Astropolitik:

The Politics, Policies, and Technologies of Outer Space

Developed by DeLaine Mayer for New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, a graduate program preparing the next generation of leaders in international relations, offering Masters of Science (M.S.) degrees in Global Affairs and Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime.

Why Astropolitik?
Space is no longer the final frontier, it’s the next battleground for power, innovation, and global cooperation/conflict. Astropolitik equips students to think critically about who governs space, who benefits from it, and how decisions made beyond Earth shape life on it.

Astropolitik at NYU
Astropolitik is an interdisciplinary course that explores how space is shaping—and reshaping—global power dynamics. It traces the historical evolution of space activity, from Cold War competition to today’s commercial space race, and equips students to critically assess the political, legal, and technological forces driving humanity beyond Earth.

Through the lens of geopolitics, students examine space debris, anti-satellite weapons, and in-space resource utilization (ISRU), analyzing how these issues affect terrestrial policy and international relations. The course also introduces core STEM concepts behind space infrastructure and emerging technologies.

By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in the commercial, scientific, and military dimensions of space activity—and the tools to engage with the evolving politics and policies of this rapidly expanding domain.

Course Roadmap

  • ⚙

    Space in Historical and Technological Context

    The origins of spaceflight, Cold War dynamics, and the evolution of space systems that define today’s infrastructure.

  • ✦

    Frontiers of the Solar System

    The Moon, Mars, asteroids, and orbit as zones of scientific, strategic, and commercial interest.

  • ⚖

    Equity, Rights & Biomedicine

    Space through the lens of disability justice, human rights, and medical research in extreme environments.

  • ✺

    Orbital Environment & Geopolitics

    Space debris, environmental responsibility, and orbital governance as emerging security and diplomatic challenges.

  • ⌖

    Emerging Space Nations

    India and regional actors reshaping access, ambition, and influence in a multipolar space landscape.

  • ✠

    Superpowers & Strategic Competition

    U.S., China, Russia, and the privatization of space, exploring shifts in global power beyond Earth.