The Soviet Space Program and International Collaboration during Perestroika, 1985 1991

At a time when space plays an increasingly vital role in our societies, economies, and foreign policy, this book is essential reading for scholars of international relations, history, and space studies. This book examines the evolution of the Soviet space sector during ‘Perestroika,’ a period of economic and political reform in the USSR during the late 1980s. By analysing the economic, political, and social transformations that occurred in the Soviet Union, the author sheds light on the USSR’s evolving role on the international stage. The book meticulously explores the interplay between foreign and domestic policy and its impact on the Soviet space program. Key concepts include the complexity of establishing Soviet-European relationships amidst bloc confrontations, ideological disparities and differing scientific approaches, and the commercialisation of the Soviet space sector. Ideal for scholars of international relations, history, and space studies, this book contributes to debates on the role of science diplomacy in shaping international relations and geopolitics. Olga Dubrovina is a Research Fellow in the Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies at the University of Padua, in Italy. She also lectures on the history of international relations and Russian history at the State University of Milan. This book explores the evolution of the Soviet space sector during the period of perestroika, presenting it as a revealing mirror of the broader political, economic, and social transformations that reshaped the late Soviet Union. It examines the dynamics behind the attempted transition from an authoritarian regime with a centralised economy to a democratic system and market-based economy, analysing the consequences of these profound shifts for the fabric of Soviet society. As the expansion of international scientific cooperation and the commercialisation of space infrastructure became central to changes in the field of cosmonautics, the book delves into the challenges of forging Soviet–European partnerships amid Cold War bloc divisions. It also traces the USSR’s initial steps into the emerging global market for space goods and services. At a time when space plays an increasingly vital role in our societies, economies, and foreign policy, this book is essential reading for scholars of international relations, history, and space studies. It makes a timely contribution to ongoing debates on science diplomacy and its influence on international relations and global geopolitics.

Pagina's: 424, Hardcover, Palgrave Macmillan