This session examines how outer space has shifted from merely supporting terrestrial activities to becoming a key arena that influences national power, global stability, and humanity’s long-term presence beyond Earth. In the post-Cold War period, space is increasingly intertwined with deterrence, compellence, economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and international influence. This session situates space within broader geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics, examining how major spacefaring states conceptualize and employ spacepower as part of integrated national strategies, while also assessing how middle and emerging actors are altering the strategic balance. The discussion will delve into the growing interdependence between civil, commercial, and military space sectors, highlighting how dual-use technologies, commercial launch and satellite services, and public-private partnerships are reshaping traditional boundaries between national security and market-driven innovation. Attention will be given to the evolving strategic environment in Earth orbit and beyond, including issues of congestion, competition, and vulnerability, as well as the implications of counterspace capabilities for escalation, crisis stability, and resilience.
This session will also highlight the governance challenges from rapid growth in space activity. It will evaluate whether current norms, rules, and institutions are sufficient to manage competition, prevent conflicts, and ensure the sustainable use of space over the long term. By incorporating strategic, technological, and policy perspectives, the session aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of how space strategy must balance national security needs, commercial expansion, scientific exploration, and the protection of the space environment as humanity’s dependence on space increases.
Strategic Space
Session Chair Info
Dr. Namrata Goswami
Educator and Space Policy Expert, Johns Hopkins SAIS & Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University
Dr. Namrata Goswami is an author and educator specializing in space policy, international relations, and ethnic identity. Currently, Dr. Goswami teaches at the Schriever and West Space Scholar Programs, the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, and at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University. She is a guest lecturer at Emory University for seminars on Technology, Society & Governance, and India today. She worked as Read More