Deterrence in Space-Integrated or Entangled. A Wargaming Approach to Multidomain Strategy
Abstract
Space systems are vital for military and economic activity-a key part of integrated deterrence. But when does useful integration turn into dangerous entanglement, and how might the connection of space to other domains, civilian life, and allied relationships impact both deterrence and strategic stability. This is an important question because, despite widespread agreement that space deterrence is important, there is significant uncertainty about how (or if) it works. One school of thought sees space as inherently stabilizing because satellites improve transparency and provide information. Another sees space as inherently destabilizing because space systems are vital and vulnerable. Both sides agree that space is entangled with other domains, but they disagree about its implications for strategic stability. This disagreement reflects a larger debate in international relations about the conditions under which interdependence can either discourage or promote conflict. We conjecture that deterrence in space likewise depends on different kinds of entanglement- multipolar entanglement across allies and other actors, multidomain entanglement of conventional and nuclear forces, and multisector entanglement of military and civilian applications of space. This project will generate new contributions to deterrence theory by examining these complex dynamics in the ultimate multi-domain domain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310704
Entities
People
- Mariel Borowitz
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation
- Office of the Secretary of Defense