Southern Space Studies Drones in the African Battlespaces

This book, a collaborative endeavour by experts from various disciplines, meticulously investigates the increasing reliance on drones in conflicts across Africa, delving into their geopolitical, tactical, and ethical ramifications. This book, a collaborative endeavour by experts from various disciplines, meticulously investigates the increasing reliance on drones in conflicts across Africa, delving into their geopolitical, tactical, and ethical ramifications. By emphasising African perspectives, it examines the distinct dynamics of the region, highlighting the interactions between state actors, non-state actors, and external powers. The contributions explore the proliferation of armed and unarmed drones and their deployment by violent non-state actors alongside the rise of indigenous drone manufacturing. Topics include counterterrorism, sovereignty, and regional stability. The analysis is enriched with in-depth case studies, offering a nuanced understanding of the tactical, operational, and strategic implications of drones in African battlespaces. The book underscores the potential of drones to address Africa's unique security challenges, such as irregular warfare and porous borders, while also raising ethical concerns related to surveillance, civilian casualties, and dual-use technologies. Drones in the African battlespaces provide a timely, comprehensive examination of how unmanned systems are reshaping warfare and security across the continent, inviting policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to critically engage with the implications of this technological shift for Africa’s future.