SPI Director, Dr. Scott Pace, was published in the journal Space Policy. His article “A U.S. Perspective on Deterrence and Geopolitics in Space” delves into how theories of deterrence and geopolitics are used to safeguard national interests in space, and points out that despite their frequent application in U.S. policy, these theories are often misunderstood or misapplied.
He highlights the challenge of deterrence posed by China’s burgeoning space capabilities, and the increasing use of commercial space assets for military purposes.
Dr. Pace also critically examines the various interpretations of geopolitics in space, including theories posited by Everett C. Dolman, Daniel Deudney, and former SPI Visiting Scholar Bleddyn Bowen. He accentuates that while deterrence and geopolitics are instrumental in space cooperation and competition, their applications are grounded in terrestrial concerns.
He concludes with a call for further research into these theories’ applications to encourage both cooperation and competition in space.
