Bleddyn Bowen and Lucas Kello Chaired by Stephen Law

Space warfare expert Dr Bleddyn Bowen and international relations academic Professor Lucas Kello look at the future of war and debate the implications of new technologies on international conflicts.

As satellites become essential for warfare, will the next major war begin or be decided in outer space? What are the implications of developing space technology for political and military strategy and international relations? What does the rapid expansion of cyberspace mean for geopolitics? Are the hacking activities of military agents in the 2016 presidential election a sign that while the West is winning the technology race, it is losing the larger contest over cyber security? How can we best respond to growing cyber threats? Two world-leading academic experts and authors guide us through the issues.

Bowen is lecturer in international relations at the University of Leicester and an expert on space warfare, international relations in outer space, and strategic theory. He is the author of War in Space: Strategy, Spacepower, Geopolitics. Kello is associate professor of international relations at Oxford University. His publications include The Virtual Weapon and International Order. His latest book is Striking Back: The End of Peace in Cyberspace – And How To Restore It.

Discussions are chaired by Dr Stephen Law, a philosopher and academic, author of bestselling introductions to philosophy for adults and children, editor of the Royal Institute of Philosophy Journal Think, and the festival’s major projects director.