UNGA Resolution 70/27 'No first placement of weapons in space: a positive contribution to prevent an arms race in outer space?

摘要

On 7 December 2015 the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted with a vote of 126 in favor, 4 against, and 46 abstentions, Resolution 70/27 on 'No first placement of weapons in space.' The adoption of Resolution 70/27, which has received limited attention in academic circles, represents, instead, an important development for at least three reasons. First, it indicates the growing recognition of the positive role that transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs) play in preventing an arms race in space (PAROS), even from the perspective of those States that has suggested the adoption of a treaty on PAROS. Second, it shows the willingness of a crescent number of members of the United Nations General Assembly to engage in initiatives aimed at promoting a more secure space environment. Third, its controversial reception proves that a universal solution to the issue of space security still lays far ahead, as States maintain substantially different views on the approach and methods to be used. In the light of the above the purpose of this paper is to analyze the content Resolution 70/27, evaluate its positive features and shortcomings, and assess its chances to provide a meaningful contribution to a more secure outer space.