Space-to-Space Military Systems — An Operational Paradigm Shift

Current developments in space-to-space kinetic and non-kinetic weapons are changing the nature of military conduct in outer space. Additionally added flexibility, manoeuvrability and sustainability in space operations is made possible by in-orbit refuelling, servicing, assembly and manufacturing capabilities. When coupled with new technologies like military space vehicles, hunter-killer and nesting doll satellites and converged directed energy weapons, the space domain is realigned with more traditional operational domains of warfare. Although the nature of many military systems are by nature classified, one can infer from the current gamut of Western and adversarial projects already implemented but also in development that an operational paradigm shift is taking place in space. As such, European interoperability has never been so crucial - but similarly so is the ability to militarise space while guided by a stern moral compass, where legal accountability is ambiguous. In this vein, the article contends that space is experiencing an operational paradigm shift. Space is now, for all effects and purposes, a battlefield.

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Universal Jurisdiction: A Bridge Between International Criminal Law and EU Defence and Security

This paper aims to demonstrate how EU Defence and Security reflects International Criminal Law (hereafter ICL). Said link is analysed through the notion of transitional justice, lending itself to the concept of universal jurisdiction. Analysing the latter contributes to highlighting the concrete workings of ICL on a global scale, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the security and defence considerations in question. In fact, this paper assesses that it is beneficial for EU Member States to consider undertaking universal jurisdiction within the ambit of their security and defence policies, as such action positively contributes to EU diplomatic relations, contrary to what is commonly believed. Such a finding thus justifies the final observation that EU States should consider exercising universal jurisdiction as part of their defence and security strategies, thereby bolstering the importance of accountability as a global value.

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