In this conversation, Christopher Stone and Ilan Berman discuss the potential of Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, to promote informational freedom in regions under authoritarian control. Berman emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology for humanitarian efforts and the empowerment of dissidents, particularly in countries like Iran. The discussion also touches on China’s response to Starlink, the implications of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the need for a coherent U.S. strategy in the face of great power competition. Berman argues for a renewed focus on U.S. information strategy to counter disinformation and promote American values globally.
About the Author
Christopher Stone
Christopher Stone previously served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy (2018–2019). He serves as a senior fellow for the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. His insights and opinions reflect independent analysis of space deterrence challenges and do not reflect the opinions of the Department of War or United States Government. The views of the author are his own.
