Technology control regimes and the globalization of space industry

This paper provides theoretical underpinnings for further discussions on the future direction of the international aerospace community in an era of globalization. It points out that changes in the international distribution of resources are placing strains on the basic operating principles of the current technology control regime, but at this stage the social groupings do not appear to be in place to overturn the current paradigm. Instead, this paper suggests that current operating principles could be modified in order for the current regime to keep pace with globalization. These changes would include: (1) a shift in the monitoring mechanism of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) requiring looser supervision but greater transparency; (2) greater inclusion of private industry as a stakeholder in MTCR proceedings; and (3) much more focus on the list of prescribed technologies to include only those which are most critical to the development of military missiles.