A new CBC Ideas program, How we kill in war, airs tonight at 9 p.m.

With every evolution in military technology comes a shift in military tactics. And each shift in tactics pushes our understanding of what is permissible and what is ethical behaviour in war. The American military’s use of drones brings with it uncomfortable moral questions. Journalist Naheed Mustafa visits Pakistan and explores the dilemmas posed by drone warfare.

Participants include:

Karim Khan – Journalist with Al Jazeera. Currently suing the CIA for the drone killing of his son and brother.

Marvi Sirmed – Democracy promoter and human rights activist.

Shahzad Akbar – Lawyer, currently representing victims of American drone strikes.

Derek Gregory – Peter Wall Distinguished Professor and Professor of Geography at University of British Columbia.

John Kaag – Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Bradley Strawser – Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the Defense Analysis Department, US Naval Postgraduate School.

I had an extended phone conversation with Naheed to prep for this, and then an hour-long interview (don’t worry: the extracts used are much shorter!).  She really does know her stuff, and the programme includes interviews with some of those who live under the shadow of drone attacks in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

You can listen in online here.