The proton converter means cheap energy.
Gravity control and hyperdrive mean interstellar travel and a social safety valve.
Interstellar distances and cultural differences mean no universal union.
MAD and little to fight about mean not much war.
Ruthlessness necessary for survival means little sweetness or brotherhood.
Wants and needs mean interstellar trade.
These conditions mean an exuberant capitalism.
Mutual interests mean alliances and spheres of influence.
Limitations on governments mean little control of merchants.
Bribery and coercion mean little attempt at control.
Officially altruistic governments remain divided whereas the League becomes a sprawling multi-species super-government, setting policies, making treaties, fighting minor (not major till later) wars, spreading a universal civilization, enforcing a Pax but encountering its troubles.
Over four volumes, then more in the Earth Book, those troubles will unravel the League.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I would liked to have seen more about that "proton converter."
Later, the Time of Troubles would change many beings minds about both the possibility and desirability of some kind of interstellar union, as was shown by the rise of the Terran Empire, the Merseian Roidhunate, and the Domain of Ythri.
Ad astra! Sean
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