I hope not. IMO we can do this for better reasons. We just need leaders that understand the value in it, and can build a narrative to support those values. I believe it could become part of our national character without international competition.
I don't mean an arms race etc. But what is wrong with some healthy competition? Ideally, this could be a global initiative. This would be absolutely fantastic but if not, having two nations race to be the first to do "X", could really help advance the field. Competition can exist without vitriol.
I don't know. I suppose I just have a deep aversion to any form of tribalism or nationalism. I see space exploration in terms of a investigation into not only space, but also into our own context. Everything we learn about space regards us as one species on one planet. If anything I see it as an opportunity to diminish international politics, not reinforce them.