Cold War, the Space Race, and the Law of Outer Space: Space for Peace

The Cold War, Space Race, and the Law of Outer Space: Space for Peace explores how the United Nations adopted five multilateral treaties to establish international law in outer space, aiming to promote peace and prevent war in the Space Age. The book is interdisciplinary and will appeal to scholars in law, history, and other fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Cold War, the Space Race, and the Law of Outer Space: Space for Peace is a captivating account of one of the United Nations' most remarkable and lesser-known accomplishments. This book delves into the story of the adoption of five multilateral treaties that form the international law of outer space. The journey begins in 1957 during the International Geophysical Year, a historic scientific collaboration that led to the launch of Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. While satellites were initially launched with the intention of fostering peaceful scientific cooperation, it was evident to everyone that their potential impact could be catastrophic, potentially leading to world-ending events such as nuclear testing in outer space, the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in orbit, and the militarization of the moon.

As the 1960s approached, the world faced a daunting prospect: the possibility of nuclear testing in outer space, the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in orbit, and the militarization of the moon. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the United Nations embarked on a mission to harness the promise of peace through scientific cooperation and to mitigate the risks of war in the Space Age. This book tells the compelling story of how the United Nations achieved this through the adoption of the Outer Space Treaty, the Rescue and Return Agreement, the Liability Convention, the Registration Convention, and the Moon Agreement.

Interdisciplinary in approach, this book appeals to scholars in law, history, and other fields who are passionate about the Cold War, the Space Race, and outer space law. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the historical context, legal framework, and geopolitical implications of these treaties, shedding light on the complex interplay between science, politics, and international relations during this pivotal period.

The Cold War, the Space Race, and the Law of Outer Space: Space for Peace is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the potential for the future. It serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation, scientific progress, and the preservation of peace in a rapidly changing world. By examining the historical events and legal frameworks that shaped the development of outer space law, this book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to explore and exploit the vast expanse of space.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367753849