13 October 2025
09:00 - 10:00 Europe/Oslo
Event
Breakfast seminar: Space diplomacy and Transatlantic Relations
Is the space domain increasingly characterised by militarisation – or are we witnessing the emergence of a new realm of transatlantic cooperation based on diplomacy?
Language: English
NUPI, Rosenkrantz' gate 22, 0160 OSLO
Seminar
Uncertainty increasingly clouds the transatlantic relationship. US foreign policy has undergone rapid change, prompting Europe to increase its focus on security and strategic autonomy. What are the risks in the transatlantic relationship as the US transforms its approach to space security, and as the EU, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), embarks on a new space strategy?
Is the space domain increasingly characterised by militarisation – or are we witnessing the emergence of a new realm of transatlantic cooperation based on diplomacy?
We are tackling these questions and more at a NUPI seminar on 13 October, when Mai’a K. Davis Cross will discuss how space diplomacy has so far enabled space to remain a peaceful domain – and how it can become a powerful tool to promote cooperation rather than conflict in the future. The seminar will be followed by a moderated discussion between Professor Cross, doctoral fellow Claudia Aanonsen (NUPI), and Marianne Riddervold (NUPI and ARENA – Centre for European Studies at the University of Oslo).
The conversation will be led by Research Professor Niels Nagelhus Schia (NUPI).
The event will take place at NUPI (New address: Rosenkrantz’ gate 22, 4th floor) and lasts from 09:00 to 10:00. A light breakfast will be served from 08:30.
The event will also be streamed live to our YouTube channel. No registration needed for digital participation:
About professor Mai'a K. Davis Cross:
Cross is the Dean’s Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, and Diplomacy and Director of the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures at Northeastern University. Her work focuses on diplomacy, public diplomacy, and space diplomacy, especially in terms of European and transatlantic relations. Her research on space addresses key questions related to the geopolitics of space, the future of human space exploration, public-private collaboration on space technology, and space as a global common.
She has co-edited a double-length special issue on Space Diplomacy for the Hague Journal of Diplomacy, and is the author or editor of six books. Her 2026 forthcoming book is European Union Grand Strategy (under contract, Oxford University Press). Professor Cross frequently provides expert commentary through media interviews, policy briefs, and invited talks. She holds a PhD in Politics from Princeton University. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and served on its 2024-5 task force on US Space Policy.
Participants
Mai’a K. Davis Cross
Dean’s Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, and Diplomacy, Northeastern University
Claudia Emilie Aanonsen
Senior Research Fellow
Marianne Riddervold
Research Professor (part time)
Related projects
Research project
2025 - 2028 (Ongoing)
Earth to Orbit - Building Bridges in Space (DISCOVER)
DISCOVER analyses the key drivers of cooperation and conflict in space governance, highlighting the importance of international collaboration for global security and the stability of m...
Research project
2025 - 2027 (Ongoing)
Changing transatlantic security relations: Implications for Europe and Norway (TransatDefence)
Transatlantic relations are the cornerstone of Norway’s security and defence. Against the backdrop of the United States (US)’ ‘pivot to Asia,’ the increasing polarization of US foreign...
13 October 2025
09:00 - 10:00 Europe/Oslo
Language: English
NUPI, Rosenkrantz' gate 22, 0160 OSLO
Seminar