NATO in the Global Commons: Defending Outer Space Against Threats from China

Abstract

In this article, we analyse the deterrence relationship between NATO and China in the space domain. As the alliance's newest operational domain, NATO remains heavily dependent upon its nation states’ space assets. At the same time, China is developing advanced counterspace capabilities designed to exploit this dependency by holding NATO members’ space assets at risk. We argue that NATO deterrence in the space domain is hampered by internal reliance on US patronage in space. This is evident in the lack of intra-alliance burden sharing in space, as well as the lack of clear transatlantic unity in how to approach space at a strategic level. We propose steps to strengthen NATO deterrence in space vis-à-vis China. Particularly, increased burden sharing in space through inter-operable capabilities and strategic coherency between Europe and North America on defence in the space domain would bolster both capability and resolve for NATO's deterrent in space.