Eye in the Sky

In pre-session 20: Movie analysis (under Analysis of Business Problem, EMBA 28 in LBS) we were tasked to watch a movie and answer some critical questions given by the facilitator that evolves decision-making that consists of ethical and emotional dilemmas. Then I watch times without numbers.

“Eye in the Sky” is a tense, thought-provoking thriller that explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding drone warfare. It involves a group of military and political leaders as they decide whether to carry out a drone strike on a terrorist target in Kenya.

The film opens with Colonel Katherine Powell, a British military officer, overseeing an operation to capture a group of high-level terrorists in Nairobi, Kenya. As the operation unfolds, the team discovers that the terrorists are planning a suicide bombing, and they must act quickly to prevent the attack.

To do so, they enlist the help of a US drone pilot, Steve Watts, who was tasked with firing a missile at the terrorists’ compound. However, as they prepare to launch the attack, they discover that a young girl (Aliah) is selling bread outside the compound. The presence of Aliah complicates the situation, and the decision to carry out the attack becomes more difficult. The objective of “operation to capture” must change.

As the leaders of the mission debate the ethical implications of killing the terrorists and the potential collateral damage. Is it ever justified to kill innocent civilians to prevent a greater threat? How do we weigh the lives of individuals against the greater good? The film does not provide easy answers, but it forces the audience to confront these difficult questions and consider their views.

Although, the facilitator throws his questions at us and my response are as follows:

1. The crux of the dilemma in the movie is whether to carry out a drone strike on a terrorist target in Kenya, given the potential collateral damage and the presence of a young girl near the target.
2. Colonel Powell’s character evolves throughout the movie, from initially focusing on capturing the terrorists to ultimately advocating for a drone strike. She struggles with the moral implications of the decision and the potential consequences of inaction.
3. The team composition in COBR(A) consists of military and political leaders from different countries, each with their own priorities and agendas, which creates tension and complicates decision-making.
4. The extended team at Nevada Air Force base and Hawaii base are portrayed as highly trained professionals, but also individuals with their own ethical concerns and emotional responses to the situation. The drone pilot, Steve watts, experiences a moral dilemma as he faces the possibility of killing innocent civilians.
5. The discovery of the terrorists’ plan to carry out a suicide bombing changes the objective of the mission from capture to kill, leading to the decision to carry out the drone strike.
6. High-pressure environments can lead to tunnel vision, groupthink, and a tendency to focus on short-term goals over long-term consequences.
7. Effective decision-making and execution in high-pressure environments require clear communication, a shared understanding of goals and priorities, and a willingness to challenge assumptions and consider alternative perspectives.
8. The movie highlights the importance of teamwork, leadership, and effective communication in high-pressure environments. Failure can occur when team members are not aligned on goals or priorities, when communication breaks down, or when decision-making is driven by emotions rather than rational analysis.
9. The movie portrays several psychological biases, including confirmation bias (where individuals look for information that confirms their existing beliefs), and anchoring bias (where individuals are influenced by an initial piece of information or idea). The decision-makers also exhibit a tendency to prioritize short-term objectives over long-term consequences.

In conclusion, this analysis is based on my understanding and opinion. while I look forward to learning from my fellow student.

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