NationStates Jolt Archive

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Earth_Flag.svg/180px-Earth_Flag.svg.png(jk, lol)


But, seriously, do you think the Nations of the World will ever come together under one banner? Will it be accomplished by the UN or another organization to take its place?

And if you think it will, When? Within our Lifetime, or after?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Earth_Flag.svg/180px-Earth_Flag.svg.png(jk, lol)


But, seriously, do you think the Nations of the World will ever come together under one banner? Will it be accomplished by the UN or another organization to take its place?

And if you think it will, When? Within our Lifetime, or after?

I think so, hopefully within our lifetime, not under an American banner (or any banner for that matter). The UN flag, preferably, would be the flag for it.

When we're threatened by aliens and have to unite and destroy them, and therefore establish the United Federation of Planets.

Either that or we'll be blown from the galaxy. Something like that.

When we're threatened by aliens and have to unite and destroy them, and therefore establish the United Federation of Planets.

Either that or we'll be blown from the galaxy. Something like that.

I was gonna say yes, when Bruce Willis and an under dressed Milla Jovovich save the planet from Evil.

When we're threatened by aliens and have to unite and destroy them, and therefore establish the United Federation of Planets.

Either that or we'll be blown from the galaxy. Something like that.

See, I always figured if Aliens invaded, then they would want to exploit our lack of unity, and try to get us to take one side or the other, and pit us against one another...

No, I don't think so.

Possibly, but I doubt it will happen in the next few decades, if even in this century. I personally suspect that it will not happen as long as our species is limited to one world only. If we ever have a one-world government, I suspect that it will be at the point where planets are comparable to nations, ie, when we have expanded beyond Earth and/or made contact with other intelligent species/civilizations.

And unless the UN changes radically, it will be utterly unable to compel such unity, New World Order paranoia aside. For all its diplomatic and humanitarian work, the UN has shown itself to be staggeringly ineffective as a force for maintaining order. For this to happen under the UN, the major nuclear powers would all have to accept a central UN authority, the veto power would likely have to be removed, and the UN would have to be able to swiftly and effectively wield force against powerful nations.

Christ, I hope not...until at least we've colonized more planets to keep it in check.

Not until religion is put into it's proper perspective. Too many boundaries, both real and imagined exist because of people worshipping their religion instead of their faith.

Christ, I hope not...until at least we've colonized more planets to keep it in check.

Another thing I forgot to add is that human society is currently still too diverse for anywhere near everyone to accept such a government. Even if every major government joined due to some crisis, their would be rogue states that would want none of it, and revolutionary movements from within trying to break free.

Nor do I think having a strong one world government would be a good thing while we're limited to one world, because if it goes down, we all go down, and when it inevitably violates somebody's rights or becomes an unpleasant society for one individual or group, their would be no where else to go too. No escape. No outside pressure for reform, or outside source of alternative ideas. The potential for abuse and stagnation is far too great, indeed I would say that human society being what it currently is, major abuses are practically garunteed.

International cooperation is often a good thing. I even feel that the UN should probably have more power and authority in some areas. But a total one-world government beyond a loose alliance or confederacy? No way in hell. Like I said though, I don't think it will happen until we're spread over multiple worlds.

But, seriously, do you think the Nations of the World will ever come together under one banner?
Yes.

The star-spangled one.


And if you think it will, When? Within our Lifetime, or after?
Hopefully within mine.

Not until religion is put into it's proper perspective. Too many boundaries, both real and imagined exist because of people worshipping their religion instead of their faith.

We could make LG Emperor of the World, I think that would be a step in the right direction, Mudpies for all!!! lol


But, yeah, I agree, religion is a large barrier in the way of furthering civilization...

The star-spangled one.

No way in Hell.

No way in Hell.

Yeah, have to agree there as well, I love my Country...But, its government too often shows its short comings...

Besides, the real dilemma is in how the hell we're gonna fit the mass influx of stars in the canton?

I think a better alternative would be for groups of nations to join in blocks based on mutual interests and ideals. These would basically be extended alliances, which would cooperate on global issues, common defense, and human rights, but in which the individual members would still retain significant independence. Perhaps a more decentralized version of the EU, or a more comprehensive and less purely military version of NATO. Ideally, their should be at least three such blocks, to act as checks and balances on each other.

