Humans have a long and complex history of conflict and war. The “warlike mentality” often stems from survival instincts, resource competition, cultural and ideological differences, and the drive for power or dominance. Historically, these traits have been destructive and formative, shaping nations, societies, and technological advancements.
Ironically, while conflict has been a recurring theme, so has the pursuit of peace. Throughout history, humans have sought to resolve disputes through diplomacy, collaboration, and establishing laws and peace agreements.
It is the ultimate duality: the need for both war and peace are built into the human equation. Knowing this, I would like to know if humans can avoid wars as we venture into outer space, or is the duality of conflict and peace a necessity built into our DNA?
As humanity continues to explore the cosmos, the question of whether it is possible to achieve a future world without war in space becomes increasingly relevant and pressing. Space has long been idealized as a domain for peaceful exploration and cooperation, but the reality of geopolitical tensions and militarization in space complicates this ideological vision. The entire Star Trek franchise is built around the duality of conflict and peace in the cosmos. There are many examples.
Space has long been considered the “final frontier,” a cosmos of infinite possibilities and mysteries waiting to be explored. Like conflict and peace, exploration is also in our DNA, so we go onward and outward. Exploration has been a defining trait of humanity throughout history. I published an article about this on my website some time ago entitled “Why do we explore the Universe.”
Historically speaking, exploration is the first step toward the duality of war and peace. Our ancestors roamed vast lands for resources, opportunities, and the unknown. This drive for discovery played a key role in our survival and evolution.
It is essential to recognize that the human thirst for exploration isn’t just to achieve wealth and power. It is also an intellectual pursuit. We seek to understand the mysteries of the universe, from the depths of the oceans to the farthest reaches of space. This curiosity is evident in our art, science, philosophy, and technology, shaping the world we live in today.
Recognizing that humans wiring includes circuits for cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving is essential. Our ability to form alliances, build communities, and resolve conflicts peacefully has been just as vital for our success as a species as any other ability we possess. While aggression may be a part of our evolutionary history, it doesn’t mean warfare in the future is inevitable or immutable.
The militarization of space has been debated for decades, with many concerns about the implications of weaponizing the heavens.
The history of space exploration is intertwined with military endeavors stemming from the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The launch of Sputnik in 1957 marked the beginning of the space race, as both superpowers sought to demonstrate their technological prowess and military capabilities. The development of ballistic missiles and reconnaissance satellites further blurred the line between civilian and military uses of space.
The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 was a landmark agreement that sought to prevent the weaponization of space and preserve it for peaceful purposes. I expand on this idea of “who owns space” in an article I published on my website.
Signed by over 100 countries, the treaty prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in orbit and also the establishment of military bases on celestial bodies. However, the treaty has been criticized for lacking enforcement mechanisms and loopholes that could allow for deploying conventional weapons in space.
Despite the Outer Space Treaty, the specter of conflict in space looms large as nations continue to develop and deploy military capabilities in orbit. Anti-satellite weapons, space-based lasers, and other technology can disrupt and destroy critical assets such as communication satellites and GPS systems. The growing dependence on satellites for navigation, communication, and surveillance means that any disruption could have far-reaching consequences for global security and stability.
The concept of space dominance has gained traction in recent years, with countries such as the United States, China, and Russia investing heavily in space-based weapons and systems to maintain an edge over potential adversaries. Using space as a battlefield raises concerns about the escalation of conflicts and the potential for catastrophic consequences, including the generation of space debris and the militarization of celestial bodies.
Despite these challenges, there are still opportunities for cooperation and collaboration in space that could promote peace and security versus conflict. International efforts such as the International Space Station and the European Space Agency demonstrate the potential for countries to work together on shared goals and projects. Space exploration and research could serve as a unifying force that transcends national boundaries in our future in space. We have evolved enough to accomplish that versus turning space into the next battleground.
Promoting transparency and confidence-building measures in space could prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations leading to conflict. Initiatives such as the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Conference on Disarmament
provide forums for dialogue and negotiation on issues related to space security. Multilateral agreements and codes of conduct could help to establish norms and rules of behavior that promote the peaceful use of space.
In the post-Cold War era, the focus on space has begun to shift to include commercialization and international cooperation. However, geopolitical tensions and competition between major powers, particularly the United States, China, and Russia, have reignited concerns about the militarization of space.
The proliferation of space debris, which I wrote about in my Extraterrestrial Communication Group website (Space Junk Proliferation and the Space Wilderness Paradigm), and the development of anti-satellite capabilities highlight the fragility of the space environment and the potential for conflict to spill over into outer space.
Space technology’s dual-use nature, which can be used for civilian and military purposes, blurs the line between peaceful exploration and potential conflict. Satellites are essential for communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and other civilian applications. They are also vulnerable targets for military attacks or interference.
The spread of advanced space capabilities, such as anti-satellite weapons, laser weapons, and cyberattacks, pose new challenges to the security and stability of space activities. The potential for asymmetric warfare in space, where more minor or non-state actors can disrupt or disable satellites belonging to significant powers, complicates efforts to prevent conflict escalation.
The lack of international laws and agreements governing space security further exacerbates the risk of miscalculation and misunderstandings among space-faring nations.
Moreover, the current legal framework for space activities, including the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and subsequent agreements, lacks enforcement mechanisms and fails to address emerging threats to space security. The absence of a comprehensive set of rules on space warfare and arms control makes it challenging to regulate military activities in space and prevent the weaponization of outer space. Efforts to establish transparency and confidence-building measures in space, such as the proposed Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities, have stalled due to disagreements over verification and compliance.
