Debating U.S. Drone Policy

Objectives We are going to analyze the issues & controversies regarding the U.S. use of drones We will identify & articulate the core values of different policy options You will work cooperatively within groups to integrate the arguments & beliefs of these options into a persuasive, coherent presentation We will explore, debate & evaluate multiple perspectives on US policy regarding drones

Video Clips Discussion Questions: What is a drone? Why does the US have a drone program? Who do you think makes decisions about targets? What are some potential controversies surrounding drones? Have drones been in the news recently? http://www.choices.edu/resources/twtn/twtn-drones.php Fill in your worksheet after watching these short video clips

Group Assignment Groups You will be assigned to a group. Each group has a different scenario. After reading your info sheet, you should do any necessary outside research & compile a 3-5 minute presentation that makes the best case possible for your option to be used. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is responsible for reviewing the options & preparing clarifying questions (2 per student for each option) The Foreign Representatives will research a specific country & explain their position on the use of drones

Debate The 3 groups will present their respective options. Speak clearly & convincingly. The Senators will ask their questions after each individual presentation. The Foreign Countries will present information on their experience/policies on drones. Then we will discuss the issues as a class

Discussion Follow Up 1. What do you think about the different options? 2. What aspects of the different options do students support? 3. What policies are students concerned about? 4. What values underlie each option? 5. Identify some of the difficult trade-offs that policy makers must make in dealing with this issue? 6. What do you personally think should be the US policy regarding drones?

Questions continued 7. How would each of these options affect people in the US? 8. What about people in the countries where drones are used? 9. How would it affect the US relationship with the rest of the world? 10. What do you think the role of drones will play in five to ten years from now? 11. What issues do you think other countries have raised regarding the use of drones?