Rising Moon: The Geopolitical Significance of Japan's First Moon Shot in 2018

Authors

  • Marshall Bennett Georgetown University

Abstract

This study examines the geopolitical context of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) announcement of its first moon shot in 2018 and how the mission connects to Japan's national competitive strategies against its neighbors. After discussing the current space competition in Asia and the security challenges that Japan confronts in the post-Cold War era, the study surveys how a lack of cooperation in space among Asian countries due to unresolved historical issues have led to a redundancy among space programs. The study then considers how Japan has adapted the foreign dimension of its space policy to this environment and how the nation can create opportunities for greater regional cooperation in space. The study concludes that Japan (with support from the U.S.) can create new forms of multilateralism via transparency and confidence building measures (TCBMs), which would serve as stepping stones for Asian nations to ensure that access to space remains safe and secure.

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Published

2016-06-15

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 3 (2016)

Section

Research Articles

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