Extraterrestrial First Contact: The Problem with Human Governments

Perhaps the biggest challenge for visiting extraterrestrials in a Direct First Contact event would be the human system of governance. There are currently 195 countries on planet Earth. Despite extensive global interaction, and many alliances, those are 195 sovereign nations, all with different wants and needs. Communicating with one government would inevitably lead to conflict between nations. It would also cause distrust and that is something that could impact a relationship between aliens and humans for many generations. The United Nations has 193 member countries, so it does represent the great majority of humans. However, the UN has limited power and constrained duties. Contacting the UN would seem like a logical choice for visiting extraterrestrials, but that depends on their agenda.

Humans could be manipulated by playing nations against each other. Aliens could negotiate an alliance with one nation and then enter into talks with the rivals of that nation. While that is a possibility it would only make sense if there was something aliens wanted from humans. A Direct First Contact scenario is defined as extraterrestrials visiting our solar system. To accomplish that they would need technology far beyond anything we currently have. So, it begs the question- what would they want or need from humans? The first idea that comes to mind is control. If extraterrestrials were concerned about humans traveling out into the universe they could attempt to thwart that endeavor by keeping us busy at home. Manipulation, and eventual conflict between nations, could keep us quite busy. The time and resources needed for space exploration could be squandered on in-fighting. Such machinations would take a lot of work. Extraterrestrials would probably be better off destroying Earth outright, if humans were considered a threat.

If extraterrestrials had altruistic intentions they would need to be very careful in how they communicated with humans. Even the United Nations approach would be difficult due to the distrust some nations have with the UN, the United States especially. Just gaining a consensus in the UN Security Council would be difficult due to heightened tensions between those member nations. However, it seems the only logical path forward, if aliens were interested in a long-term relationship with humans.

If aliens would want a positive relationship with humans they would be wise to take a straightforward approach: tell humans exactly why they are saying hello and what they expect from the relationship. Transparency and honesty would be important for extraterrestrials in a First Contact situation. Such terms may not apply to alien society, but if extraterrestrials did their homework, they would know those things mean much to humans.

We are a complicated bunch. Our international relations are often a mystery to even our experts. It is a situation that is also changing continuously. Visiting aliens would be advised to keep their approach simple and deal with all humans at once, rather than get pulled into the global fray.

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash