“Wilton Park’s unique format succeeded in turning strategic conversation into concrete action.”
Participating in the Wilton Park conference “Responsible Space Behaviours – Latin American Perspectives” in January 2023 was a defining and transformative experience in my professional career.
The event provided a rare environment of trust and openness, where policymakers, military officers, academics, and industry experts could engage in frank, off-the-record discussions on space security. From a Latin American perspective, the dialogue was particularly valuable, as it addressed both regional specificities and global responsibilities in an increasingly contested and congested space domain. The diversity of viewpoints challenged assumptions, refined my strategic thinking, and offered practical insights that I continue to apply in my work.
Since the event, its impact has been tangible and lasting. The discussions directly inspired me to author the book ‘The Military Use of Space (Emprego Militar do Espaço)’, which analyses the implications of counterspace capabilities and anti-satellite weapons on current and future space operations. The Wilton Park exchanges helped shape the analytical framework and policy-oriented approach of the book.
Building on those insights, I also published a peer-reviewed article on counterspace weapons and their strategic implications for emerging spacefaring nations, with a particular focus on Latin America. This work contributed to ongoing international debates on responsible behaviours and the long-term sustainability of the orbital environment.
Beyond publications, the experience strengthened my ability to contribute to multilateral policy discussions. I subsequently participated in a United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) forum, where I shared Latin American perspectives on space security, verification, and cooperation, further amplifying the impact of the Wilton Park dialogue.
Overall, Wilton Park’s unique format succeeded in turning strategic conversation into concrete action. The experience expanded my professional network, deepened my understanding of responsible space governance, and continues to influence my contributions to national and international discussions on space security.
