The Power of the Space Club

An overview of the role of nation-state clubs in world politics, using the case of the space club. Aimed at scholars of international relations, security studies and sociology of science and technology as well as practitioners, this book examines the logic in joining the space club, emphasizing its political, economic, technological, social and scientific impact.

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Why do nation states choose to develop national space programs? How can they justify national efforts to acquire capabilities by arguing for membership of the space club? This book provides a unique perspective of the past, current and future of space exploration and technological development in world politics. A country that sees itself as a power deserving of a seat at the table of world governance is expected to race for space. Based on a rich and detailed analysis of a range of space programs of states which are not usually at the focus of world politics and its research, the author shows that joining the space club is a legitimate and rational decision. The book provides a different way of looking at international relations, through a relatively under-studied area of policy - the space club.