Debates regarding spacepower, and within this, what is meant by space diplomacy, are in their infancy. This article seeks to contribute to these academic discussions and reflects on the role of the International Space Station (iss) as an asset of space diplomacy. Although it has been showcased as a successful venture of multilateral science diplomacy, US structural power has ensured that it has first and foremost been a means to project US power and reward strategic partners. As the deadline for decommissioning looms, we argue that now is the time to consider the contributions the iss has made to space diplomacy and reflect on what will be lost when its life ends.
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All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
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Abstract Views | 434 | 322 | 52 |
Full Text Views | 35 | 32 | 2 |
PDF Views & Downloads | 103 | 88 | 5 |
Debates regarding spacepower, and within this, what is meant by space diplomacy, are in their infancy. This article seeks to contribute to these academic discussions and reflects on the role of the International Space Station (iss) as an asset of space diplomacy. Although it has been showcased as a successful venture of multilateral science diplomacy, US structural power has ensured that it has first and foremost been a means to project US power and reward strategic partners. As the deadline for decommissioning looms, we argue that now is the time to consider the contributions the iss has made to space diplomacy and reflect on what will be lost when its life ends.
All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
---|---|---|---|
Abstract Views | 434 | 322 | 52 |
Full Text Views | 35 | 32 | 2 |
PDF Views & Downloads | 103 | 88 | 5 |