I could see, for example, The US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and the current EU joining into one such block. Russia and some of its old allies might be a second. China, and some of the corrupt African governments its currently supporting/trading with might comprise a third. Though I'm sure one could come up with alternative arrangements.

Besides, the real dilemma is in how the hell we're gonna fit the mass influx of stars in the canton?
Give dots to the lesser nations. Surround the stars with a dotted rectangle.

Give dots to the lesser nations. Surround the stars with a dotted rectangle.

There are no "lesser" or "higher" nations. That's a delusion some Americans need to be cured of.

No way in Hell.
Well, there's no way in all 13 episodes of Doom you're going to have the star-spangled banner submit to any other. So I'm offering you the one and only realistic alternative: have other banners submit to it.

It will never happen. Humans are too territorial. And too religious.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Earth_Flag.svg/180px-Earth_Flag.svg.png(jk, lol)


But, seriously, do you think the Nations of the World will ever come together under one banner? Will it be accomplished by the UN or another organization to take its place?

And if you think it will, When? Within our Lifetime, or after?

another couple of hundered years, maybe. i do hope so

Well, there's no way in all 13 episodes of Doom you're going to have the star-spangled banner submit to any other. So I'm offering you the one and only realistic alternative: have other banners submit to it.

Again, no way in Hell.

Your country will submit to the UN, as will mine and anyone else's. Your country is no better than any other. That simple.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Earth_Flag.svg/180px-Earth_Flag.svg.png(jk, lol)


But, seriously, do you think the Nations of the World will ever come together under one banner? Will it be accomplished by the UN or another organization to take its place?

And if you think it will, When? Within our Lifetime, or after?

Maybe, in 10,000 years.

We could make LG Emperor of the World, I think that would be a step in the right direction, Mudpies for all!!! lol

I support this.

Your country will submit to the UN

That sounds creepy.

That sounds creepy.

And his evil, psychotic delusion that other countries should submit to the US sounds so outright hideous, domineering and plain EVIL that "creepy" becomes a welcome respite.

What kind of person advocates domination of all other countries by one country?

No country will submit, because there will be nothing to submit to. When the day comes for a united Earth, national boundaries, countries, nations - all these words will be completely meaningless. There will be no government, there will be only Earth.

This will happen a long time off in the future, when people aren't so fucking stupid.

No country will submit, because there will be nothing to submit to. When the day comes for a united Earth, national boundaries, countries, nations - all these words will be completely meaningless. There will be no government, there will be only Earth.

This will happen a long time off in the future, when people aren't so fucking stupid.

Indeed, but, as you can tell, that is not Vault 10's idea.

Yes, it will all be united under me, the supreme chancelor of the world.

Your country will submit to the UN, as will mine and anyone else's. Your country is no better than any other. That simple.
UN is weak. It has no power. It will submit to US like a puppet on strings. Just like it always does.

Indeed, but, as you can tell, that is not Vault 10's idea.

Yes, I know. Vault 10 seems to be under the delusion that when the day comes for a united Earth, the USA will still exist. It won't - neither will any other nation.

UN is weak. It has no power. It will submit to US like a puppet on strings. Just like it always does.

And - both the US and the UN will submit to the newly formed British Empaarrhh, and you shall all stop whining and discuss the scores of the Earth vs Jupiter test match.

UN is weak. It has no power. It will submit to US like a puppet on strings. Just like it always does.

It won't.

Again, no way in Hell.

Your country will submit to the UN, as will mine and anyone else's. Your country is no better than any other. That simple.

According the UN the UK, US, China, Russia, and France are superior to all other countries as they are the only permanent members of the security council.

That sounds creepy.

Speak for yourself....Im strangely...

Aroused....

According the UN the UK, US, China, Russia, and France are superior to all other countries as they are the only permanent members of the security council.

That's not superiority. Besides, it will change.

According the UN the UK, US, China, Russia, and France are superior to all other countries as they are the only permanent members of the security council.

Ive always thought they should have one from each continent, based on amount of influence over the others...

just a thought though...Europe would be difficult...and you'd need to split Asia between the Russian and Chinese zones...maybe Japan for East Asia...and Australia for Oceania...

It won't.
Habits are hard to change. How many times have you seen a dog suddenly forget its owner?

