An LD resolution that is “out of this world?” That is a strong statement to make! We love it so much we created an amazing resource for all you LDers (read the whole article to get the scoop)! But here is why we love this year’s 2025-2026 NCFCA Lincoln-Douglas Value resolution (and why it just might be our favorite resolution yet)…
“In the exploration and utilization of outer space, international cooperation should be prioritized”
It is Relevant and Timely
Space is no longer the stuff of science fiction or a faraway dream. Advances in technology have made space very real and accessible. Governments and corporations are racing to stake their claim in space. Space missions, rocket launches, and talk of asteroid mining have made this resolution very relevant. This year’s resolution will have us debating what is happening now while looking at the future impact of the decisions we make. The choices we make today about who governs and benefits from outer space affect all of us, not just astronauts and space explorers. Currently, we do not have many treaties and agreements governing outer space, and the resolution asks us to enter into an important global conversation. Should we update space governance, and if so, how? Should international cooperation be our path forward in outer space or should we try to access and use it in some other way?
It Forces Us to Grapple with the Future
Unlike many LD resolutions that are grounded in history or current world affairs, this resolution asks us to explore uncharted territory – truly a new frontier. Unlike other topics, we don’t have hundreds of years of history on this subject; we only just recently (mid 20th century) acquired the ability to access space. Also, there’s really no precedent for how to colonize the moon, how to regulate mining in space or how to clean up space junk. Rather than think about what has been done in a particular area, debaters will be able to think about what should be done. This means we will not just be debating decisions for today but we will debate ideas that could shape the next era of humanity. It will cause us to think about unintended consequences, long-term ethical obligations and the consequences of innovation on a very large scale.
The debate about this “new frontier” will likely push us to wrestle with many ethical and even profound questions like:
● Who owns space?
● Why do we explore?
● Do we have ethical responsibilities beyond this earth?
● Should we prioritize cooperation even though it may slow down progress?
● Will future generations be affected by the decisions we make today regarding space?
● How do we think about this topic from a biblical worldview perspective?
As we enter into the topic of space, we will need to apply sound logic and a deep sense of ethics to think beyond the “how” of space exploration (and utilization) and consider more carefully the “why” questions involved in navigating such uncharted territory.
It Teaches Us to Think in a Cross-Disciplinary Way
This year’s resolution has something for everyone. No matter where your interests lie – science, political science, government or ethics and philosophy – you will be able to apply it to the topic. As part of the discussion this year, debaters will:
● Explore science and technology and learn about how space works, what is actually possible, what is happening now, and what may be possible in the near future.
● Learn about space treaties, international relations and national sovereignty and how decisions governing space will have implications not just in space itself, but on earth, as well.
● Think deeply about ethics and philosophy and learn about the principles that guide our actions as we explore new areas of space and consider humanity’s place in the universe.
It Will Keep Debaters on their Toes
This year’s resolution is both deep and balanced. Not only is there much to explore, but there are many compelling arguments for both affirmative and negative. And on negative, the lack of a specific negative term creates opportunities for varied arguments and additional creativity.
Often in LD, the negative side is locked into defending a specific position (like free trade vs. fair trade or privacy vs. security). In this year’s resolution, negative has no pre-assigned term, which opens the door to many strategic possibilities. While the affirmative must defend international cooperation in outer space, negative can explore ideas like:
● Competition vs. cooperation
● National sovereignty vs. international cooperation
● Cooperation causing more harm than good
● Space as a misplaced priority (i.e., we should invest in something else)
● Space and ethics (i.e., is it even ethical to explore and utilize space?)
The wording of the resolution will hopefully result in more “clash” in debate rounds as debaters find the freedom to approach the topic from a variety of frameworks. Finally, because of the depth and breadth of possibilities, we hope to see more debaters discuss both the values that should guide our decision-making, as well as the potential down-to-earth impact of our out-of-this-world decisions.
Conclusion: Consider Lincoln-Douglas Debate This Year
Over the last 15 years, our family has seen, debated, judged and coached our way through many NCFCA resolutions. This year’s topic, however, is quickly rising to be one of our favorites. From my (Hillary’s) perspective as a coach, this topic promises to be one of the most interesting ones I have seen in years. I am very excited to see and hear what students will come up with on our collective “journey to space”, and I’m even more excited to work through the topic as a coach this year!
If you’re ready to explore this resolution further, make sure to check out the Lasting Impact! Handbook “Elements of LD” which will be released later this summer. The handbook will be a mix of coaching resources and cases, including:
● Resolution-specific debate strategies
● Definitions for resolution terms
● Suggested values for both aff and neg
● How to build a strong contention
● Strategies for debating neg
● Applications and examples
● Helpful strategy notes and tips throughout
There will also be additional resources such as:
● How to build a strong debate narrative
● The impact of sci-fi pop culture on the resolution
● How to apply ethics and a Biblical worldview to this year’s topic
● Mastering the debate continuum
● Three affirmative cases
● Three negative cases
● and more!
Look for “Elements of LD” to be released in August. Both debaters and coaches will find it to be a helpful resource as you begin your journey into outer space this year!
In addition to the Elements of LD… Lasting Impact! has their Online LD Camp in less than two weeks, Online Fall LD Clubs, and the LD Guide coming soon…
Note to Coaches and Prospective Students: Hillary and Nathanael Kolssak are both available to lead a content session at your camp this summer or during a club meeting this year. They are also available for private coaching during the year. Contact Lasting Impact! for more information or to schedule a session for your student(s). Heather@lastingimpact.info
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