Future Issues of Space Arms Control: Negotiating Blindly From the Cold War to Globalization

Future space arms control agreements may limit or constrain United States Air Force (USAF) plans for future space-based weapons if the USAF is not involved in shaping the environment that causes other countries to push for such agreements. Though the environment of the Cold War has passed, the USAF, as the executive agent for US space programs, may be repeating history by disassociating itself from the negotiations process. Many nations argue against placing weapons in space, feeling it is against the intent of the Outer Space Treaty and other international agreements while others argue for new agreements that restrict development of future space weapon systems. They further argue that a push for space-based weapons could create the possibility of an arms race in space (Union of Concerned Scientist, 2005). With the advancements in technology and increased global dependency on space, the US could find itself pressured into agreements that limit or control future US space-based capabilities. The USAF needs to be a part of shaping international agreements affecting United States space policy during the next 25 years.

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