Politics is a game where short-term decisions often take precedence over long-term foresight. Because of this, we are constantly underprepared when confronted with entirely new global challenges. Establishing an ambassador for extraterrestrial diplomacy would be an easy but bold step in the United Nation’s progressive agenda.
So I’ll admit, I feel ridiculous when asserting such a suggestion. I am sure the majority of politicians in the UN shy away from this platform because it can easily be attacked for its absurdity. However, some brave souls in the UN have indeed proposed the election of a “Space Ambassador for Extraterrestrial Contact Affairs” in a recent General Assembly meeting in New York. The UN could easily direct someone from the already functioning “Office for Outer Space Affairs” to this appointment. Because this office would be entirely contingent on future contact, it would not require a budget or personnel yet. The important thing is the gesture. By appointing a specialized contact ambassador, the United Nation’s would send a clear two-fold message. The UN is serious about foreseeing potential global challenges in the 21st century and the UN does not shy away from potential extraterrestrial contact.
When developments have not occurred yet, people laugh off progressive proposals such as this one as absurd and wasteful. When these developments do in fact occur, people are then left unprepared and blame each other for lack of foresight. If extraterrestrials do contact the Earth, we need the world to have a system in place to support the historic ambassador that will lead the way into a new era of “intergalactic” politics.
I find your writing very convincing, for you pointed out that how people regard progressive ideas as absurd but when it really occurs, they become really busy blaming it on each other for the unpreparedness.
ReplyDeleteHowever I also think that alien ambassador won't be as useful as it is expected to be due to our nonexistent knowledge of alien world and those live-beings. Since we have never encountered or had contact with them, even though we designate a person prepared for dealing with outer-space world, the event will still be chaotic and confusing and everything prepared will basically get thrown to trash.