Space Competition and the Dynamics of Conflict: Using Game Theory and Artificial Intelligence to Gain Strategic Insight

Abstract

The authors of this report summarize research to date about using a game theoretic model of competition and cooperation in outer space to examine the dynamics of conflict there, short of wars of total destruction. In 2014, the RAND Corporation began developing a game-theoretic model to assess strategic implications of investments in space capabilities by the United States and a competitor nation. In projects since, we built on traditional game theory to provide a context-rich assessment of how nation-state investments may play out over a range of possible futures. Although prior published research using this model explored the impact of investments on deterring horizontal escalation of a terrestrial war into outer space, this report focuses on the dynamics of space competition in the context of limited space war. This report provides a summary of the aspects of our work that should be of interest to a general audience of space policymakers and potential warfighters.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 06, 2022
Accession Number
AD1173544

Entities

People

  • Bonnie Triezenberg
  • Bryce Downing
  • Krista Langeland

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computer Programs
  • Data Science
  • Earth Orbits
  • Game Theory
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Lepidoptera
  • Lessons Learned
  • National Security
  • Psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Space Force
  • Space Objects
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Space Surveillance
  • Surveillance
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Space