On 30 October, the Space Coercion Community convened for the first time at the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (Nederlands Lucht- en Ruimtevaartcentrum – NLR). The community brings together experts from the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), the Clingendael Institute, the Dutch ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, TNO and NLR.
Once primarily appreciated for its facilitating of economic traffic, communication, navigation, observation and scientific research, the space domain has evolved into a new strategic, technological and geopolitical arena. States and non-state actors alike compete and contest for influence and for the ability to leverage space capabilities to secure, advance and coerce others to advance their interests. All while the boundaries between civilian and military applications are becoming increasingly blurred.
Against this backdrop, and in response to rapidly evolving space capabilities, capacities and activities of various actors, the Space Coercion Community was formed to connect experts from different disciplines and organisations on the topic of space security. By bundling expertise and facilitating knowledge sharing and cooperation, the community aims to build-up and strengthen the foundations for impactful research and informed and sustainable policymaking.
During the first gathering, the participants shared their respective organisations’ positions, knowledge and insights on the topics. Resulting in fruitful discussions and laying the groundwork for future exchanges and further collaboration.
In the coming months, HCSS, in collaboration with Clingendael and the other community partners, will organise a symposium and publish a series of short expert papers, a comprehensive report, and policy briefings on the topic of Space Coercion.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and publications, as we continue to explore this evolving domain.
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