Planetary Frontiers Initiative
Geopolitical rivalries are extending beyond traditional boundaries into earth orbital and cislunar space, the undersea maritime domain, and the polar regions. These strategic zones beyond state sovereignty and established human habitation—"planetary frontiers"—have become critical arenas for competition.
Convening leading scholars
In April 2025, FPI, together with Space Force Delta-13 and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, convened leading scholars and practitioners in technology and innovation, commercialization, statecraft and strategy, and multilateral governance. The invitation-only conference interrogated interactions transecting national boundaries and connecting traditionally delineated domains and theaters in what is increasingly emerging as an integrated operating environment for decision-makers.
The closed-door conference was followed by a public research forum focused on cislunar competition and cooperation among space powers and emerging governance frameworks. Read more about the public event here.
Conducting cutting-edge research
FPI brings together communities of experts engaged in policy-oriented academic research on these strategically and scientifically important geophysical frontiers, including JHU scholars and students.
Education about the planetary frontiers
FPI fosters opportunities to expand the study of international politics, political economy and policy in the areas of earth orbital and cislunar space, the undersea maritime domain, and the polar regions and their interconnections.