Topic:
Country: Ecuador
Delegate Name: Brady Mason
Topic: 2023- Militarization of Outer Space
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Brady Mason
The militarization of outer space refers to the development and deployment of
military assets, including satellites and other technologies, for defense and security
purposes in space. Major space-faring nations, such as the United States, Russia, and
China, are actively involved in this phenomenon, utilizing space as a strategic domain.
This militarization has global implications, affecting not only the countries directly
engaged but also the international community. Satellites, essential for communication,
navigation, weather monitoring, and surveillance, are vulnerable to disruptions,
potentially impacting the lives of millions worldwide. The issue gained prominence in
recent decades due to increased competition among major powers and the recognition
of space’s strategic importance for national security. International efforts to regulate and
address the militarization of outer space have been initiated, emphasizing the necessity
for peaceful and cooperative use of space resources.
This issue is viewed with concern due to its potential global implications. The
United Nations (UN) has been actively engaged in addressing this issue, with efforts
focused on promoting the peaceful and responsible use of outer space. Various
resolutions and treaties have been significant in this regard. The Outer Space Treaty,
adopted in 1967, forms the cornerstone of international space law, emphasizing the
principle that outer space should be used for peaceful purposes and prohibiting the
placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit. The Prevention of an Arms Race in
Outer Space (PAROS) resolution, annually introduced at the UN General Assembly,
advocates for the prevention of an arms race in space and the development of an
international legal framework to address space security concerns. On the two sides of
the topic, there is tension between the desire for national security through space
militarization and the international call for the demilitarization of outer space to ensure
its use for peaceful and cooperative purposes. Bangladesh, as a member of the
international community, seeks to contribute to the ongoing dialogue within the UN to
strike a balance between these perspectives.
This situation has prompted concerns about its potential impact on national
security and the country’s technological infrastructure. Bangladesh has recognized the
importance of space-based technologies for communication, weather monitoring, and
disaster management, making it susceptible to any disruptions resulting from the
militarization of outer space. In response, the country has engaged in diplomatic efforts
within the international community, including participation in discussions at the United
Nations, to address the challenges associated with the militarization of space.
Bangladesh’s leaders have emphasized the need for international cooperation and the
formulation of treaties to ensure the peaceful use of outer space. While the country may
lack a direct role in the global space race, its leaders have advocated for policies that
promote the demilitarization of outer space to safeguard the peaceful and beneficial use
of space technologies for all nations.
Addressing the militarization of outer space requires a cooperative and
diplomatic approach. Bangladesh is likely to support international initiatives that
advocate for the demilitarization of space and the establishment of a comprehensive,
legally binding treaty to prevent the weaponization of outer space. The country may
endorse proposals within the United Nations that emphasize the peaceful use of space
technologies and discourage the deployment of military assets in orbit. As for funding
such initiatives, Bangladesh would likely prefer a shared financial responsibility among
member states of the international community. This funding could be facilitated through
contributions from countries based on their economic capacities, ensuring a
collaborative effort to sustainably address the challenges posed by the militarization of
outer space without disproportionately burdening any single nation.
Sources:
Secure World Foundation. (2022). “Global Counterspace Capabilities: An Open
Source Assessment.” [Online] Available:
https://swfound.org/research/counterspace-capabilities/
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). (2022). “Outer Space
Security Conference.” [Online] Available:
http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/outer-space-security-conference.h
tml
Central Intelligence Agency. (2022). “The World Factbook: Bangladesh.” [Online]
Available: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/bangladesh/
