On the Edge of Earth; The Future of American Space Power
Lexington, KY: The University Press of Kentucky, 2001. Second printing [stated]. Hardcover. xi, [1], 365, [7] pages. Illustrations. Appendix. Notes. Index. Dr. Steven Lambakis is a national security and international affairs analyst specializing in space power and policy studies. Since joining National Institute for Public Policy in 1989, Dr. Lambakis written reports on a range of subjects, including studies of the following: political and legal restrictions on U.S. military activities in space; national defense space policy; ballistic missile defense; the future role of special operations forces in U.S. military strategy; and “asymmetric” threats. Since 2000, Dr. Lambakis has supported the Director of the Missile Defense Agency, formerly the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. Dr. Lambakis’ most recent book, On the Edge of Earth: The Future of American Space Power (University Press of Kentucky, 2001), examines the development of American space power and highlights critical space policy deficiencies. In 1993, he published Winston Churchill-Architect of Peace: A Study of Statesmanship and the Cold War (Greenwood Press). He has published several articles, book reviews, and op-ed pieces in Space Policy, Policy Review, Armed Forces Journal International, Orbis, Strategic Review, U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Defense News, Space News, Comparative Strategy, The Claremont Review of Books, and The Washington Times. Dr. Lambakis also has testified before the House Science Committee, Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, and appeared on the television show Debates/Debates to discuss the “weaponization of space.”. The United States has long exploited Earth's orbits to enhance security, generate wealth, and solidify its position as a world leader. America's ambivalence toward military activities in space, however, has the potential to undermine our future security. Many in Washington possess a peculiar regard for space and warfare. Some perceive space as a place to defend and fight for America's vital interests. Others whose voices are frequently dominant and manifested in public rhetoric, funded defense programs, international diplomacy, and treaty commitments look upon space as a preserve not to be despoiled by earthly strife. After forty years of discussion, the debate over America's role in space rages on. In light of the steady increase in international satellite activity for commercial and military purposes, American's vacillation on this issue could begin to pose a real threat to our national security. Steven Lambakis argues that this policy dysfunction will eventually manifest itself in diminished international political leverage, the forfeiture of technological advances, and the squandering of valuable financial resources. Lambakis reviews key political, military, and business developments in space over the past four decades. Emphasizing that we should not take our unobstructed and unlimited access to space for granted, he identifies potential space threats and policy flaws and proposes steps to meet national security demands for the twenty-first century. Condition: Very good / Very good.
Keywords: Space Weapons, International Security, Space Power, Military Strategy, Space Systems, National Defense, Space Policy, Ballistic Missile, Arms Control, Anti-Satellite, Global Positioning, Remote Sensing, Space Commercial, Space Technology, Strategic D
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