Conflict and Space: A concept in transition

International Workshop Convened by the Centre for International Law, Conflict and Crisis and the Centre for Military Studies of the University of Copenhagen.

Since the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union in 1957, outer space has been an environment with the dual potential to ignite or quell international conflicts. These concerns dominated the legal and political agendas of early spacefaring nations. The Cold War catalysed the need for the drafting and ratification of the UN space treaties providing the current legal regime for outer space. However, in the 21st Century, the nature and dynamics of conflict are changing. Technological advances, the rise of non-state actors, and the increased duality of space systems are all contributing to the evolving concept of conflict. These changes are occurring faster than the law can address them. This workshop will consider the changing nature of conflict within the ongoing technical, legal, and political developments in the field.

Venue: University of Copenhagen, The Faculty of Law, Southern Campus, Conference / flex room, ground floor, room 8A-0-57, Njalsgade 76, DK-2300 Copenhagen S. 

Date: 28 April 2017

Programme and presentations

08:30 – 09:00 Registration and Coffee

09:00 – 09:15 Welcome: Henrik Breitenbauch, Director, Centre for Military Studies; Anders Henriksen, Director, Centre for International Law, Conflict and Crisis

09:15 – 11:00 Legal Concepts of Conflict: Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Anders Henriksen The Concept of Conflict in International and National Space Law: Prof. Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz, Emerita, Journal of Space Law Editor-in-Chief Emerita The Concept of Conflict in the Proposed Code of Conduct for Space: Prof. Sergio Marchisio, University Sapienza of Rome, Chairman of the European Centre for Space Law The Concept of Conflict in International Humanitarian Law for Armed Conflicts in Space: Dr. Heather A. Harrison Dinniss, Centre for International and Operational Law, Swedish Defense University

11:00 – 11:15 Coffee Break

11:15 – 12:45 Extraterrestrial Concepts of Conflict: Moderator: Prof Joanne Gabrynowicz Space Traffic Management and Global Situational Awareness: Theresa Hitchens, former Director of UNIDIR and Senior Research Scholar at the University of Maryland's Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)  Extraterrestrial Extraction and Use of Space Resources: Asst. Prof. Tanja Masson-Zwaan, Deputy Director of the International Institute of Air and Space Law, Leiden University Rules of Road for Space: Michael Krepon, Co-founder and Senior Associate, Stimson Center

12:45 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 15:45 Terrestrial Concepts of Conflict: Moderator: Henrik Breitenbauch Thinking about War and Conflict in Space in the 21st Century: Prof. Everett Dolman, United States Air Command and Staff College Autonomous Weapons Systems and Space Assets: Gary Schaub, Senior Researcher, Centre for Military Studies, University of Copenhagen Space Assets and US Grand Strategy: Todd Harrison, Director, Defense Budget Analysis, Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, International Security Program, CSIS

15:45 – 17:00 Space Networking Reception with Industry