War Studies Academic Pioneers New Research on Future Space Strategy
New project will use maritime approach to advance space strategy
Dr James WE Smith, the Laughton-Corbett research fellow in the Department of War Studies, has embarked on new research that aims to address questions on the use of space as part of a national defence strategy that is inclusive of all domains from ‘seabed through to space’. Space is increasingly influential in geostrategy and geopolitics while also a growing concern in broader national policy discussions to its use. James’s research focuses on the applicability of a maritime model where the encompassing maritime environment sees exploration, science, commerce, law, communications, and military interact, which notably resembles the next-generation space revolution that is taking place.
The new research, partially funded by King’s, aims to contribute to scholarship by advancing understanding of the role of space in defence and its interface with diplomacy, foreign policy, and civilian activity at a time when the broader question of future human activity in space becomes a growing question for most nations. His research comes at a time of second space race is upon us; some call it the ‘space revolution’. This reflects the reality that space has become more accessible for the military and science and even for private citizens or commercial actors with the right resources. In response to this new era, governments are attempting to deliver an updated military response by revising defence policy, national policy and their military forces. Space has played a vital role in information gathering and intelligence, such as with the war in Ukraine, growing areas of tension like the Indo-Pacific, and monitoring environmental changes that raise of risk of conflict over dwindling planetary resources.
James’s novel approach will demonstrate to high-level decision and policymakers in governments how a maritime model for space is useful not only in broader national policy but military strategy, where navies will be an essential component of the process as space increasingly influences events and supports defence operations on Earth or potentially beyond.
“The reality is that future national strategy relies on comprehensively understanding space and how it forms part of viewing that strategy from the seabed right through to space. We cannot afford to ignore the close historical connection between the sea and maritime strategy and harness that for future thought on space. It comes a time where serious thought needs to be put towards the future of humanity as a spacefaring civilisation which is at a time of increased competition in and for space between nations, each of whom are influenced by national character and objectives.”
––Dr James WE Smith
James’s postdoctoral research project on space is informed and builds on his PhD that he was awarded from King’s in 2021 and the projects he has led at the college. His PhD focused on the relationship between defence organisation and how nations think about national strategy in unique national ‘ways of war and peace’, which led him to lead ‘Corbett 100’, an international project that marked the centenary of the lesser-known philosopher of maritime strategy, British historian Sir Julian Corbett (1854-1922). Dr Smith will advance concepts of maritime strategy adapting them for space such as beyond Earth orbit. Corbett’s work on maritime strategy will be a platform for James to broaden the debate on the strategic use of space and how humanity uses it as a final frontier to interact, something the oceans have also seen before throughout history and to this day. Leverage insight and tools derived from the maritime domain can advance understanding of the role of space in national defence and security today and in the future. The research aims to advance understanding of the role of space in defence and security, in particular the interactions between human exploration, science, commerce, law, communications, and military operations as part of a national strategy which reflects national ways of ‘war and peace’.
James is uniquely positioned for this research; he was awarded fellow status from the Royal Astronomical Society and a non-resident research fellow at the US Naval War College. As part of the research, he is engaging in conversation about the future of space power with civilian organisations such as NASA. Outreach beyond the defence community with partners from science, law, technology, and the environment will help inform the research. James argues military and defence circles need to take a more inclusive approach to space in the future than pursuing narrow doctrinal concepts and theories. He suggests mindfulness to the broader international discussions on a range of topics related to the future use of space, whether philosophical, scientific, or genuine concerns over the risk from space debris or hasty responses to ongoing threats of space warfare.
The study will be completed under the mentorship of the Laughton Chair of Naval History and Maritime Strategy, Professor Andrew Lambert.
“What is highly impressive about James and his research is that those outside the field of War and Defence Studies, from entirely different disciplines, have identified the importance of the research and the questions James is asking, such as those from the science, engineering communities and importantly the civilian space organisations who have awarded him the highest recognition usually reserved for this own fields. They clearly appreciate how James is outreaching to broaden the debate about space and human interaction in it. His use of the maritime model to think through solutions to growing problems in space is well-grounded in his previous research and the connection between seapower and space, which is a long-standing one.”
––Professor Andrew Lambert
The research highlights the need for growing attention to issues in space, its influence and impact on Earth, human civilisation, and future strategic and defence policy direction towards space even far beyond Earth orbit. He hopes to contribute to scholarship by advancing understanding of the role of space in defence and its interface with geostrategy, geopolitics, and civilian activity, something he argues the oceans have been central to throughout history and remain so. His research will demonstrate this connection will be key to future human activity and interaction in space.
The research that will take place over the coming years resulting in future publications and events held at King’s and beyond that, will also bring together an international audience of civilian and military space researchers and professionals.
You can read the original King’s College London news article release here:
“New project will use maritime approach to advance space strategy - King's College London (kcl.ac.uk)”