World Affairs Forum opens in Los Angeles with debate over space rules

The International School of Los Angeles and Druven Advocacy launched the World Affairs Forum on Sept. 28 in Los Angeles with a panel on whether 1967 space law can still govern today’s commercial, civilian and military activity in orbit. The discussion highlighted new pressure on international rules as private companies and dual-use satellite technologies reshape space policy.

Why it matters: - The 1967 treaty framework for space was built for a world dominated by governments, not today’s crowded mix of satellites, private operators and dual-use technologies. - The debate has real stakes for communications, navigation, Earth observation, defense, security and international enforcement. - The forum is designed to connect diplomats, experts and students around issues that affect public policy, business and society.

What happened: - The inaugural World Affairs Forum: Conversations with Experts on Global Issues took place on Sept. 28 in Los Angeles. - The event was presented by the International School of Los Angeles and Druven Advocacy. - The opening session was titled “The Global Race for Space: Cooperation vs. Militarization Beyond Orbit.” - Panelists included Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles; Dr. Virgil Adumitroaie, scientist and educator; and Ambassador Geert Criel, Partner, International Affairs at Druven Advocacy and former Consul General of Belgium in Los Angeles. - Journalist Guillaume Serina moderated the discussion.

The details: - The panel focused on how the same satellites can support both civilian uses and defense or security operations. - The speakers discussed how the line between civilian and military infrastructure is becoming harder to define. - The conversation also examined the difficulty of reaching international agreement on responsibilities, limits and enforcement. - Private companies now play a growing role in orbit and influence decisions with strategic, economic and security implications. - Those commercial operators were not represented when the current treaty framework was negotiated. - The event brought students, families, educators and other members of the LILA community into direct conversation with diplomatic and international affairs practitioners. - Students asked questions directly and added an intergenerational perspective to the debate.

Between the lines: - The forum reflects a broader shift from closed policy discussions to public-facing exchanges that include students and non-specialists. - The space debate is no longer only about state competition; commercial power and dual-use technology are now central to the policy problem. - The event also shows how schools are being used as platforms for real-world policy education rather than only classroom instruction.

What's next: - Additional sessions are planned, with topics and dates to be announced once confirmed. - The World Affairs Forum will continue as an ongoing platform for conversations on major international developments. - Future discussions will likely keep linking global policy questions to their local implications for public policy, business and society.

The bottom line: - The Los Angeles launch underscores a basic policy problem: the rules for space were written before today’s commercial and security-driven space race existed.