New Declaration on UAV Exports Unlikely to Reduce Drone Proliferation

In early October, the United States, along with 48 other countries, issued a joint declaration aimed at controlling the export and use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones). Although the announcement was touted as a step toward the development of “comprehensive international standards for the transfer and subsequent use of UAVs[,]” it is unlikely to have a significant effect on the proliferation and employment of armed drones. Instead, the declaration and its potential to hinder exports of American-build UAVs could have a detrimental impact on U.S. foreign policy.