Threats to Peaceful Purposes of Outer Space: Politics and Law

This paper situates the ongoing debate and recently changing political narrative around the fundamental principle of “peaceful purposes” as enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty. The origins and evolution of the meaning of peaceful purposes are discussed. Further, the paper advances arguments on numerous fronts for the international community to not fall for the misinterpretation of the Outer Space Treaty that is proffered by actors advocating for non-peaceful uses and for making outer space a warfighting domain. In this context, practical suggestions on ways to preserve outer space for peaceful purposes are advanced.