Space cooperation among order-building powers

Abstract

The global community is threatened by several kinds of disorder, including regional instabilities on land and the high seas (e.g., Ukraine, South China Sea). In addition, developing Russian and Chinese counterspace capabilities are creating new tensions in space. This article discusses similarities and differences between the maritime and space domains, governance, and how international cooperation in these domains could contribute to international stability. Current difficult questions related to the exercise of the right of self-defense in space are addressed with suggestions for future research. In light of the increasing importance and globalization of space activities, new norms of behavior in space need to be developed by like-minded national to create a more stable and secure international order.