The U.S. Space Force in a geopolitical context: Peaceful development or arming of outer space?

Abstract

The main research question in this article is how much the establishment of the U.S. Space Force has influenced other countries to accelerate their space activities and whether future technological development in space will be peaceful. The newly formed U.S. Space Force is the result of new geopolitical reflections on the importance of outer space as a new type of battlefield between states. International norms forbid weapons of mass destruction in outer space, but not conventional weapons. The author examines the justification and the possibility of establishing an international regime that would limit the future space ambitions of a few capable states. The author uses a comparative method and analysis of state practices to examine who could be the most serious competitor of the United States in the struggle for space domination. The author concludes that space nationalism dominates the practices of states and their aspirations to increase their own power. Although it is too early to reject classical geopolitical views, geopolitics must respect outer space as a new arena of competition. The author also predicts that there will be a place for private actors in that arena, but with strict state supervision. The main conclusion and answer to the research question are that American activities will introduce the race to conquer space to a new speed, including the armament and militarization of outer space.