IN-DEPTH: Is space exploration causing geopolitical tensions? W/ Leonard David

Global Questions

In this episode we are talking all things space! Does space law actually constrain the behaviour of states? Do we have a responsibility to care for the environment in space? Is there a space race between the US and China, and if so, what are the stakes? Does space exploration represent the latest form of colonialism?

Discussing all of these questions and more, this episode will look at the overlap between modern technologies and space, focusing on the benefits that space exploration has brought.

Our guest today is Leonard David, a space journalist from the US, who has been reporting on space activities for over 50 years. Leonard is the author of the new book, Moon Rush: The New Space Race, published by National Geographic in May 2019.

They discuss:

• political tensions over the race to space
• the militarization of space and great power space dynamics
• legal and political space regulations
• and environmental protection of space

Want to know more? Check out Leonard's website for all of his work and links to the books he has written!

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CREDITS: This episode is produced by Young Diplomats Society on the lands of the Wurundjeri/Gadigal people. We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the lands upon which we operate and live.