Ukraine invasion threatens international collaboration in space – is current space law equipped to handle a new era of shifting power structures?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is challenging the structures of international collaboration in space. In this episode, we talk to two experts about how space is entering a new era of international competition – and whether the existing laws are ready for what comes next. 

Featuring Kuan-Wei (David) Chen, executive director of the Centre for Research in Air and Space Law at McGill University in Canada and Svetla Ben-Itzhak, assistant professor of space and international relations at Air University in the US.

This episode of The Conversation Weekly was produced by Gemma Ware. Sound design is by Eloise Stevens and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Full credits for this episode available here. A transcript is also available to read.

Further reading

• Space Blocs: The future of international cooperation in space is splitting along lines of power on Earth
• Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens space co-operation, business and security
• Ukraine war: how it could play out in space – with potentially dangerous consequences
• Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting US sanctions threaten the future of the International Space Station