O direito espacial e a militarização do espaço : a nova lógica da geopolítica internacional

Abstract

Space exploration, initially driven by scientific cooperation and technological progress, has increasingly become an arena of strategic disputes among major global powers. The dissertation Space Law and the Militarization of Space: The New Logic of International Geopolitics analyzes how the growing militarization of outer space has reshaped international geopolitics, shifting space-related debates from cooperative governance to security-driven policies. The study examines the legal framework of Space Law, identifying the limitations of hard law and soft law norms in restraining militarization and effectively regulating orbital activities. The research argues that the pursuit of space primacy, driven by the rivalry among major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, has promoted a new geopolitical understanding, where space dominance is seen as a central element of national defense strategies. The dissertation explores the impact of this phenomenon on international relations and the challenges faced by multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), in attempting to establish effective regulations. In addition to discussing the historical aspects of space militarization, the study presents an overview of current space policies and military orbital strategies, highlighting the expansion of space military forces, such as the United States Space Force. The analysis reveals the ineffectiveness of existing international treaties in containing the escalation of space securitization and suggests the need for a new regulatory framework to balance global powers' interests while ensuring the peaceful and sustainable use of space. Finally, the dissertation concludes that space governance based on international cooperation has weakened in the face of the race for technological and military dominance, increasing the risks of interstate disputes and potential space conflicts. The study underscores the importance of policy revisions to prevent space from becoming a stage for irreversible strategic confrontations.