Spacepower, Empire and Theory

Abstract

Chapter 1 defines and explains spacepower, and challenges the undervalued role of spacepower in contemporary International Relations scholarship by outlining its significance to modern warfare and grand strategy. It then explores the role of thinking about hegemony and geopolitical thought in outer space, and makes the case for embracing material factors in the analysis of spacepower as much current literature in international relations turns away from material considerations. Much though on spacepower is overly focused on imperial domination of the seas, and translates it into an effective imperial domination of space without sufficiently examining the realities of spacepower in Earth orbit. Chapter 1 ends with an explanation of how pedagogical theory and strategic analogies work, and how the propositions should be used by drawing on the concepts of Carl von Clausewitz.