Norms, Interests, and the U.S. Unilateral Moratorium on Anti-satellite Weapons

• In Event: Poster Session: International Security 2

Abstract

In 2022, the United States became the first space-faring nation to declare a unilateral moratorium on anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons testing. This paper analyzes U.S. interests that influenced this decision, and what it hopes to get out of it. According to scholars Finnemore and Sikkink, norm entrepreneurs or those who initiate the process of norm-building and development in an issue-area are very important in calling attention to an issue and establishing standards of appropriateness in dealing with it. Emergent norms benefit greatly when pushed forth by important and leading state actors who can help to institutionalize a norm in the international system. But how successful is the U.S. likely to be when dealing with hostile powers like China and Russia? Is the U.S. then acting against its own interests? What are the likely costs and benefits of this action? Given the lack of a binding legal framework that safeguards our use of space, a unilateral ban may be a necessary first step, but is it likely to guide the conduct of other states and bring about meaningful change? This paper in exploring these questions will contribute to the literature on norm development and diffusion in the arena of space security and sustainability.

Author

• Ritu S. Lauer, Peninsula College