Space and deterrence: concepts, debates and policy issues

Abstract: The literature on deterrence and how it relates to the space domain has evolved significantly over the past 15 years or so. This literature comprises a range of journal articles, research reports, think-tank pieces, and official testimonies/speeches. It addresses deterrence in various ways ranging from the contribution of space assets to nuclear deterrence to how attacks on space assets might be deterred, among other things. The lecture will seek to trace the key concepts, debates and related policy issues that have defined discussions of the relationship between space and deterrence.

Bio: Dr. Wyn Bowen is Professor of Non-proliferation and International Security in the Department of War Studies and Co-Director of the Freeman Air & Space Institute in the School of Security Studies, King's College London. Between 2016 - 2022 he served as Head of the School of Security Studies. Prior to this from 2014 he was Head of Department/Dean of Academic Studies of the Defence Studies Department, based at the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) at the UK Defence Academy. Prior to April 2014, he was Director of the Centre for Science and Security Studies (2007-2014). Bowen has been a Senior Research Associate in the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies (1995-1997) and a Centre Associate of the Matthew B. Ridgway Centre for International Security Studies, University of Pittsburgh.