The Joinder of Telecommunications and Globalization

Paper number

IAC-08.E8.2.14

Author

Prof. Carl Q. Christol, University of Southern California, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

In February, 2008, the United States considered it to be prudent to destroy a spent American satellite and its fuel tank believed to contain toxic substances. This resulted from the launch of a missile from an American cruiser located in the North Pacific ocean. Late in 2006 China had engaged in targeting an American imaging satellite with a ground-based laser. In January, 2007, China had conducted a kinetic anti-satellite weapons test by destroying an obsolete Chinese weather satellite. These actions resulted in raising to the foreground the distinction drawn between "militarization" and "weaponization" of the space environment. Manifestly influenced by the primary consideration of national security, world-wide attention must always be intensely focused on preventing an arms race in outer space.

   To forestall knee-jerk and excessive reactions to such events it is necessary to recall the impressive benefits extending to all human kind from the peaceful uses of the space environment and its natural resources. To take but one example,and many could be easily identified, society  as a whole has benefited from constantly augmenting uses of space communications.

    Based on national self-interest a world communication regime has evolved in which interferences in space broadcasts have been kept to a minimum. This in turn has contributed to the emerging condition of "globalization." 
Serving vas cultural,economic, educational, political, and a social goals, and when employed in a humanitarian manner, globalization could only have been made possible through satellite communications.Whenever these have been disrupted the benefits  derived from "outsourcing" of tasks from a highly developed State to less advanced ones,  record keeping and reporting on matters of critical financial importance,have been very measurable harmed.

    The practical aspects of telecommunications and humanitarian globalization are opposite sides of a single coin. The well-being of one requires the well-being of the other. Together they can apply reasonable constraints to excessive claims to national security.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E8.2.14.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E8.2.14.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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