taking the War to space

[Doug Millison]

                         S T R A T F O R . c o m

              THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE

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					27 February 2001
Summary

U.N. efforts to negotiate a new international treaty banning
weapons in space failed again this month when the United States,
reiterating a long-standing position, said the treaty was
unnecessary. But the Bush administration's space initiatives will
prompt other to accelerate their own programs. Notably, Russia is
alarmed at U.S. efforts and China is already reported to be
developing space warfare capabilities.

Analysis

Despite efforts from Russia and China, U.N. members declined in
mid-February to start negotiations to create new guidelines to
ban the placement of offensive weapons in space and limit
development of technologies that could destroy satellites and
space systems from earth.

In meetings in Geneva lasting from late January to Feb. 18, the
United States balked at addressing an agenda item on the issue at
the U.N. Conference on Disarmament. According to participants,
the United States contended, once again, that there is no space
race and such a treaty is unnecessary.

But Russia and China both warn of U.S. efforts setting off a
conflict in space and urge that negotiations on a new treaty
begin immediately. Although the United States describes its
activities in space as defensive in nature, a closer look reveals
their offensive properties. Moreover, because every military move
leads to a counter move by competitors, a space race may now be
inevitable.

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