Power transition, rising China, and the regime for outer space in a US-hegemonic space order

The regime for outer space is a paradigmatic example of Great Power Management within a hegemonic system. Although it is possible to suggest that a modicum of leadership transition is taking place as a result of China’s attempts to assume the role of a ‘responsible great power’ in space, premised on the provision of global public goods, the international politics of space continues to be defined by the policies and preferences of the United States as the leading space power. The chapter examines the current forces that shape the space regime, concentrating on the growing military uses of space, the democratisation of space activities, diplomatic efforts to set norms of responsible behaviour in space, and China’s ascendance as a ‘space’ great power.