Roy Balleste

Professor of Law and Director of the Dolly & Homer Hand Law Library

Dr. Roy Balleste is a tenured Full Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law whose teaching and scholarship explore the intersection of law, technology, security, and the future of human activity in outer space. His work focuses on space law and policy, space cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, international law, and emerging technologies. Drawing on advanced academic training in law, space law, cybersecurity, and information science, his research examines the legal and ethical challenges created by increasingly interconnected, autonomous, and commercially driven space activities.

Space Law, Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies

Dr. Balleste’s scholarship focuses particularly on the governance and security of space activities. His research explores space cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, international responsibility, the protection of critical infrastructure, and the development of legal norms for an increasingly commercial and contested space environment.

He holds a Ph.D. in Space Cybersecurity from Capitol Technology University and an LL.M. in Air and Space Law from McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law. He has also completed advanced cybersecurity education (CISO Cyber-S) through the National Defense University, College of Information and Cyberspace.

Dr. Balleste has presented his research at academic, governmental, and professional forums in the United States and internationally, including the United Nations High-Level Forum on Space, McGill University's Strategic Space Law Course, and the International Astronautical Congress. He also contributed as a core expert to the MILAMOS Project and its development of the Manual on International Law Applicable to Military Uses of Outer Space. He is a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (MRAeS) and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL).

Scholarship & Academic Recognition

Dr. Balleste is the author and editor of books, book chapters, and numerous scholarly articles addressing space law, cybersecurity, internet governance, ethics, and emerging technologies.

His recent scholarship includes Low Orbit Blues (University of Łódź Press, 2025) and contributions to A Research Agenda for Cybersecurity Law and Policy (Edward Elgar, 2025), which he also co-edited. His continuing research examines cybersecurity and legal responsibility in the new space age, including the changing relationship among governments, commercial actors, autonomous technologies, and international law.

In 2025, Dr. Balleste received the Homer and Dolly Hand Award for Excellence in Faculty Research, Stetson University’s highest recognition for faculty scholarship. His international academic honors include the Nicolas Mateesco Matte Space Law Prize from McGill University's Institute of Air and Space Law and the Jean Key Gates Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of South Florida School of Information.

International Engagement

International engagement has been a recurring theme throughout Dr. Balleste's academic career. From 2023 to 2026, he served as Stetson Law's Director of International Initiatives, working to develop international partnerships, academic exchanges, and opportunities for collaboration with institutions and scholars abroad. His international work continues through teaching, scholarship, professional organizations, collaborative research, and engagement with colleagues and institutions in Europe and elsewhere.

Dr. Balleste also has extensive experience in global internet governance. For more than a decade, he participated in the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), including service as an elected member of the Executive Committee of the Noncommercial Users Constituency. His work contributed to international discussions concerning internet governance, privacy, Whois policy, and civil-society participation in the governance of the global internet.

Law Library Leadership

As Director of the Law Library at Stetson University College of Law, Dr. Balleste leads legal research and information services supporting the College's faculty, students, and academic programs. His background in law, information science, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies informs an approach to law librarianship centered on research, technological innovation, and the evolving information needs of legal education.

Across his teaching, scholarship, and professional work, Dr. Balleste's central interest remains the same: understanding how law can help humanity navigate technological change while promoting security, responsibility, and the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

Curriculum Vitae