Tabletop Exercises Can Help Us Understand and Avoid Potential Conflicts Over the Moon

As different nations begin conducing operations on the lunar surface, humanity's penchant for geopolitical struggles will likely be along for the ride. Tension between nations and/or corporations could grow. There are few rules and treaties that can calm this potential rising tension. What kinds of conflict might erupt and how can it be prevented?

Jun 19, 2025 - 22:20
 0
Tabletop Exercises Can Help Us Understand and Avoid Potential Conflicts Over the Moon

Humans from different nations can struggle to get along. Will we take our Earthly geopolitical struggles to the Moon as nations generate a sustained presence there? Image Credit: RegoLight, visualization: Liquifer Systems Group, 2018. ESA Standard License

As different nations begin conducing operations on the lunar surface, humanity's penchant for geopolitical struggles will likely be along for the ride. Tension between nations and/or corporations could grow. There are few rules and treaties that can calm this potential rising tension. What kinds of conflict might erupt and how can it be prevented?