New Modes of Global Governance in Space? From Planetary Defense to Space Mining (European University Institute: School of Transnational Governance)
Abstract
Planetary defense and space mining as new areas unlocked by technological progress emerge with a dire need of global governance. Could they enable new forms of global cooperation? Various technological overlaps, from asteroid population, observation, characterization of its chemical and physical composition to prospecting missions, are complemented by a shared absence of a clear international regime.
Non-state actors play a prominent role in shaping the field of new space activities, while individual countries hope to incentivize investments in the utilization of space resources. Yet, principles of non-appropriation of celestial bodies and benefit for humankind enshrined in international space law create requirements for new global cooperation and norms to emerge for space mining.
Similarly, planetary defense from asteroids and comets as a truly global challenge needs forms of effective global cooperation despite persisting national security sensitivities and interests. How can such dynamics be incorporated into global governance efforts? Will national perspectives or shared goal of human survival and flourishing enable new governance regimes?