space technologies impact on society - the peace factor

Paper number

IAC-15,E5,2,7,x30032

Author

Mr. Meir Moalem, Israel

Year

2015

Abstract

The relationship between science, technology and peace among Nations is not new to political and social sciences. One can find references in the existing classical approach, whereby science and scientific research enhance the quality of life and act as moderators of war. There are also indications to the importance of modernization as a factor affecting the peace between democracies, being an important parameter in the "Democratic Peace". Economy also plays an important role, as well as the technology. The revolutionary advance in technology not only enables the large-scale democracy of any country, but also makes the possibility of conflict (or military dispute) between developed modern countries not an appealing option. Space (space programs, technologies and research), beyond being an important element in the technological development of the country, is a dimension in itself, with unique aspects differentiating between other technological capabilities. As such, it requires a separate examination of the impact on society. National space programs, military and civilian alike, are resource demanding programs, both economic and human, and contribute directly to the military and technological power of the states adopting them, as well as in other areas such as industrial development, infrastructure, international influence, internal identity and projected image. The high burden of resources required for these programs in the past served to filter the number of states which can join this prestige and exclusive club. However, emerging technologies in recent decades enable more and more countries to join it, and thus be affected by the same factors and processes. 
Although technological research is often done for military purposes (or even for the development of destructive weapons), according to the theory (presented in the paper) linking it with democracy, modernization and technology, we can expect the impact on society and peaceful implications also in the case of space technologies and space programs and research, as indeed is the case for example through ICT, disaster management etc.
In addition to the fact that this subject has not been investigated yet, Space unique properties such as: characteristics of technology, sovereignty, resources and impact, allow us (and justify) an independent review.
In this paper I will lay a path from the Democratic Peace Theory, to modernization factors, through economy and the "capitalist peace" and to a new "Technology Peace" and Space programs within it. I will also argue that space technologies have a unique impact on society and on mankind.

Abstract document

IAC-15,E5,2,7,x30032.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-15,E5,2,7,x30032.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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