Not a random bark or bite. No, forgetting whose dog it is.

Speak for yourself....Im strangely...

Aroused....

Whatever floats your boat. I guess it's one extreme form of domination, I mean the US has been a naughty boy hasn't it, spank him UN, spank that naughty boy!

Habits are hard to change. How many times have you seen a dog suddenly forget its owner?

Not a random bark or bite. No, forgetting whose dog it is.

So, is it the UN or the world here you're comparing to "dogs", Vault 10?

It won't.

The UN won't exist either, as there'll be no nations to unite. Nations are artificial lines drawn on the ground, they have no bearing on reality - the future will be divided in a different way. I'm not entirely sure how, but it'll be far less arbitrary and probably unrelated to geography.

There will be no nations. There will be no United Nations.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Earth_Flag.svg/180px-Earth_Flag.svg.png(jk, lol)

And if you think it will, When? Within our Lifetime, or after?

Maybe in year 3000. And Nixon's Head shall be President.

;)

No, seriously, I don't see it coming in the next 200 years. Reason: India and China. They are really unsatified with the current location of world power (US, EU and still somewhat Russian).

That's not superiority. Besides, it will change.

Certainly seems like an accepted idea of superiority to me... Great Veto Power ring a bell?

Well Russia doesn't like that idea so there is no way that the UN could ever do that...

Well guys sorry, I know that 14 of you said yes but China isn't on board so its back to the beggining...


Sounds like certain nations being considered better.

The UN won't exist either, as there'll be no nations to unite. Nations are artificial lines drawn on the ground, they have no bearing on reality - the future will be divided in a different way. I'm not entirely sure how, but it'll be far less arbitrary and probably unrelated to geography.

There will be no nations. There will be no United Nations.

I hope so, but, again, it's not what I'm arguing with Vault 10.

Eventually, but it will take a while.

A major factor that would accelerate the formation of a world government would be the presence of an extraterrestrial government - either a human colony on another planet, or intelligent aliens.

In either case, what would probably happen is that the nations of Earth would give some power - mostly the authority to deal with extraterrestrial entities, be they little green men or unruly Martian colonists - to a global organization. The UN could be used, but we'd need to rewrite the UN charter. Eventually, this organization would become the government of Earth, with only Terrans caring about the individual nations.

The UN won't exist either, as there'll be no nations to unite. Nations are artificial lines drawn on the ground, they have no bearing on reality - the future will be divided in a different way. I'm not entirely sure how, but it'll be far less arbitrary and probably unrelated to geography.

There will be no nations. There will be no United Nations.

lolwut?

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/halo/images/f/fe/Perfect_Black_UNSC_logo.png

one wonders why its black however......Maybe you have a point, lol...

lolwut?

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/halo/images/f/fe/Perfect_Black_UNSC_logo.png

one wonders why its black however......Maybe you have a point, lol...

?

Just think about it, extrapolate current trends. On the internet, nationality is not that important, and increasingly neither is language - in a thousand years time, I imagine the population of Earth will be divided, not based on geography or culture, but on interests. "Nations" in the future will be like internet social communities of today.

So, is it the UN or the world here you're comparing to "dogs", Vault 10?

He doesn't know. He's just playing the "USA is betterer than you is" card to get attention.

The UN won't accomplish it and I doubt it will happen in the next 100 years.

We'll have some fits and starts like the EU and maybe some sort of loose coalition in the Middle East. Then everything will fall apart and we'll have a couple of generations of economic and political chaos coupled with the Balkanization of the world. It'll take a century or two, but I think, eventually the world will come together under one strong ruler. I don't necessarily think that this will be a good thing.

?

Just think about it, extrapolate current trends. On the internet, nationality is not that important, and increasingly neither is language - in a thousand years time, I imagine the population of Earth will be divided, not based on geography or culture, but on interests. "Nations" in the future will be like internet social communities of today.

I have to step in here and say: Thats how the first nations got formed, people with the same interests, they banded together in a localized area to protect themselves from people who didn't share those interests...

Thats pretty much how every nation throughout history has been formed. Methinks mayhap you need to think about your concept a little harder mate.

?

Just think about it, extrapolate current trends. On the internet, nationality is not that important, and increasingly neither is language - in a thousand years time, I imagine the population of Earth will be divided, not based on geography or culture, but on interests. "Nations" in the future will be like internet social communities of today.

