quote:
Originally posted by Dave:
Japan is a really bad example, Annie. Low crime rate, sure, but belligerently set out to conquer Far East Asia.
Decades ago, yes.

The comparison was only provided to show how a society can exist peacefully(internally), even in our barbaric and unadvanced state.

Apply the concept to a far more advanced species, as I mentioned above, and, in my opinion, the results would be different.

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Human history shows us that when cultures have met, they've clashed, often until one is annihiliated. See the Mayans, Australian Aborigines, the kingdoms of the sub-Saharan. Marc mentions Pax Romana, and how about Rome and Carthage? Fierce competitors, until Rome finally won and salted the earth of Carthage so nothing would ever grow there again.
Human history, certainly.

But we aren't talking about humans, are we?

We can't apply human traits and characteristics to something(or somethings) decidely non-human. Assuming that our flaws are universal is naive; perhaps even somewhat pretentious.

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Aliens are not likely to be friendly.
You could very well be right. I hope you're not.