Escalation and Arms Races: Rivalry Not Rhetoric

Abstract

From the 2001 Rumsfeld report, to the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite (ASAT) test, to Chinas 2014 alleged test of a geostationary orbit ASAT, the defense community has had ample reason to place more emphasis on space. The most recent manifestations of this emphasis is the possible creation of a Space Force and changes in strategic rhetoric about the space domain. These are seismic shifts from the way the U.S. addressed space during the Cold War, when the National Reconnaissance Office covertly conducted military efforts in space while the National Aeronautics and Space Administration openly conducted peaceful space exploration. This arrangement specifically aimed to maintain space as a peaceful sanctuary. The creation of a Space Force implies a militarized change to this construct.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2019
Accession Number
AD1107513

Entities

People

  • Garrett R. Chandler

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Arms Control
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Bomber Aircraft
  • First World War
  • Geography
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Students
  • Treaties
  • Ussr
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space