Russia’s Space Security Policy

Abstract

Russia’s outer space policies fit within its domestic and foreign policy efforts which focus on asserting Russia’s authority, status, and prestige and reviving its economy. Outer space has also become an important area through which Russia aims to respond to Western strategy and capabilities and also influence global norms. Military efforts are but one part of a complex set of tools, employed to navigate what Russia perceives as an increasingly hostile world. Its economic, military, and technological weaknesses compared to the USA and NATO have led Russia to pursue asymmetric tactics which include working through bilateral bodies and those affiliated through the UN on space policy. These give it publicity and some legitimacy but little ability to make significant progress on the substantive issues.