What is M. V. Smith's view on space warfare?

• A. He says space warfare will replace terrestrial warfare, making armies, navies, and air forces obsolete.
• B. He says that space warfare can be avoided through international cooperation and arms control.
• C. He argues that space warfare is inevitable.
• D. He says that states will avoid space warfare, due to the risks of escalation.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that space warfare is seen as inevitable because space assets have become essential for modern military power, and the incentives to develop counterspace capabilities persist despite cooperation efforts.

Smith argues that satellites and space systems underpin critical military functions—communications, navigation, surveillance, reconnaissance, and early warning. As states increasingly depend on these assets, the strategic value of achieving and preserving space superiority grows, which in turn drives the push to develop anti-space and space-denial capabilities. Arms-control attempts face serious hurdles in verification and enforcement, and technological advances make counterspace tools more affordable and accessible. Put together, these factors create a lasting motive and path for competition in space, making warfare in that domain likely even if diplomacy and treaties are pursued.

Other views suggest cooperation or avoidance due to escalation risks, but Smith’s point is that the structural incentives and security dependencies make space warfare an enduring possibility, not something that can be reliably prevented by treaties alone.