A vital artery or a stent needing replacement? : a global space governance system without the Outer Space Treaty?

Ram S. Jakhu, Steven Freeland

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty is the foundational framework of international space law that has succeeded in effectively governing outer space. However, it is becoming increasingly possible that a major space power, or a group of States, may consider withdrawing from the Outer Space Treaty, particularly in view of the current trend towards nationalistic political populism and isolationistic foreign policies to selectively withdraw from certain key international institutions and treaties. The Outer Space Treaty could be one such treaty, especially in relation to the exclusive national exploitation of space-based natural resources by private entities, and threats to national security. Such withdrawals would likely have serious implications for global space governance, which is essentially based on this Treaty. This paper critically addresses some of the most serious legal issues related to the void that such withdrawal might create in the prevailing international governance regime for outer space.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Institute of Space Law 2018
Place of PublicationNetherlands
PublisherEleven International Publishing
Pages505-519
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9789462369702
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • outer space
  • space law
  • international cooperation
  • Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (1967 January 27)

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