Re: [GZG] Interesting mercenary idea

On Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 6:52 AM, Damo <damosan@gmail.com> wrote:

> Perhaps the future UN is a quasi-nation representing the "peoples of
> the Earth" and as such have recruitment posters world wide.
>
> "Join the UN and explore the galaxy!"

Probably.  Something like a transational not-for-profit corporation.
Money could come in from "member dues" that nations pay out of lip
service and the fact that the UN provides some immensely beneficial
services, such as the WHO (which would become the Interplanetary
Health Organization and respond to the new and interesting diseases
that explorers find).  It could also run exploratory missions and
scientific missions whose results would be, not exactly for sale, but
"sponsored by".

The Solar Wars, from the descriptions we have in the timelines, do not
seem to be massive total wars of mutual destruction as WWI or WWII.[1]
 In these limited conflicts, an avenue of communications would benefit
both sides.  The UN's original intended function, as a forum for
nations to resolve grievances, would still remain.  The reduction of
the number of sovereign states might make the GA less of a useless
debate club, or even permit a consolidation of that body with the
Security Council.

John

[1] Based on: Limited force sizes (division or smaller, generally),
location of battles (minor colony worlds) and the restraint shown in
the inner colonies and the Solar System, as well as the apparent
prohibition of nukes in an atmosphere.
-- 
"Thousands of Sarmatians, Thousands of Franks, we've slain them again
and again.  We're looking for thousands of Persians."
--Vita Aureliani

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