From the sea to outer space: The command of space as the foundation of spacepower theory

Bowen, Bleddyn E.

Abstract

Colin Gray once lamented the absence of a ‘Mahan for the final frontier’ and spacepower theory in strategic studies. This article proposes the command of space as the fundamental concept of spacepower theory, and that Mahan himself has much to offer in the endeavour of spacepower theory-making than has hitherto been realised. The theory is advanced by tempering versions of the ‘command of space’, stressing its educational intent, and explaining the nuanced sub-concepts of space control and denial through understanding some precedents set by seapower theory. In the process, aspects of Mahanian and Corbettian seapower theory are unified.

Citation

Bowen, B. E. (2019). From the sea to outer space: The command of space as the foundation of spacepower theory. Journal of Strategic Studies, 42(3-4), 532-556. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2017.1293531

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Feb 23, 2017
• Publication Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jan 30, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Strategic Studies
• Print ISSN: 0140-2390
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-937X
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 3-4
• Pages: 532-556
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2017.1293531
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3357342