Astropolitics in the New Age
Who controls low Earth orbit controls near-Earth space. Who controls near-Earth space dominates Terra. Who dominates Terra determines the destiny of Humankind.
Everett Dolman
Introduction
For centuries, geopolitics have shaped how we think about power in land, sea and air. But today, Earth is no longer the only domain of competition as our technology has advanced beyond the atmosphere. In this regard, the strategic rivalry between the Great Powers of our Age has extended into Space -the last frontier for humankind. Consequently, Astropolitics is not sci-fi anymore but geopolitics in orbit. Above everything, it’s the recognition that outer space is not a vacuum for politics, it’s the next arena.
According to Tim Marshall, in The Future of Geography: How the Competition in Space Will Change Our World, astropolitics are based on terrestrial geopolitics which are projecting into orbit, the Moon and even beyond (Marshall 2023, 45). In this regard, he notes that humanity’s future will increasingly be decided by what happens above Earth’s horizon, just as mountains, rivers, and seas once shaped history (Marshall, quoted in NATO DEEP Dive podcast 2023).
This paper traces the rise of astropolitics. How it evolves from classic geopolitical theory, why orbits matter, and how space competition is reshaping global power dynamics. From legal gaps to military risks, and from resource grabs to satellite vulnerabilities, we will explore what’s at stake. Space is about strategy, survival, and the shape of the future, not just stars.
From Geopolitics to Astropolitics
Geopolitics has always focused on geography and how it shapes strategy and thus power. Scholars like Friedrich Ratzel and Carl Schmitt emphasized territorial control and state power, philosophies traditionally applied to land and sea like Mahan (sea power) and Makinder (land power). Humanity, however, has always looked up to the sky wondering what’s beyond. Our technology has allowed us not just to look but to travel into space. But our presence there will eventually bring our competition, cooperation and politics.
