Outer space isn’t about to be militarized, it’s been militarized for decades, and as China, Russia and the U.S. race to outdo each other in a new domain of battle, the world is waking up to the risks that war in space pose for everyone back on Earth.

When destroying a satellite with a missile or laser can bring communications networks and financial institutions to a halt – effectively shutting off countries from the world or businesses from markets – it’s troubling just how few rules exist to stop that from happening.

This week on Wake we’ll look at a new U.S. report on the space arms race and discuss efforts to try and stop it.

Helping us do that is this week's guest:

• Theresa Hitchens, senior research associate, Center for International and Security Studies, University of Maryland

If you enjoy this discussion, follow Wake on Twitter @WakeOnAir. To share feedback with us, send an email to [email protected].

Taped: March 1, 2019.

Hosted by Luke Vargas.