The Impact of Drone Strikes on Terrorism Are drone strikes losing the strategic war in Pakistan and bringing about the Fifth Wave of Terrorism: Tribalism?

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2403_PSSIR17.45

Authors: Chad S. Marchand

Abstract:

Research suggests that drone strikes within Pakistan may be winning the tactical battle but losing the Strategic war on terrorism. This report will analyze the secondary and long-term effects of US drone strikes with a focus on Pakistan and make the case that the negative outcomes associated with these attacks are bringing about the Fifth Wave of Terrorism: Tribalism. Pakistan offers a unique case study as US drones currently only operate in five known countries worldwide with one of those being Pakistan. Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) has seen an immense number of negative consequences associated with these assaults and I argue here that the result will see the development of the Fifth Wave of Terrorism. Process tracing analysis will look at Pakistan and more specifically FATA and how the secondary effects of drone Strikes increase Tribal Terrorism. Thus, the central question being asked is, are secondary effects of drone strikes rising the possibility of more terrorist acts and consequently launching the US into a new wave of terrorism?

Keywords: Drones, Drone Warfare, Pakistan, Terrorism, Tribalism, U.S. Drone Policy