Escalating Space Race

[Doug Millison]

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

              THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE

                         http://www.stratfor.com

07 January 2001

THE GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE UPDATE

   -> FREE TODAY IN THIS NEWSLETTER AND ON OUR WEBSITE:

      * Escalating Space Race
        http://www.stratfor.com/home/giu/archive/010701

  [snip]

Summary

The global economy's growing dependence on space technology is
reigniting the debate over the military's function in space,
particularly its role in denying enemies the ability to use the
ultimate high ground for nefarious purposes. Stimulated by the new
political leadership emerging in the United States, the escalating
space race will turn the final frontier into a new battleground in
the 21st century.

Analysis

On Jan. 11 the Commission to Assess U.S. National Security Space
Management and Organization is to release its findings after more
than a year of study. Established by members of Congress
concerned that preparations for the space age are inadequate, the
commission has the potential to forcefully and immediately impact
American policy.

The commission was led by Donald Rumsfeld, President-elect George
W. Bush's nominee for secretary of defense, who has pledged to
make the "defense of space assets" a top priority. The commission
will find the new U.S. administration highly receptive to
accelerating the space race with military projects and
government-assisted programs for civilian purposes.

The trend toward a larger international presence in space, and
the associated risks that come with heavy reliance on space
systems, has moved the United States closer than ever - both
politically and technologically - to crossing the boundary
between using space to support military operations and making
space a combat zone. The incoming U.S. administration, and its
unfolding world view, will run right up against this sacrosanct
boundary in international relations and may even cross it,
irreversibly altering the strategic landscape.


*********** TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE CLICK HERE ***********
    http://www.stratfor.com/home/giu/archive/010701.asp#Reliance


SIGN-UP:
Get the free, daily Global Intelligence Update:
    http://www.stratfor.com/home/giu/subscribe.asp
You can stop receiving the GIU by clicking on:
    http://www.stratfor.com/home/giu/unsub.asp

CONTACTS AND CUSTOMER SERVICES:
    STRATFOR.com
    504 Lavaca, Suite 1100 Austin, TX 78701
    Phone: 512-583-5000
    Internet: http://www.stratfor.com/
    Email: info at stratfor.com

ADVERTISE
    For information on advertising in the GIU or any
    section of the Stratfor.com website, please email us
    at advertising at stratfor.com

====================================================
(c) 2000 Stratfor, Inc.




-- 
d  o  u  g    m  i  l  l  i  s  o  n  <http://www.online-journalist.com>