Issue 32 Space Politics March,13,2013

The final topic of the space series is the politics that will result from man kinds colonization of the stars. Let’s just say, I believe things could get messy.

Land Negotiation: As we venture out and colonize other worlds and space itself, Nations will attempt to create territorial boundaries. They would do this for one simple purpose; anything that is within that boundary is theirs for the picking. However, who gets to decide how much land on the moon belongs to the United States, as opposed to Russia, or China. Also, countries without a space program may be left out of these negotiations entirely unless they are generously given territory (if that land has a use is another question).

Land negotiation can be done by dividing up the moon or Mars once we get there, an equal share sort of deal. An alternative to that is where ever a flag is planted by human hands a certain amount of territory is granted to the nation that put it there (this is the same as Russia putting flags under the polar icecap to claim land if negotiations in the UN failed. Basically it will be a true space race. Get there first and claim your prize.

Internationalism: An alternative to the land negotiation model is having colonies run on a set of international law standards. Basically, the moon and Mars would be shared in the same way Antarctica is shared amongst the world. From there, negotiations on how much of each resource goes to each country may follow (assuming those resources can be brought back to Earth). You will find a distinct lack of a Free Market in this model as businesses will be forced to turn over their gains to the countries indicated in the treaty and not to customers of their choosing. Also, the laws established have to be agreed upon by the nations making them (they can't even agree on a definition on terrorism so good luck).

After Colonization: Once out there (literally), we will have to deal with how these colonies are to be run. However, I predict rebellion. It goes without question that colonies of a certain size and economic clout will resent their rulers from so many miles away. Some of these colonies will be abused by their countries of origin and even drained of everything they have, leaving them barren. So, some colonies may even band together to rebel, and the host nation(s) can do nothing to stop it save having a loyal force stationed nearby to keep order, or some way to get troops from Earth or another of their colonies inside to restore order. Basically we will have interplanetary rebellions in a similar fashion to the American Revolution.

Some countries will be different however. Less authoritarian countries will allow their colonies say in the goings on both within the colony and even at home in elections of national leaders. Basically, the United States could have its 51'st State on the moon. But, this is wholly dependant on treatment of the people in the colonies and how much loyalty they have to their mother country. Though, as generations are born in the colonies their loyalty may shift to each other as it will be a hard and difficult life for the initial settlers. With these difficulties colonies will most likely have to aid one another for survival. Though, the opposite of cooperation is equally true.  Small battles in space may be fought, ones that can spark wars here on Earth.

Conclusion: I think that man kinds violent nature will not be satiated. People with nationalism will seek glory for their mother country until that mother country stabs them in the back. Wars of Independence are inevitable, as to if they will be successful or not depends on how far technology progresses. My recommendation is for colonies to have self rule. By giving them self rule, they can establish laws that are suitable to their own situation. This also allows easy transition to become part of another county (like the U.S.) if they meet the criteria for becoming more than just another colony. Likewise, self rule ensures less chaos as host nations can nurture these colonies and use these local governments to prevent mistreatment and maintain a sense of loyalty to their country of origin. Basically it is a balancing act, mistreat them and they rebel causing war, treat them well and you gain access to natural resources that improve the quality of life for your people. Countries have already started negotiating with each other over territory, and this new space race has begun. My generation may be the first to see people actually living on the moon, Mars and space colonies, but hopefully my predictions do not come true.

Tomorrow it is back to politics with my cuts to the federal govenment.