Alfred Oehlers

Partnerships and Soft Power in Space

By |2020-10-22T14:00:33-10:00October 22nd, 2020|

This article emphasizes the importance in examining the role of allies and international partners in the newly-formed U.S. Space Force and Space Command’s evolving mission. Excerpt There are valuable gains to be won by reaching out to these many other nations either lacking in space capabilities or with civilian-led space security-related sectors. For example, in a context of strategic competition and aggressive initiatives such as the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor led by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), a broadening of our partnership aperture might help in alerting partner nations and articulating an alternative avoiding deeper economic dependence [...]

Religion in a Values-Based Approach to Strategic Competition

By |2020-10-14T11:29:47-10:00October 14th, 2020|

This article asks the question “Can we bring religious faiths and beliefs to bear in our strategic competition with our competitors?” Excerpt We speak often of a values-based approach to strategic competition.  In so doing, we usually operate within a mental frame that privileges familiar political and economic values such as those associated with our democratic political systems and practices, and our liberal market-led approaches to economic organization.  Less often do we draw attention to the place of religious faiths and beliefs within our value systems.  In a context of strategic competition, this omission potentially denies us an opportunity to [...]

Oceania’s Potential Role in Space Governance Development?

By |2020-05-13T10:17:21-10:00May 13th, 2020|

In this paper, Dr. Alfred Oehlers focuses on the potential of Oceania playing a more vital role in the future of space governance. Excerpt: It may seem incongruous to speak of space and Oceania together. Somehow, the juxtaposition of high-tech space missions against a commonly held vision of relaxed, sunny, palm-fringed beaches, just seems odd. Yet, in these unusual times we live in, the connection may be more important than we realize. At a time of heightened geopolitical competition across multiple domains, Oceania can assume a very helpful role assisting the United States and like-minded nations in a strategic contest [...]

COVID-19 and the ASEAN Chair Agenda: Vietnam’s Lost Year? and Brunei’s, Too?

By |2020-04-24T13:37:10-10:00April 24th, 2020|

In this paper, Dr. Oehlers states that “There is mounting concern the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect progress with several crucial issues confronting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Precautionary measures such as restricted travel have virtually paralyzed progress while intensifying impacts have injected additional priorities on already crowded agendas, all to be addressed by Chairs facing increasing constraints. Efforts by the current and next incoming Chair – Vietnam and Brunei, respectively – will likely mitigate circumstances. ASEAN may also wish to consider bolder temporary measures to signal and reassure a sustained continuity and focus on these crucial priorities, [...]

COVID-19, Debt, and Strategic Competition

By |2020-04-20T08:34:29-10:00April 17th, 2020|

In this paper, Dr. Oehlers states that “The current pandemic-induced economic crisis presents a unique opportunity for the United States and like-minded partners to reverse the gains China has made through its debt-led approach to acquire economic and political leverage. By addressing the debt challenges increasingly faced by some developing countries, the financial leverage China holds over any of these can be weakened significantly. Additionally, a multilateral response to the debt challenge grounded on current international rules-based norms, principles, and institutions, will counter Chinese intentions to create a parallel rival system centered on the Belt-Road Initiative. This approach will consequently [...]

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