It was a Halo Joke, in 2552 in the Halo Universe, Humanity is ruled by the United Nations Space Command...

And they fight the Religious Fundamental Aliens known as the Covenant...

and the last bit was a joke on Anarchy flags being Black...

But, yeah, I could see that happening, wouldnt be too bad either Id wager...Although, I think in order to get support for those interests, people would still rally around Flags, Geographical Commonality, etc...

I have to step in here and say: Thats how the first nations got formed, people with the same interests, they banded together in a localized area to protect themselves from people who didn't share those interests...

Thats pretty much how every nation throughout history has been formed. Methinks mayhap you need to think about your concept a little harder mate.

Uh, no. You've got the wrong idea. Geography plays no part in this. They won't band together in a specific area, they'll be spread across the entire planet. There will no longer be dividing lines drawn on Earth, because there'll be no need for them as technology and instantaneous communication becomes total.

"Nations" in the future will be communities of likeminded individuals with NO other commonality. They will not be restricted by geography or size, and there will no longer be competition because such nebulous, untangible entities would have no need for it.

Uh, no. You've got the wrong idea. Geography plays no part in this. They won't band together in a specific area, they'll be spread across the entire planet. There will no longer be dividing lines drawn on Earth, because there'll be no need for them as technology and instantaneous communication becomes total.

"Nations" in the future will be communities of likeminded individuals with NO other commonality. They will not be restricted by geography or size, and there will no longer be competition because such nebulous, untangible entities would have no need for it.

Sounds more like Political Parties for the World Government more than anything else...

Uh, no. You've got the wrong idea. Geography plays no part in this. They won't band together in a specific area, they'll be spread across the entire planet. There will no longer be dividing lines drawn on Earth, because there'll be no need for them as technology and instantaneous communication becomes total.

"Nations" in the future will be communities of likeminded individuals with NO other commonality. They will not be restricted by geography or size, and there will no longer be competition because such nebulous, untangible entities would have no need for it.

Cool story bro

Uh, no. You've got the wrong idea. Geography plays no part in this. They won't band together in a specific area, they'll be spread across the entire planet. There will no longer be dividing lines drawn on Earth, because there'll be no need for them as technology and instantaneous communication becomes total.

"Nations" in the future will be communities of likeminded individuals with NO other commonality. They will not be restricted by geography or size, and there will no longer be competition because such nebulous, untangible entities would have no need for it.

But those people being people will (possibly slowly but also) surely migrate together and form localized collectives, especially ones who share an us vs them mentality... and then everyone else will be forced to band together into thier own collectives to keep the us vs them people away... battles will be instigated and fought, lines will be drawn on pieces of paper, the darker side of human nature will prevail once more, and new nations will be formed.

We could make LG Emperor of the World, I think that would be a step in the right direction, Mudpies for all!!! lol
I support this.

I reluctantly accept. :)

But those people being people will (possibly slowly but also) surely migrate together and form localized collectives, especially ones who share an us vs them mentality... and then everyone else will be forced to band together into thier own collectives to keep the us vs them people away... battles will be instigated and fought, lines will be drawn on pieces of paper, the darker side of human nature will prevail once more, and new nations will be formed.

Perhaps, but I find it unlikely. I have no desire to migrate towards my friends on the other side of the planet. As technology makes communication over vast distances indistinguishable from reality, why move?

I'm talking on very long timescales here too - this won't happen for at least a thousand years, and long after we throw out taboos regarding genetic modification, brain augmentation (or whatever). Humans won't be humans as we know them anymore. They might even be nicer!

Perhaps, but I find it unlikely. I have no desire to migrate towards my friends on the other side of the planet. As technology makes communication over vast distances indistinguishable from reality, why move?

AH! so the plan is to become this:

http://www.geekologie.com/2007/11/06/jabba-puppet.jpg

I like it..Domba shim gobbo Nipple-Pinchi!!

