Space sovereignty for middle powers

If one can’t dream of competing with the great powers for access to the planet’s doorstep, then one is precluded from securing a place beyond it.

If middle powers like Canada hope or expect to achieve sovereignty in the celestial heights, they need a program to work together protect their interests, writes Ian Fichtenbaum. Photograph courtesy of NASA

Opinion

BY IAN FICHTENBAUM

March 13, 2026

During his January speech at the World Economic Forum, Prime Minister Mark Carney said that “great powers can afford for now to go it alone. They have the market size, the military capacity and the leverage to dictate terms. Middle powers do not.”

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Thursdays: Foreign Policy Newsletter

Your personal sherpa on the key issues and people influencing Canadian foreign policy and diplomacy.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy