On 19 February, SIPRI convened a briefing titled ‘Stability in Space’ at the United Nations Office at Geneva, bringing together diplomats, technical experts and researchers to examine emerging challenges in the space domain. The discussion was moderated by Nivedita Raju, Senior Researcher in SIPRI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programme. The event was held alongside ongoing multilateral discussions on the prevention of an arms race in outer space.
As space systems play an increasingly critical role in both civilian and military services, participants discussed how perceived threats to these systems can fuel escalation across domains and heighten the risk of misperception and miscalculation. The discussion focused on trends in national and international space governance, developments in space technologies and counterspace capabilities, and pragmatic steps to maintain stability in an increasingly contested environment.
SIPRI expert Nivedita Raju guided exchanges on how research and policy dialogue can inform practical risk-reduction measures. Panellists and participants reflected on ongoing research and dialogue in Track 1.5 and Track 2 settings, including initiatives convened by SIPRI’s WMD Programme with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The event provided a timely platform to identify concrete, cooperative steps to strengthen transparency, reduce risks and reinforce norms for responsible behaviour in outer space. Through engagements such as this, SIPRI continues to contribute evidence-based analysis and inclusive dialogue to support international efforts to safeguard stability and security in space.