Can a Spacefarer Civilization Survive Espionage?

Wouldn't a technologically advanced, space-faring civilization often fall victim to a competitor's espionage before they could become conquistadors? The answer, as always, is complex. Let's explore whether a civilization seeking expansion might first encounter and be undermined by a rival intelligence operation, even before they have the wherewithal to conquer new territories.

Street-Level Trepidation and Civilizational Suicide

Carver Wrightman, known online as Cecil R. Williams, fascinates me with his perspective. He observes the movers and shakers of society through media with a growing sense of trepidation bordering on fear and loathing. This is particularly true when considering the future landscape, especially when it comes to industrial civilizational suicide—a phenomenon that has persisted since the last ice age.

Philosophically, the treadmill of acquiring something for nothing and then others following suit in a lockstep manner cannot end happily. This is a trend that continues with those in vogue today who aim for the same without contributing value.

The Question of Development

The discussion often revolves around development. If a space-faring civilization arrives at another planet, at what stage of civilization or culture would the receiving planet be? Especially if this planet is also inhabited. The answer depends entirely on the concept of the originating civilization and the inhabitants of the newly discovered planet.

Just consider our own planet. If a culture or planet capable of traveling vast distances to another solar system had arrived, let's say, 100 or even 50 years ago, the implications would be profound. Think about the cultural and technological shock that would result.

A Classic Scenario

A short story written by a friend in 1953 tells a tale of a space ship that lands and starts speaking in an unknown language. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) attempts to decipher the unknown tongue, only to discover it's Ancient Sumerian, a language isolate unrelated to any other known language, used 5000 years ago. The very first civilization started in southern Iraq.

The story revolves around a feisty old professor who is the only person in the world who understands Ancient Sumerian. This professor was not interested in modern problems but was deeply involved in studying the very dawn of civilization around ancient Ur. Only with some persuasion from the protagonist does the old professor agree to become involved in modern world issues and serve as the translator for this highly advanced civilization that has been space traveling for 5009 years. Imagine what such a civilization, which has spent millennia exploring the cosmos, might have discovered and mastered by now!

Comparative Evaluation

Compare our own world, which only started launching rockets to explore the upper atmosphere about 100 years ago, with the two most advanced scientific powers of the time: the United States and Germany. The V2 rockets were a result of this research in World War II, and Werner von Braun, who came to the U.S. after the war, continued space exploration. In 100 years, we have made significant strides, sending men to the moon and establishing a permanent presence in orbit.

When contrasted with a civilization capable of traveling great distances, which may take hundreds or even thousands of years at the fastest possible speeds, what level of technological and strategic superiority would they exhibit? Who would be their competition? These questions underscore the complexities of interstellar conflict and the challenges faced by civilizations hoping to expand across the cosmos.

The challenge of espionage as the primary threat to space-faring civilizations is a critical consideration. Just as ancient cultures faced rivals and competitors, civilizations in the era of space exploration would undoubtedly face the same challenges. Espionage and information warfare could be the most significant obstacles to expansion, highlighting the need for both technological and strategic preparation.