Despite these potholes, there are still opportunities to promote cooperation, stability, and transparency in space activities to reduce the risk of conflict and advance the goal of a world without war in space. Increased dialogue and engagement among space-faring nations, including through multilateral forums such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), can help build trust and foster a shared understanding of the benefits of peaceful space exploration.
Let us look inside what the thinking is now within the US Space Force.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on March 19, 2025, that the Air Force and Space Force will be instrumental in deterring and engaging in future military conflicts.
He remarked on the value of the two service branches while speaking at the Department of the Air Force Summit, a gathering of senior leadership from across each force held at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
“The future of deterrence … for this nation truly does reside in this room,” Hegseth told those in attendance. “It’s our airpower, the next generation of it, and our ability to project it that will be the decisive factor in whether or not we truly deter our adversaries of the 21st century,” he continued.
Hegseth told the senior leaders in the room about China’s threat that their decisions and how they implement, utilize, and match threats to capabilities will determine whether “we live in a century dominated by the U.S. or dominated by the Chinese.”
“I hope that is the sense of urgency that exists in this room; it’s certainly what we think about every day in the secretary’s office,” he said.
When asked for his thoughts on the future of the space domain, Hegseth said it was the domain of the future.
“I feel like there’s no way to ignore that the next and the most important domain of warfare will be the space domain. So, you’re going to see far more investment from this administration into that domain, offensively and defensively … because that’s where we can continue to maintain an advantage,” Hegseth said.
He added that, in wargaming simulations, the outcomes have often been affected by the space domain-related capabilities each side of the competition had at their disposal.
“There are strategic things that can be done that change the entire warfighting calculus that no one else is paying attention to, and I would anticipate that the space domain is one of those for us,” Hegseth said.
Toward the end of his appearance at the summit, Hegseth was asked about the Defense Department’s recent efforts to realign its budget with national security priorities and whether those efforts would result in significant changes.
“I think we spend a lot of time, understandably and correctly so, talking about efficiencies, talking about the Department of Government Efficiency, talking about audits and talking about reprioritizations, and we’re going to keep doing that because we need to be good stewards of the taxpayer dollars,” Hegseth said.
“But President Donald J. Trump has repeatedly said that we’re going to rebuild the military, and the Air Force will be a huge part of how that military gets funded,” he added.
The idea of war in space is not new. It has been a staple of science fiction for decades. But as technology advances and the possibility of space warfare becomes more tangible, the need for a future without war in space becomes increasingly urgent.
The notion of a future without war in space is not just a pipe dream. It is an ideological hope that many share. The idea of space as a peaceful and cooperative domain, free from the conflicts and aggression that plague our world today, is a powerful vision that inspires many. It is a vision of a future where humanity’s exploration and expansion into space are guided by cooperation and a commitment to shared progress. I hope for and believe it is possible.
One of the primary arguments for a future without war in space is rooted in recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that space presents. Space is a vast and unforgiving environment where resources are scarce, and the challenges of survival are immense. In this context, conflict and warfare would be destructive and counterproductive. The resources currently being devoted to developing weapons and military capabilities in space could be much better spent on peaceful pursuits, such as exploration, scientific research, and sustainable habitats.
Moreover, the idea of war in space raises serious ethical and moral questions. The militarization of space would not only increase the risk of conflict and violence but also threaten the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystem. The debris generated by weapons and military activities in space would pose a serious hazard to satellites, space stations, and other vital infrastructure, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. The risk of accidental collisions and the proliferation of space debris are serious concerns that cannot be ignored.
Weaponizing space will only heighten tensions and create new flashpoints for conflict. The prospect of an arms race in space is troubling, as it would only deepen divisions and exacerbate existing conflicts. Imagine looking at the night sky and seeing a laser show of space war, not just the stars. How terrifying is that prospect?
While achieving a world without war in space may be daunting, it is ultimately a goal worth pursuing to ensure the sustainability and security of human activities beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Humanity has a decision to make about our future in the cosmos. When things become complex and confusing for me to understand, I find it helpful to take a step back and look at the problem in a more simplified context.
This discussion about our future in space and how humans seem hard-wired to behave is very complex. The decision we must make can be found in the Native American Cherokee Parable of the Two Wolves from a tribe elder to a grandson. To bring it to this space war discussion may be a bit “corny” and idealistic, and you have probably heard that parable in some form or another before.
I think it applies, however, and it clarifies all the white noise and simplifies the decision we must make about our future in space. I just hope it’s not too late.
“A fight is going on inside me,” he told the young boy, “A terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil, full of anger, sorrow, regret, greed, self-pity, and false pride. The other is good, full of joy, peace, love, humility, kindness, and faith. This same fight is happening inside you, grandson… and inside of every other person on this Earth.” The grandson ponders this momentarily and then asks, “Grandfather, which wolf will win?” The old man smiled and said, “The One You Feed.”
References:
- United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. (2021). Outer Space Treaty. Retrieved from https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/introouterspacetreaty.html
- Aljoe, S. (2020). Space Security: Addressing the Critical Challenges of the Current Decade. Springer.
- Johnson-Freese, J. (2017). Space Warfare in the 21st Century: Arming the Heavens. Routledge.
- Krepon, M. (2019). The United States and the Challenge of a World Without Nuclear Weapons. Stimson Center.
- McDowell, J. (2018). Space Policy and National Security. Wiley.
- UN General Assembly. (2021). Draft International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities. United Nations.
- Matthew Olay, March 19, 2025, Hegseth says Air, Space and space forces are key to deterring engaging in future conflicts. DOD News