has been fighting, they are more important than ever.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.