Space Weapons and Outer Space Arms Control: The difficulties in producing an arms control treaty for space, and alternative solutions for securing the space theatre

After the Chinese anti-satellite test in 2007, the international community responded with fear that a new space race was soon to begin. Soon after the test, debate began on the need for an arms control treaty specifically for the use of banning weapons in outer space. The argument for an arms control treaty for outer space is not new however, as the debate began at the advent of the space race in the late 1950’s. As no arms control treaty has been implemented in over 55 years it is clear that creating such a treaty for the space theatre is far more complicated than that of the sea, the land, or the air. This paper looks into why there has been a requirement for an arms control treaty for outer space, and analyses why creating such a treaty has been so difficult, arguing that a new approach is needed in the space debate. This paper also makes a number of suggestions for policy makers and scholars who are looking for ways to implement positive contributions towards the security of space, where traditional arms control techniques have failed. This paper will also suit students seeking a comprehensive work on the problems of arms control in outer space.

David completed his Bachelor’s degree in War & Society at Swansea University in 2011 and followed on with a Master’s degree in 2012.His main areas of interest are; space politics, military technology and ancient history.