From the commercialisation and militarisation of space activities to calls for space colonisation, space advocates have been influential in pushing for the expansion of human activities in outer space. This lecture examined these space activities from a critical perspective, highlighting that one of the most important consequences of space activities is the increasing likelihood of nuclear war. It also discussed whether space expansionism poses multiple threats to humanity at a time when our focus should be on how we can utilise space assets for solving Earth problems.
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This webinar was held on Monday, 9 May 2022.
Daniel Deudney is a Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Johns Hopkins University. He has written extensively on international theory, political theory and global issues: nuclear, space, environment and energy. His book Bounding Power: Republican Security from the Polis to the Global Village received the 'Book of the Decade' award from the International Studies Association. His most recent book is Dark Skies: Space Expansionism, Planetary Geopolitics and the Ends of Humanity.
Chris Alden, Director of LSE IDEAS and Professor of International Relations at LSE