About this Video

• Video Title: How the US’s Golden Dome project could reshape the global power balance
• Channel: The Newsmakers
• Speakers: John (host), Anar Tenjen (senior fellow at the Tah Institute, Beijing), Vladimir Snutnikov (political commentator, Moscow), David D Ro (professor at the National Defense University, Washington DC)
• Duration: 00:26:41

Introduction

This newsmaker segment discusses President Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system. The video explores the technology, potential geopolitical implications, and critiques of the project, including concerns about escalating an arms race and the militarization of space.

Key Takeaways

• Golden Dome Description: The Golden Dome is a proposed space-based missile defense system designed to protect the continental US from ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. It would utilize hundreds of satellites and multiple weapons systems.
• Projected Cost: The projected cost is highly debated, with estimates ranging from $175 billion (as stated by President Trump) to over $542 billion (according to the Congressional Office) for space systems alone.
• Geopolitical Implications: The project has raised significant concerns from China and Russia, who view it as a potential threat to the global strategic balance and a catalyst for a new arms race, possibly including the weaponization of space. Canada, however, has expressed interest in joining the project.
• Technological Feasibility: The technological feasibility of such a system is questioned by some scientists, with comparisons made to Ronald Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative. The panelists debate whether current technology allows for its success.
• Potential Responses: The panelists discuss potential countermeasures from China and Russia, including advancements in hypersonic missiles, anti-satellite weapons, and space-denial technologies. The effectiveness of the Golden Dome against non-state actors with less sophisticated weaponry is also questioned.

The transcript indicates that the Golden Dome is a "far more advanced version of the US-designed Iron Dome used in Israel". The Iron Dome is described as "used in Israel", while the Golden Dome would utilize "hundreds of satellites and multiple weapons to stop any missiles bound for the US whether they are launched from the other side of the world or even from space". The key difference highlighted is the scale and scope: the Golden Dome is a far more ambitious space-based system with a global reach, unlike the ground-based Iron Dome.