Written by: Margot Littlefair 

Supervised by: Jaime Toral and Nellie Bylund

Edited by: Ivo Kesler

Abstract

This paper explores the persistent dangers of ballistic missiles (BMs) despite international legal efforts to curb their proliferation and use. It analyses violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Environmental Law (IEL), using the 44-Day War between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a case study to illustrate the devastating impact of BMs on civilians and the environment. While acknowledging the challenges posed by realist perspectives in international relations, the paper adopts a constructivist approach, suggesting that a shift in state identities and interests could encourage greater commitment to disarmament efforts. In this regard, the EU Space Strategy is highlighted as a potential avenue for promoting norms that prioritise humanitarian and environmental concerns in the context of space security.