RE: UN

G'day,

> My own (equally non-canon) view is that the UN, in order to do what it
> does in the canon histories, must have a fair amount of 
> clout. 

Especially considering their kick a$$ ships!!!

> Many smaller nations support the UN because it gives them some sort of
> cumulative voice...

I also see them using smaller nations on commission basis - e.g. IAS got
its
homeworld as "payment" for doing exploration for the UN (i.e. got to
keep x%
of what they explored for them).

Just my slant