From Orbit to Objective: Space and the Future of Conflict

About this episode

The episode discusses the strategic importance of space in modern conflict and how it shapes military operations.

Space is no longer a silent backdrop to conflict—it is a contested domain that enables, shapes, and increasingly defines how wars are fought. In this episode, Ben Jebb and Charlie McGillis sit down with Dr. James Kiras and General Stephen Whiting to examine the strategic importance of space in both great power competition and irregular warfare. The discussion explores how modern military operations rely on space-based capabilities for precision, synchronization, intelligence, and global reach—and what happens when those capabilities are contested. The conversation also dives into the evolving “SOF-space-cyber triad,” highlighting how special operations forces, space professionals, and cyber operators can integrate to create complex dilemmas for adversaries. From maneuver warfare in orbit to countering Chinese influence campaigns in the Global South, the episode underscores a critical takeaway: space superiority is not automatic. It must be defended, integrated, and deliberately incorporated into joint campaigning if the United States and its partners are to preserve their strategic advantage. Dr. James Kiras is Professor of Strategy at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Jebb, Charlie McGillis

Guests: Dr. James Kiras, General Stephen Whiting

Topics covered

• space warfare
• great power competition
• irregular warfare
• military operations
• SOF-space-cyber triad
• space superiority
• strategic advantage

Keywords

• space
• military strategy
• special operations
• cyber operations
• precision warfare
• intelligence
• global reach
• Chinese influence
• joint campaigning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: United States Space Command, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies

Places: United States, Global South, China

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