Extraterrestrial input: Star Trek as a diplomatic initiative at the verge of global multipolarity

Star Trek ( ST ), with millions of fans and recognized as one of the longest-standing science-fiction franchises, offers numerous opportunities for scholarly examination. This article draws on a range of ST episodes to explore international relations, particularly questions related to human nature, power dynamics and global governance. It argues that the United Federation of Planets’s actions closely mirror the principles of power politics, positioning it as a prominent player in the multipolar landscape of the ST universe. The selected episodes also offer insights into the feasibility of compromise in situations where conflict seems inevitable. Additionally, they highlight that idealism and realism are two sides of the same coin. In other words, while it is possible to prevent war and achieve world unity, as suggested by liberal assumptions, humanity must still navigate power politics within the context of new geopolitics and realist policy preferences. Ultimately, the analysis identifies smart power as a crucial policy tool due to its capacity to enable the Federation to both optimize and sustain a dominant position within the multipolar context.