POSTCOLONIAL CRITIQUE OF EVERETT DOLMAN’S ASTROPOLITIK

Abstract

In the current context of rapid transformations in space exploration, this article critically examines Everett Dolman’s proposal in Astropolitik, emphasizing his view of U.S. domination of outer space as a strategic imperative. Grounded in a postcolonial approach, the research seeks to understand how the militarization and competition for space resources may reproduce historical asymmetries between developed countries and the Global South. It is argued that, although Astropolitik promotes U.S. supremacy as a means to ensure security and power projection, such a perspective raises serious ethical, political, and geopolitical concerns. The study highlights that the exclusion of nations with limited technological capacity undermines the construction of an inclusive and sustainable international governance of space. It concludes that the future of space exploration requires a cooperative, multilateral, and regulated approach that enables the equitable use of benefits from space development, reducing inequalities and fostering greater balance in international relations.