Look Getbrett, I don't understand why you think the Earth will be like this. Unless we're all crammed in life support tanks neurologically connected to the internet:

1) People are going to have to interact with people and places in their immediate society
2) People are not going to want to live in a shithole, with a rubbish economy, regardless of whether they can whine about it online
3) People have different ideas about what makes a place a shithole, and what is a rubbish economy
4) Thus people will want to move to places which they don't think are shitholes, if they can, and this will result in different collections of individuals with different interests, leading to the eventual creation of nations. Either that, or political parties (if mobility isn't quite as easy, which is more realistic) who will compete to try and make the country less like what they think a shit hole is.

Perhaps, but I find it unlikely. I have no desire to migrate towards my friends on the other side of the planet. As technology makes communication over vast distances indistinguishable from reality, why move?

I'm talking on very long timescales here too - this won't happen for at least a thousand years, and long after we throw out taboos regarding genetic modification, brain augmentation (or whatever). Humans won't be humans as we know them anymore. They might even be nicer!

You can't use your own self as an example of everyone, just because you have no desire to be near friends you know across the world doesn't mean other people don't. That being said, as long as we still have a basic human psychology where we are almost to the T social creatures in need of live contact with other human beings which we can preferably get along with most of the time we will continue to form nations. The most we can realistically hope for is a minimum instance of shooting at each other.

AH! so the plan is to become this:

http://www.geekologie.com/2007/11/06/jabba-puppet.jpg

I like it..Domba shim gobbo Nipple-Pinchi!!

Downside: Losing Skittles in your folds of flesh.

Upside: Scantily clad dancing girls.

;)

Not in today's lifetime. There's too much nationalism in the world...

A world government would not only be extremely impractical and unstable, but would also be even less accountable and representative than the current governments are - and that is saying quite a lot. For starters, the different peoples of the world would never be able to agree on a form of government; attempts by various peoples to secede would be commonplace; and more likely than that, things would break down and get ugly fast.

We could make LG Emperor of the World, I think that would be a step in the right direction, Mudpies for all!!! lol

"Lunatic Goofballs: A taco in every kitchen, a tub of mud in every bathroom!"

He doesn't know. He's just playing the "USA is betterer than you is" card to get attention.

No, no. Let him answer it. Let's see if he gets the rope I'm giving him.

Again, no way in Hell.

Your country will submit to the UN, as will mine and anyone else's. Your country is no better than any other. That simple.

I think your country is better.

No country will submit, because there will be nothing to submit to. When the day comes for a united Earth, national boundaries, countries, nations - all these words will be completely meaningless. There will be no government, there will be only Earth.

This will happen a long time off in the future, when people aren't so fucking stupid.

Let's try to be a bit more realistic, shall we? :tongue:

No country will submit, because there will be nothing to submit to. When the day comes for a united Earth, national boundaries, countries, nations - all these words will be completely meaningless. There will be no government, there will be only Earth.

This will happen a long time off in the future, when people aren't so fucking stupid.

Ah, so never.

Ah, so never.

You win the thread.

koinkidink?

Ah, so never.

Yeah, sadly. I fear we might need to genocide the idiots eventually.

Yeah, sadly. I fear we might need to genocide the idiots eventually.

So you're advocating the total extinction of humanity.

Yeah, sadly. I fear we might need to genocide the idiots eventually.

Yeah, we could get this international body to carry out the mass genocide, once every country submits to this organisation to have their dissenting populations wiped out, we will finally be rid of government! Oh wait..

So you're advocating the total extinction of humanity.

Yup.

Yup.

O.o

Yup.

*le sigh* Id hoped to avoid this with the establishment of my LG-Headed World Government.......







Ill break out the Kool-Aid....

Yup.

Well.. at least you're consistent.

Well.. at least you're consistent.

Sometimes. Humans are stupid, that's why I'm largely for eugenics, genetic modification and augmentation of humanity to post-humanity. We can fix the fucked up bits in our genome and brains with enough time and effort. By "genocide humans" I mean "stop being human".

You win the thread.

Thank you very much. Sadly though, for every win there's also a corresponding...

Yeah, sadly. I fear we might need to genocide the idiots eventually.

...Yeah. That.

Sometimes. Humans are stupid, that's why I'm largely for eugenics, genetic modification and augmentation of humanity to post-humanity. We can fix the fucked up bits in our genome and brains with enough time and effort. By "genocide humans" I mean "stop being human".

By force?

By force?

No.

So you're advocating the total extinction of humanity.

Yup.

