War in Space: Strategy, Spacepower, Geopolitics

by Bleddyn E. Bowen

War in Space presents a theory of spacepower and considers the implications of space technology on strategy and international relations. The spectre of space warfare stalks the major powers as outer space increasingly defines geopolitical and military competition. As satellites have become essential for modern warfare, strategists are asking whether the next major war will begin or be decided in outer space. Only strategic theory can explore the decisiveness and effects of war in space on grand strategy and international relations.

Bleddyn E. Bowen applies the wisdom of military strategy to outer space and presents a compelling new vision of Earth's orbit as a coastline, rather than an open ocean or an extension of airspace as many have assumed. Rooted in the classical military works of Clausewitz, Mahan and Castex, to name a few, Bowen puts forward new principles for strategic thought about space that explain the pervasive and inescapable influence of spacepower on strategy and the changing military balance of the 21st century.

Genres: Space, Nonfiction, Academic

288 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2020

Reviews

[Meg C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a refreshing academic work that adds so much nuance and renewed thought to traditional spacepower theory. By describing space as a "cosmic coastline" rather than some far away place often viewed as separate through a military strategy lens, Bowen asserts that the space domain is centered around creating effects on earth. He touches on a broad range of scenarios and issues relating to space and even discusses bureaucratic and cultural struggles of the new U.S. Space Force. If you are interested in a novel take on space as it relates to international relations and conflict, read this book.

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely dry and repetitive, but offers some valuable strategic insight. The key concept to me is conceiving of Earth orbit (at all altitudes) as a coastal littoral, rather than a bluewater expanse. This constrains both the options for and utility of spacepower, but also enables otherwise unseen ways to employ it.

In short: the strategy is good; the prose less so.