"What Star Trek Can Teach Us About the Future of War," Topic

…Globalism and Economics

"I'll admit it: I'm a diehard Trekkie. I've always thought it would be pretty neat to zip around the galaxy, or at least the Alpha Quadrant, in a starship. Of course, rather presumptuously, I always assumed I would get to be the captain or at least the science officer.

As we navigate one of the most tumultuous years in recent history, I can't help but wonder whether the world depicted in "Star Trek," one of the most popular TV/movie franchises in history, tells us anything about the changes happening around us?

Life in the 23rd century seems pretty good (the various "Star Trek" series depict a period ranging from the mid-22nd century to the late 24th century). There is no poverty or hunger. Everyone has a meaningful job. Medical science has advanced to inconceivable heights. The diseases that have plagued humankind can be eliminated with a pill or by waving a high-tech gizmo that instantly cures whatever ails you. Although that hasn't stopped new diseases from emerging, ailments that are beyond the reach of even 23rd century medical science…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Star Trek also traced several major global conflicts in the sub plots. A bleak future with billions of casualties. A Third World War, a Fourth one, an Eugenics war with Khan people and others.
More devastating wars with the Romulans, Klingon, Cardasians more than one in fact all more than once, the Borg and the Dominion.
More disastrous furies than a bright one.

I too, am a long time Trekkie. But I strongly disagree with two of the points in the article.
The originator of the series, Gene Rodenberry, was more interested in using Sci-fi as way to comment on the present, not to predict the future. Indeed, such a goal is a hallmark of much classic sci-fi (think Brave New World, 1984 or Fahrenheit 451). The later shows not as much.
Thus, although the original show always kept an eye on being "entertaining", such was used to get Rodenberry's points across.

I to enjoyed all the ST series … I the original ST with it being released in the '60s it did address some good points. As did the the other ST series. Watching ST Discovery too !

I love Star Trek but I think it has very little to say about the future course of conflict – for one thing, the concept of armed drones apparently has not filtered thru

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand

Star Trek only teaches what you already believe, if you share the philosophy and world view of Gene Roddenberry.

The fact that ST features military/security men and women wearing bright red tights with no armor or helmets and carrying puny hand lasers should tell us how much it's concerned with war.

Very true … That is why I like ST Enterprise the best because they have with MACOs … link

"Realistically" think about it. Not everybody you would run into in space wants to be your friend … ST E showed this pretty well overall.

"Give peace a chance … but I'll cover you anyway!"

Voyager, hey are wearing red and carry rifles.

They are not wearing red and carry rifles on Voyager.

I liked both Voyage and DS9. They were generally a little grittier then TNG.

Rifles in the ST universe.

M.A.C.O. Rifle (ST Enterprise):

Phaser Rifle (ST Discovery):

Phaser Rifle (ST Into Darkness):

In the absence of Aliens driven by a completely different mindset (Klingons, etc.), one does have to wonder if a post-scarcity economy would really eliminate human conflict.

Once every person has their fill of energy, food, real estate, and other material possessions would 99% of the population really just retire to their couches and watch TV?

Or would they find something new to fight about given that they had effectively unlimited free time to take up some new cause?

In Voyager the Security guys wore yellow uniforms… maybe you confused them with Enterprise….

Amicalement
Armand

wonder if a post-scarcity economy would really eliminate human conflict.

Not a chance, even if we have no weapons and ammo, etc. We'll use sticks & stones ! 😁