Then who will feed my cat? :(

Sometimes. Humans are stupid, that's why I'm largely for eugenics, genetic modification and augmentation of humanity to post-humanity. We can fix the fucked up bits in our genome and brains with enough time and effort. By "genocide humans" I mean "stop being human".

Thats no genocide, thats evolution. And to be frankly earnest (heheh) for a moment things would get really boring then...

Thats no genocide, thats evolution. And to be frankly earnest (heheh) for a moment things would get really boring then...

It's effectively genocide for those left behind - those who, for whatever reason, are unwilling or unable to adapt themselves or their children.

It's effectively genocide for those left behind - those who, for whatever reason, are unwilling or unable to adapt themselves or their children.

WAIT!!! I see what youre getting at!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/02/Left_Behind.jpg

Hopefully it will, but not likely during our lifetimes. Of course, the trouble with universal democracy is a relatively backward government--just think how progressive the United States would be if the Confederates seceded; but slavery, and all that (as if that had anything to do with the war :tongue:).

And unless the UN changes radically, it will be utterly unable to compel such unity, New World Order paranoia aside. For all its diplomatic and humanitarian work, the UN has shown itself to be staggeringly ineffective as a force for maintaining order.

I'm glad someone else pointed this out, I get tired of always having to be the one to do it.

As for the one-world government, it's bound to happen eventually, but I don't think humanity will like it when it does.

I think we'll either be on multiple worlds or heading into a perpetual dark age fairly soon. So a one world government will either never exist, or potentially control only one of many human-inhabited worlds.

What kind of person advocates domination of all other countries by one country?

I do, provided that no bloodshed is involved and the dominating nation is extremely enlightened (not the U.S.). There would be universal women's rights, better sanitation, an end to genocide, a total separation of Church and State--the wonderful possibilities are endless.

Sometimes. Humans are stupid, that's why I'm largely for eugenics, genetic modification and augmentation of humanity to post-humanity. We can fix the fucked up bits in our genome and brains with enough time and effort. By "genocide humans" I mean "stop being human".

Fantastic! What have you done to improve the world you live in?

I do, provided that no bloodshed is involved and the dominating nation is extremely enlightened (not the U.S.). There would be universal women's rights, better sanitation, an end to genocide, a total separation of Church and State--the wonderful possibilities are endless.

Point, but not what V10 was advocating.

Point, but not what V10 was advocating.

True, but I was just responding to your post, though my concept was totally hypothetical; most dominating nations are colonialist asses.

Over time, people have steadily identified with larger and larger groupings. From the village or tribe to the local lord, to the city state, to the nation state.

When people start identifying with the planet, ahead of their nation, then the time will come when a world government may be possible.

There are other pre-conditions that would be necessary. Those of us accostomed to democracy would not accept anything less than a democratically elected world government. Non-democratically elected leaders won't join such an enterprise. So, the world must have 100% democratic nations first.

Also, as John Ralston Saul argued in The Unconscious Civilization, democracy is our protection against powerful forces arrayed against us, ie corporate power. A democratic world government could stop corporations playing nations off against each other to gain tax breaks or force lower wages and conditions. This array of forces would see a world government as a threat and would do all they could to stop it.

Finally, a world government could redristribute wealth through taxation and other means, much the same way all democratic nations do today. The voters of China and India would have far more lobbying power than the voters in Australia, Britain or even the US. For those of us in the affluent, powerful west, a world government would mean a loss of influence. We aren't going to agree to that in a hurry.

Kind of reminds me of the circumstances prior to the Russian Revolution. A wealthy few determined to hang on to power while the masses call for justice.

Fantastic! What have you done to improve the world you live in?

I choose not to reproduce :)

yes, within the next 850 years. no, very probably not within my lifetime, probably not with most of today's nations still extant in their current form, nor for that matter population levels, nor existing dominant culture(s). all these things do however change!

it may resemble some sort of united nations but in the sense that america's federal government was built on and a replacement for its previous and earlier loose agreement between the original colonies that faced many of the same challenges, shortcomings and limitations as today's u.n., or rather it's legislative branch may. its judiciary will likely be distinct and may or may not be part of the same overall institution as its legislative. it MAY be, what may seem like an almost contradiction in terms, a democratic religious oligarcy. which is to say, if it is, it will not be any religion that has a priesthood, but only a democratically elected civilian lay administrative order.

it may not have anything resembling an executive branch at all, of if it does, only as a hub for diplomatic relations with other sentient worlds.

at any rate, it won't, hopefully it won't, because i can't see it ever being stable as if it is, be dominated by any existing nation or ideology.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Earth_Flag.svg/180px-Earth_Flag.svg.png(jk, lol)


But, seriously, do you think the Nations of the World will ever come together under one banner? Will it be accomplished by the UN or another organization to take its place?

