Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Who Owns the Moon? – In Defence of Humanity’s Common Interests in Space by A.C. Grayling; Oneworld Publications/distributed by Simon & Schuster (2024); Hardcover, 224 pages; $26.95.

Multiple countries have the Moon within its cross-hairs, for scientific purposes, for industrial gain, as well as to salute its military usefulness. Of late, China has put into action a lunar agenda that includes outreach to the Moon, planting taikonaut footprints there in the time-aged, dusty topside.

Meanwhile, NASA’s Artemis project also aims to “reboot” the Moon in a few years time.

So not only is this book timely reading – it’s a must-read. As the world’s superpowers and corporations jostle for control in space, it asks: who really can claim ownership of that world?

“To answer this question we have to look at some highly relevant precedents,” the author writes, as this is the aim of the volume.

Grayling is the founder and principal of the New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London, and its Professor of Philosophy.

Within its pages, the key chapters discuss the global commons, Antarctic protection, the high seas and deep oceans, as well as tackling a major issue of the day: Is the United Nations Outer Space Treaty “good enough” or ripe for an overhaul?

A space spinoff for discussion is addressed in this volume. That is, is there something available to humankind that is more powerful than partisan self-interest, be it profit motive, diplomatic power and national prestige?

The book concludes with a section, “what will happen…what can be done?” Grayling writes that the answer will take maturity, wisdom – “neither of which has evolved to a sufficient degree so far,” but there are some encouraging signs.

The book has a handy bibliography and very healthy section of notes for the reader to pursue.

Grayling makes the case for a new global consensus, one that recognizes the rights of everyone who lives on this planet, but also longingly looks at the Moon and ponders how it fits into our 21^st century landscape of posturing politics, resource requirements, and whether the Moon is an extension of human conflict.

For more information on this timely book, go to:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Who-Owns-the-Moon/A-C-Grayling/9780861547258

One Response to “Book Review: Who Owns the Moon? – In Defence of Humanity’s Common Interests in Space”