Description
The idea that norms are universal in their constituting capacity has come under challenge especially in the literature on outer space norms. Key concepts like responsibility, capability and standards of behavior are under challenge as more and more nations establish their space programs. It is assumed that both states and private entities are playing an active role at the level of epistemic generation and organizational culture to constitute consensus with regard to developing space norms for encouraging 'responsible behavior' in space. Some of these norms are space debris removal, ban of Anti-Satellite testing as well as national Low earth orbit constellations, amongst others.
This paper, hopes to capture and address some of these debates by focusing on empirical and theoretical questions associated with norms of outer space. The paper will utilize theories of International Relations (realisms, liberalisms, constructivisms, critical theories) to explain how norms are viewed and constituted by them. Once that is accomplished, the paper offers a robust caseof space norms (space debris removal, ASAT weapons testing, national satellite constellation to demonstrate how each theory perceives these developments).
Understanding the evolution of norms related to outerspace, will not only help establishing a conversation with questions related to power, legitimacy, socialisation, and translation but also bring to fore the variation in perspectives related to the management of global commons and global public goods. Significantly, the outer space treaty sits at the intersection of mainstream and critical debates in International Relations. Indeed, there is a push back against mainstream analysis on space (Duedney) that calls for humanity to give up any space development goals.Besides, an alternative,or fringe discourse is emerging that challenges the mainstream Earth focused narratives on space norms.
Given the critical growth of the contribution of space to the development of human society, this paper comes at a significant time, thereby filling a gap in international relations literature and its absence for understanding the role of space and space norms apropos the development and furtherance of a discipline. We seek a synthesis thereby contrasting if not reconciiing what appear to be incompatible and incommensurate perspectives, and offer a dialogic framework for foregrounding the complexities associated with space norms.
