Recent Publication by Professor Ram Jakhu and Nishith Mishra
The Institute of Air and Space is pleased to announce the publication of a research essay by our Prof. Ram Jakhu and IASL Doctoral Candidate, Nishith Mishra titled ‘The Beginning of the End of International Space Law’. This Chapter has been published in a collection of essays honouring Prof. Dr. Siegfried Wiessner, and has been published as part of a book titled “Human Flourishing: The End of Law” which has been edited by Prof. W. Michael Reisman & Prof. Roza Pati.
In choosing a rather provocative title for the research essay, the authors have highlighted and analysed a wide variety of factors and circumstances that are currently contributing, and have contributed, towards the gradual decline in multilateralism in international space law-making. The focus here is not in any specific issue of international space law but towards a larger and more fundamental subject of ongoing ‘challenges’ to the global space governance framework. The authors, through their research work, have attempted to analyse and present several developments and trends during the last couple of decades that have turned the tide of international concerns and relations towards a more individualistic, nationalist and unilateral approach to addressing issues of global concern.
In using the phrase ‘beginning of the end’, the authors do not in any way imply that the end is not stoppable. Rather, it is an urgent call to the international community to take appropriate actions and timely recourses. In a world that is rapidly moving towards a multi-polar global order, law needs to be maintained and viewed as an evolving process. If the rule of law is allowed to end or be significantly weakened in the space domain, the freedom of exploration and use of outer space ‘by all and for the benefit of all’ will significantly diminish. In the broader scheme of things, this is likely to effect sustainable use of outer space and is also likely to present serious concerns, or threats, to international peace and security.
"We extend our congratulations to our colleague Prof. Ram Jakhu and Doctoral Candidate Nishith Mishra" the IASL Co-Directors Prof. Vincent Correia and Prof. Andrea Harrington said.