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Title: Star Wars or Star Peace: Navigating the Legal and Ethical Dilemmas of Militarization and Security in Outer Space
Authors: Rafia Naz Ali, Johar Wajahat, Muhammad Jan, Muhammad Nauman Zakir
Journal: International Journal of Human and Society (IJHS)
Publisher: Educational Scholarly Horizons
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2024
Volume: 4
Issue: 2
Language: English
Keywords: Space MilitarizationOuter Space TreatyEthical DilemmasGlobal SecurityInternational CooperationSpace LawPeaceful UseSpace Exploration
Against a backdrop of skyrocketing progress in the realm of space exploration and the ever-expanding domain of outer space activities—that are dual-use, in the sense that they serve both civilian and military purposes—there is a web of complicated legal and ethical dilemmas. Starts with the Declaration of the title of the research paper, which is "Star Wars or Star Peace: Navigating the Legal and Ethical Dilemmas of Militarization and Security in Outer space" and goes on to a full adventure to explore the vast issues created by the militarization of Outer space itself. At the heart of the conversation is the tension between the desire to ensure national and international security through weaponization and the moral obligation to maintain space as a zone for peaceful and shared scientific endeavor. This paper provides a close examination of international treaties, namely the Outer Space Treaty, as well as national policies, to explore the current legal mechanisms in place, which purportedly address militarization and weaponization in space. Taking a multi-dimensional approach, it conducts a critical examination of different ethical theories in relation to the militarization of space, thereby expose the ethical difficulty that is entangled in preemptive security and the likely military seizure of space. By breaking apart a variety of case studies, the exploration is complemented with the means of how militarization may be actualized in practice, the dangers and the ethical dilemmas of militarizing. This paper further argues in strong favor of finding a middle ground, backed by necessary legal reforms and ethical guidance, along with bolstered international coordination, to walk the tightrope between guaranteeing global security and ensuring the peaceful and meaningful use of the space domain. Ultimately, this research aims to facilitate conversation and to reform policy making in advance of protecting a future where space will still be an environment for peaceful exploration and collaboration as we navigate the realities between those high concepts and the world of global security and militaristic endeavors.
To explore the legal and ethical dilemmas created by the militarization of outer space, examining existing international treaties and national policies, and to argue for a middle ground supported by legal reforms, ethical guidance, and international coordination to ensure peaceful and meaningful use of space.
Qualitative research design utilizing document analysis (legal documents, academic journals, reports, case studies), media and public discourse analysis, and juridical, ethical, and case study analysis.
graph TD;
A["Define Research Questions/Objectives"] --> B["Conduct Literature Review"];
B --> C["Select Research Design"];
C --> D["Data Collection"];
D -- Document Analysis --> E["Legal Documents"];
D -- Document Analysis --> F["Academic Journals"];
D -- Document Analysis --> G["Reports"];
D -- Document Analysis --> H["Case Studies"];
D -- Media/Public Discourse Analysis --> I["Media Reports"];
D -- Media/Public Discourse Analysis --> J["Public Debates"];
E --> K["Data Analysis"];
F --> K;
G --> K;
H --> K;
I --> K;
J --> K;
K -- Juridical Analysis --> L["Analyze Legal Frameworks"];
K -- Ethical Theory Analysis --> M["Evaluate Ethical Dilemmas"];
K -- Case Study Analysis --> N["Examine Real-World Scenarios"];
L --> O["Synthesize Findings"];
M --> O;
N --> O;
O --> P["Formulate Recommendations"];
P --> Q["Draw Conclusions"];
The paper discusses the historical context of space militarization, the limitations of the Outer Space Treaty, the development of space technology for military purposes, and the ethical quandaries arising from weaponization versus peaceful use. It also examines the role of international cooperation and the impact of militarization on global security.
Existing international treaties, particularly the Outer Space Treaty, have ambiguities regarding militarization and weaponization. Advancements in space technology have increased the potential for militarization, leading to security dilemmas. Ethical considerations are crucial for balancing national security with the peaceful use of space. International cooperation and robust legal frameworks are needed to address these challenges.
The research concludes that the militarization of outer space presents significant legal and ethical challenges. It emphasizes the need for strengthened international legal frameworks, ethical guidelines, and enhanced cooperation to ensure space remains a domain for peaceful exploration and collaboration for the benefit of all humankind.
- The Outer Space Treaty (OST) entered into force in 1967. (Confirmed by text)
- China conducted a controversial ASAT test in 2007. (Confirmed by text)
- The U.S. established the Space Force as a separate branch of its military. (Confirmed by text)
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