This question makes me think of science-fiction media, but as technology continues to advance, perhaps the politics of space are becoming more real to us. Space exploration poses several possibilities which might have great implications for life here on Earth. First, there is the possibility that humans might discover other planets or territories which can sustain our life. In such a case, the first nation(s) to reach that place might claim it as being their...
This question makes me think of science-fiction media, but as technology continues to advance, perhaps the politics of space are becoming more real to us. Space exploration poses several possibilities which might have great implications for life here on Earth. First, there is the possibility that humans might discover other planets or territories which can sustain our life. In such a case, the first nation(s) to reach that place might claim it as being their own territory. The second possibility I can think of, regardless of whether or not another planet is inhabitable, is that nations on Earth might still seek to claim other planets as their own in order to have ownership over the resources there.
Imagine, if you will, that one nation on Earth is able to discover a solid-gold planet and begin mining it. The wealth and power of this nation would increase dramatically! They might establish such a monopoly on gold that they essentially take control of global economy.
In a less sci-fi scenario which our world has already experienced, conflict may arise over who has the right to explore, colonize, and research extraterrestrial territory. When the first missions to the Moon were being made, there was great conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union over who would get their first and have "first grabs" of any territory or resources on the Moon.
If (some might say "when") scientists discover extraterrestrial life, we may have to reconsider some of our beliefs about natural rights, colonization, and citizenship.
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