Forum 50 Series: Alan Henrikson. Free-range faculty advisement and Space Politics

Fletcher historians rejioice! We're joined this episode by Lee E. Dirks Professor Emeritus of Diplomatic History, Alan Henrikson. Professor Henrikson was named (he would say volun-told) the first faculty advisor to the Fletcher Forum, and he remains on our Board of Advisors today in 2025. Professor Henrikson joins us to revive some of the long-untold history of the Forum, as well as to discuss his 1981 piece on Space Politics which was published in the Forum.  Between 1981 and 2025, many Fletcher students have entered the aerospace industry, and the interests of private businesses and governments in the industry surrounding space has expanded dramatically. We discuss these changes, what inspired Professor Henrikson to write on the potential politics of outer space as a tenured professor of Diplomatic History.