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Escalation and Deterrence in the Second Space Age: CSIS Reports

Wesley Reed

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The Second Space Age is characterized by a new wave of commercial and government activity in space, as well as the emergence of new space powers such as China and Russia. This has led to a growing concern about the potential for conflict in space, and the need for new strategies to deter and escalate conflict.

In this report, we examine the challenges of escalation and deterrence in space, and propose a number of policy recommendations to address these challenges.

There are a number of unique challenges to escalation and deterrence in space. First, the vastness of space makes it difficult to monitor and track activities, which can lead to misperceptions and misunderstandings. Second, the high cost of space operations makes it difficult to respond to threats quickly and effectively. Third, the lack of clear rules and norms for behavior in space can lead to ambiguity and uncertainty.

Escalation and Deterrence in the Second Space Age (CSIS Reports)

by Kent D. Shifferd

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3682 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	88 pages

These challenges make it difficult to deter conflict in space, and to escalate conflict in a controlled manner. If deterrence fails, it is possible that a conflict in space could quickly escalate to a wider war.

To address the challenges of escalation and deterrence in space, we propose the following policy recommendations:

Increase transparency and predictability in space activities. This can be done through a variety of measures, such as sharing information about planned space activities, establishing common rules and norms for behavior in space, and developing mechanisms for resolving disputes.
Strengthen deterrence capabilities in space. This can be done by developing new space weapons systems, improving space situational awareness, and increasing the resilience of space assets.
Develop new strategies for escalating conflict in space. These strategies should be designed to avoid unintended escalation, and to give policymakers time to consider their options.
Pursue diplomatic efforts to reduce the risk of conflict in space. This can be done through bilateral and multilateral negotiations, as well as the development of international agreements on space arms control and space security.

The Second Space Age is a time of great potential and opportunity, but it also poses new challenges for escalation and deterrence. By taking the steps outlined in this report, we can help to reduce the risk of conflict in space, and ensure that the benefits of the Second Space Age are shared by all.

Escalation and Deterrence in the Second Space Age (CSIS Reports)

by Kent D. Shifferd

5 out of 5