Space Warfare - Strategy, Principles and Policy (Hardcover, New)

Since the 1940s, there have been discussions concerning the need to develop a space power theory. In their attempts to formulate such a strategic theory, strategists have noted the similarities of space operations to those of air and naval operations. Consequently, many have attempted to derive a clearly articulated, all-encompassing space strategy through analogy and comparison to either airpower or sea control models. These efforts, however, have not produced a strategic theory addressing space operations and associated national interests. Without such a strategic framework for space, some analysts fear that the application of national resources and military force will be misapplied or even counterproductive.
This book, accordingly, addresses the need to codify a space theory and strategy, while addressing the following questions. Do space operations and national interests in space have useful parallels to either air or naval strategy? If air and naval strategic models do not fully match the broad scope of space operations, is there one that does? Given a suitable historical model, what are the principles for a space strategy? Will the resulting space strategic model be borne out by contemporary observations? What are the policy implications coming from any all-encompassing space strategy?
The author argues that neither air nor naval strategic models embrace the breadth of issues pertaining to space operations and strategy. However, by expanding naval strategy to include maritime concerns-which incorporate the interaction of the land and sea-the scope of space strategy can be adequately modeled. Maritime strategy in fact already exists, especially within the work of Sir JulianCorbett. By using maritime strategy as inspiration-while observing the salient lessons of Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Jomini, and Mao Tse-tung-it is possible to develop the strategic principles of space warfare. Albeit the resulting maritime inspired space strategy is in agreement with much of current joint doctrine, critical deficiencies in contemporary space literature and policy are brought to light.