Space Diplomacy as A Global Security Measure in Weaponization of Outer Space
Space Diplomacy as A Global Security Measure in Weaponization of Outer Space

Author(s): Tolga Erdem
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Psychology, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, General Reference Works, Library and Information Science, Sociology
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Space Diplomacy; Global Security; Measure; Weaponization; Outer Space
Summary/Abstract: Unprecedented advances in science and technology directly affect the structure of contemporary international relations and reshape the balance of power. The technological rivalry between the two great powers in the international relations of the Cold War has gained extraordinary momentum with the inclusion of more actors in the post-Cold War world. In light of changes in the twenty-first century, the conventional three-dimensional – land, air, and sea – framework of sovereignty and power struggle in international relations has been expanded to five dimensions by including outer space and cyberspace. Considering the impact and decisiveness of outer space and cyber technologies on conventional domains, it is clearly seen that the structure and balance of twenty-first century international relations will be realized mainly through these two domains. Because of the unique character of outer space, the obscurities, and limitations it contains, constitute the primary focus of national and international security concerns of contemporary international relations actors. The intense interdependence of the artificial and anonymous structure of cyberspace with outer space technologies reveals the necessity of dominating cyberspace for dominating outer space. In such a complex environment, attempts to securitize outer space by international relations actors are naturally on the rise. Not only governments but also non-governmental actors appear to be directly and increasingly involved in the militarization and weaponization of outer space. The securitization of outer space through increasing militarization and weaponization initiatives has alarming implications for international security. Compared to conventional domains of sovereignty, possible destruction in outer space or cyberspace could have harsh and irreversible consequences on the entire world. Therefore, any diplomatic and legal initiative that strengthens cooperation and communication in outer space is of great importance for the establishment of international security. In this context, evaluating the status and impacts of space diplomacy is deemed crucial in order to better comprehend the future of international space politics in line with current scientific and technological breakthroughs.

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