And if you think it will, When? Within our Lifetime, or after?Frankly, no.

I hope to live to see a true World Government. A just one.

It will happen because working people everywhere are the same and are oppressed by the same forces.

Pshaw. Not even LG can contend with the Smunklings.

The UN won't exist either, as there'll be no nations to unite. Nations are artificial lines drawn on the ground, they have no bearing on reality - the future will be divided in a different way. I'm not entirely sure how, but it'll be far less arbitrary and probably unrelated to geography.

There will be no nations. There will be no United Nations.

For once, we are in agreement.

?

Just think about it, extrapolate current trends. On the internet, nationality is not that important, and increasingly neither is language - in a thousand years time, I imagine the population of Earth will be divided, not based on geography or culture, but on interests. "Nations" in the future will be like internet social communities of today.

In other words, Neal Stephenson's Diamond Age. Which has always struck me, minus a few SFnal inaccuracies that are to be expected, as a surprisingly plausible vision of the future.

On the darker side, it might come to resemble Cory Doctorow's Eastern Standard Tribe. But there are both positives and minuses to anything.

Over time, people have steadily identified with larger and larger groupings. From the village or tribe to the local lord, to the city state, to the nation state.

And in recent times, a lot of large nations have broken up. This trend is by no means garunteed to continue everywhere, or at all.

When people start identifying with the planet, ahead of their nation, then the time will come when a world government may be possible.

Perhaps.

There are other pre-conditions that would be necessary. Those of us accostomed to democracy would not accept anything less than a democratically elected world government. Non-democratically elected leaders won't join such an enterprise. So, the world must have 100% democratic nations first.

Or a few rogue states can be crushed or even ignored. If you're hoping for complete unanimity, you'll be waiting a while. No new nation was ever formed without resistance that I'm aware of, either.

Also, as John Ralston Saul argued in The Unconscious Civilization, democracy is our protection against powerful forces arrayed against us, ie corporate power. A democratic world government could stop corporations playing nations off against each other to gain tax breaks or force lower wages and conditions. This array of forces would see a world government as a threat and would do all they could to stop it.

Or they might see it as a chance to have free trade with every possible market. Though I agree, many would likely oppose.

Finally, a world government could redristribute wealth through taxation and other means, much the same way all democratic nations do today. The voters of China and India would have far more lobbying power than the voters in Australia, Britain or even the US. For those of us in the affluent, powerful west, a world government would mean a loss of influence. We aren't going to agree to that in a hurry.

True, though their are compromises. Take the US model: two houses in the legislature, one based on proportional representation and the other on equal representation for every member state. New legislation must pass both houses. A compromise that ensures that one state with a large population can't simply dictate policy.

Kind of reminds me of the circumstances prior to the Russian Revolution. A wealthy few determined to hang on to power while the masses call for justice.

Well, hopefully things will turn out better for the world as a whole than they did for Russia.

And - both the US and the UN will submit to the newly formed British Empaarrhh, and you shall all stop whining and discuss the scores of the Earth vs Jupiter test match.

I would expect the Jovian wicket, with its vastly increased gravity, to favour the spinners.

I would expect the Jovian wicket, with its vastly increased gravity, to favour the spinners.

Just imagine bowling in Jupiter (ignoring how a person would probably be squashed flat or rapidly sink into the surface).

The ball would drop so rapidly from the point of release that it would probably bounce several times before reaching the other end. The density of the atmosphere would probably enhance swing but all that bouncing would probably scuff the ball real quick.

something RELAY bad would have to happen. Like an apocalypse or something.

...<snip>...

I think we are in agreement about a world government being unlikely. (Wot? Agreement in NSG? Never, Sirrah!) I kind of like the idea, however.

I'd love to be able to elect my UN representative. Wouldn't that throw a cat among the pigeons?