The Role of Space in Intensifying the International Rivalries of the Great Powers

پژوهش نامه ایرانی سیاست بین الملل

Article 4, Volume 10, Issue 2 - Serial Number 20, March 2022, Pages 79-99   

Document Type: Original Article

DOI: 10.22067/irlip.2021.70368.1072

Authors

Maryam Dorri Varnosfaderani¹; Ardeshir Sanaie^{* 2}; Alireza Soltani³; kabak khabiri⁴

¹PhD student of Tehran central Azad University,

²the Islamic Azad University of Central Tehran Branch

³Assistant Professor - Azad University of Tehran central branch

⁴Assistant Professor - Azad University of Tehran central branch

Abstract

Moving toward space was largely the result of the competition of terrestrial superpowers for planetary hegemony. Moving toward space has created a new criterion for recognizing the promotion of power and allocation of credit in the global community. The exploration and space technologies of the two superpowers, made the competition between them more intense. The launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union marked the beginning of the space race. Finally, the United States declared itself the winner of the space race by landing on the moon. But then not only did the rivalry between the two countries not end, but it also called on other countries, such as China, India, Japan and some European countries. From the beginning of the space age until now, military activities have been an important part of the goals of the powers. The main question is how space has played a role in intensifying competition between powers. The hypothesis of this article also believes that space has intensified competition between countries, especially space powers, by creating modern weapons and new conditions. From the point of view of neorealism, Space has become a new arena for intensifying competition between countries in the military field and gaining prestige.

Keywords

Space; International competition; Space race; Space weapons; Great powers; Neorealism

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