Martian Socialism and Terraforming

Cobra Commander · 2005-07-20 06:16:32

For a break from Terran politics and somewhat back to the point of these newly revamped forums. . .

Much has been written here about the near-inevitability of some form of Socialist system within Martian colonies. For the sake of discussion let's just accept the premise for now, Mars is Red. . . or at least a deep shade of pink. All that collectivism to survive in a harsh and inhospitable environment.

But then some enterprising monkeys start tinkering with the atmosphere and over time that inhospitable environment becomes progressively more conducve to life. As that happens, people need their rigid social structures progressively less.

Since any social apparatus tends to ossify, we'll likely end up with a very rigid Martian governing body of sorts trying to impose itself after it's outlived its usefulness.

At what point does a necessity become a tyranny?

Of course a long-term plan involving a transitional system could alleviate many of the potential pitfalls, but no guarantees. By adopting the kind of rigid structure required for colonization we may be virtually guaranteeing the first Martian War when those forms become less of a necessity and more of a bothersome elite professing to know best.

So the utopian socialists may be arguing for militarism and open war on Mars in a roundabout sort of way. [/i]

clark · 2005-07-20 06:24:16

Interesting... so the conditions that would make war likely would make the conditions for destroying it?

Mars, even terraformed, will probably have a very fragile eco system. I'm not sure it would be able to withstand the degradation of open conflict. Wouldn't that put them back to square one?

Cobra Commander · 2005-07-20 06:34:11

Mars, even terraformed, will probably have a very fragile eco system. I'm not sure it would be able to withstand the degradation of open conflict. Wouldn't that put them back to square one?

I suppose it would depend on the degree of terraforming before open hostilities and the means used to conduct them.

I imagine they'll have some wicked precision ordnance in the future, widespread enviromental damage could be quite minimal, unless the "old order" side deliberately tried to undo terraforming efforts.

Palomar · 2005-07-20 06:50:43

By adopting the kind of rigid structure required for colonization we may be virtually guaranteeing the first Martian War when those forms become less of a necessity and more of a bothersome elite professing to know best.
So the utopian socialists may be arguing for militarism and open war on Mars in a roundabout sort of way. [/i]

*Hmmmm. Guess I never thought about it that way before.

Maybe I shouldn't say this, but here goes anyway: I honestly cannot visualize war on Mars...or elsewhere in the Solar System. It's major denial, I know. (Get enough humans together and etc...will happen eventually, I suppose).

But if you don't have a strong social adhesive in the beginning, wouldn't the colonization-adaptive process suffer? I'm thinking, in the beginning, there'll be a strong and natural solidarity...especially considering all the unique challenges, disadvantages, etc. they'll face. It's only when people start having it good that they become anti-social, overtly selfish, apathetic/lazy, etc.

Just some thoughts from a brilliant political thinker (not). LOL.

--Cindy

reddragon · 2005-07-20 13:25:36

Socialism on Mars, even a high degree of it, does not require a totalitarian, "big brother," government. The government will probably need to own at least the base utilities and life support systems so that basic necessities are proveded to all the colonists. Such things as socialized health care are also likely. However, all of this can be done in a democracy or democratic republic. Thus the people will have control of their government. If certain aspects of the socialism in the old system cease to work well in the new system, they can change them, although they may not want to either out of habit or a true belief in the benefits of socialism. Indeed, some aspects of socialism may be better, at least from a certain point of view. And some things such as base air supply will not be issues any longer. Since people won't all live in enclosed bases anymore, it will be harder to enforce it even if you want, for example, only one provider of electricity. Thus capitalism will make gains when people are free to settle anywhere. Maybe there will be a war, but it's quite likely that there won't too. Especially in democratic states.

On a related note: The first Martian war may be fought over the issue of whether or not to terraform.

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#1 2005-07-20 06:16:32

Re: Martian Socialism and Terraforming

#2 2005-07-20 06:24:16

Re: Martian Socialism and Terraforming

#3 2005-07-20 06:34:11

Re: Martian Socialism and Terraforming

#4 2005-07-20 06:50:43

Re: Martian Socialism and Terraforming

#5 2005-07-20 13:25:36

Re: Martian Socialism and Terraforming

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