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ID:
096163
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Publication |
2010.
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Summary/Abstract |
Using the global commons for "peaceful purposes" is agreed upon among states in principle but disputed in substance. While non-militarization has been superceded by the doctrine of non-aggression, the latter, as a necessary rather than sufficient condition for "peaceful purposes", is tested to its limit by the pressing issue of space weaponization. An international treaty to plug the gaps of the Outer Space Treaty should be negotiated. This would require the prohibition of both weapons in outer space and anti-satellite weapons on Earth. The Draft Treaty on Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and of the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects, proposed by Russia and China at the Conference on Disarmament, is an effort in this direction. However, divided views are held on several issues arising from the draft treaty, e.g. the efficiency of the current regime of outer space law, definitions of "weapons in space" and "threat or use of force", and verification. A primary reason for US opposition to the draft treaty are security concerns over its space assets. However, exercising the right of self-defense is excluded from the obligations of disarmament and this is explicitly affirmed in the draft treaty.
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2 |
ID:
183788
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Summary/Abstract |
The world is faced with an escalating arms race in outer space at the very time that this vital, if vulnerable, environment is experiencing rapid growth in orbiting satellites and the array of services they provide. After years of relative stagnation, multilateral diplomatic activity is being re-energised, spurred by the revival of debris-causing anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) tests. A British initiative has resulted in the creation of a new United Nations diplomatic forum on ‘Reducing Space Threats Through Norms, Rules and Principles of Responsible Behaviours’. Although geopolitical tensions between leading space powers make the development of cooperative security arrangements difficult, there is a common interest in avoiding the creation of more space debris that would endanger the assets of all space operators.
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3 |
ID:
142594
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Summary/Abstract |
When discussing international texts and measures for improving security in space, one has to use precise terminology in order for any negotiating party to be clear with definitions. In the context of space security, several texts are being prepared to deal with this issue with different perspectives. Beyond the sole diplomatic aspect of these different proposals, it is important to make sure that they can be efficient in practice. In this respect, the Eu initiated project of an international code of conduct may prove to be a first important so called “transparency and confidence building measure” in space.
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