International Relations of Spaceflight (POSC 190)

About the class

Students will explore the fascinating world of spaceflight through a political lens. In the 1950’s, spaceflight emerged as a central component of the Cold War and has remained an important component of international relations. Students will examine and discuss how spaceflight has evolved from a bitterly competitive conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, to a more collaborative endeavor, and what the future holds in spaceflight relations. Even through tense times like the recent war in Ukraine, Astronauts from all over the world have remained on board the International Space Station.

Please feel free to email me with any questions / requests.

Quarters offered at UC Riverside

Note: the title of this course has been tweaked several times, and was offered as: "Politics of Spaceflight," "Spaceflight History," "International Relations of Spaceflight," "International Relations as a function of Spaceflight," "Spaceflight Politics."

Course Syllabus