Hi-Tech Armaments, Space Militarisation and the Third World

Abstract

Space militarisation is an outgrowth or extension of the general technical revolution in armaments and should be analysed as one category of high technology weaponry. I argue below that modern warfare upon the earth’s surface in fact depends, in its most technologically robust form, upon military space systems; I will suggest that modern warfare cannot be fought without space systems. Three main sections follow: (1) earth-based high technology weaponry; (2) space militarisation; and (3) effects upon the Third World. Certainly these three subtopics overlap and interweave with each other. A specific historical example might well illustrate or involve two or more of the subtopics; so too might a particular technology, such as microelectronics.

I wish to thank Rear-Admiral Gene R. La Rocque, USN (Ret.), and the other staff members of the Center for Defense Information for their advice, forbearance, and generous sharing of the Center’s research facilities and files. I also thank William M. Arkin for his helpful advice on how to research military matters, delivered both personally and through his excellent book, Research Guide to Current Military and Strategic Affairs, published in 1981 by, and available from, the Institute for Policy Studies, 1901 Q Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20009. Thanks also to Frances Weaver, Bernetha Gartung, and Mary Anne Brown for help at several junctures. The revision process benefited from critical discussion with Ulrich Albrect and his colleagues at the Berghof-Stifung fur Konflikforschung, Berlin. Finally, I thank Colin Creighton and Martin Shaw for their patient encouragement. Comments and dialogue are welcome and may be sent to Paul Hoag, 421 Princeton Avenue, Liberal, KS 67901, USA.