Alliances' Implications in the Space System – Preliminary Thoughts

The Need for an Israeli Space Strategy in an Era of Shifting International Relations

The system of relations between states in the space domain is continuously evolving with the increase in the number of active players in space and the transformation of space into a realm where the vital needs of states are met. Against the backdrop of these trends, leading countries around the world have updated their space strategies or their national security space strategies in recent years. From these trends and the growing strategic engagement, the importance of an Israeli space strategy becomes evident.

The Theoretical Foundation of AlliancesThe strategic discussion requires a theoretical foundation. One of its components is the knowledge base in the field of international relations, which has developed throughout history. Alliances, particularly military alliances, are a tool that regulates a wide range of interactions between states on land, at sea, and in the air, in a manner that links their actions to their interests. Hence the rationale for examining the implications of alliances and the typology of alliances that has developed throughout history for courses of action in the space domain.

The Unique Characteristics of the Space DomainThe space system possesses unique characteristics compared to the terrestrial system. Foundational terrestrial concepts such as sovereignty, borders, and hegemony, which lie at the base of the interaction between states, are not currently applicable in the space system. The prominence of commercial corporations in space compared to that of many states is also vastly different from what is customary in the terrestrial system.  Consequently, while space constitutes an expanding arena of action for states, and the linkages between the international system and the space system multiply, the regulatory components in space are less developed than their counterparts in the terrestrial system.

From Collaboration to Space AlliancesAlliances in their terrestrial sense do not yet exist in the space system.  The interaction between states, and between states and corporations in the space domain, is currently organized through collaborations of varying degrees, where the level of mutual commitment is lower than that characterizing alliances. Collaborations play a central role in space strategy documents published by leading countries around the world. However, the need to maintain stability in the space system expressed in these documents may subsequently raise the need for space alliances or the expansion of existing alliances into space. If this occurs, it is likely that space alliances will be led by major powers.

Implications for IsraelIsrael is expected to expand its space activities in the coming years as part of the global trend. Collaborations in the space domain are of great importance, as they enable the acceleration of acquiring capabilities necessary for Israel, contribute to economic strengthening, improve the resilience of satellite constellations, and bolster Israel's status, particularly in light of the favorable approach to cooperation by various countries.  Israel has traditionally refrained from entering into alliances; however, given the uniqueness of the space system, it would be appropriate to reconsider this policy should a US-led space alliance develop.