European Space Policy – Taking Europe to the stars

ongoing

The STARS project will address Europe's role as a space power in the world. Europe's unique history has led to a civil and peaceful use of space. This is an exception. Usually, power rules and realist politics are the main theoretical tools to explain actions in space. However, much of the problem in international relations, and in space in particular, lies in this, because power often generates fear in the relatively weaker, and conflicts can arise between contesting powers. The thesis that will be tested throughout STARS is that strong powers will seek more power; weaker powers will seek to avoid direct conflict through asymmetric contest. Middle powers will seek to avoid conflict with the stronger powers and will seek to integrate weaker powers. The way they can do this is through rules that are proposed to all. This obviously reflects the EU as a normative power (Manners, 2002). More importantly, these rules must bring stability to the international system, stability that everyone needs, including the strongest powers. The purpose of European integration in Space may well be to fullfill the role of an honest broker between the other space powers. STARS objectives: - Provide a comprehensive analysis of European space policy, structured in a political study, space economy, popular culture, sociological analysis and historical study. - Work with two major local civil society organisations on a political study of the impact of European integration on the department of Maine-et-Loire, for example in the field of Earth observation technologies. Prepare an application for Angers to become the European Green Capital for 2030. - Contribute to the structuring of the discipline of European studies in general and European space policy in particular through publication outlets: Routledge's Space Power and Politics book series and The Routledge Resources Online in European Studies.