An International Authority in the Case of First Contact with an Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence

Abstract

The title of my mini-dissertation is ‘An International Authority in the Case of First Contact with an Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence’, the aim of which is to identify a suitable organization in international law to issue regulations in the case of interaction with an extra-terrestrial intelligence not from planet Earth. The purpose is to set a tone for possible regulations to be issued. The justification behind authority and regulation for an interaction with an extra-terrestrial intelligence is that the event could have a significant influence or even change many things in the world today, an eventuality for which, as this mini-dissertation submits, the world as a whole should be prepared. Before this issue can be expanded on, chapter 2 tests the substance of law against the variability of a scenario. This is an effort to demonstrate that the law as far as possible will be free from subjective influences in the case of interaction with an extra- terrestrial intelligence, which sets an a more objective stance throughout this mini- dissertation. Chapter 3 attempts to engage with the idea that the United Nations with its Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is built and equipped to issue regulations for this event. Chapter 4 examines the tools available to these organizations and the effectiveness thereof in addressing space issues. Chapter 5 cements the idea that the United Nations is best equipped to deal with engaging with an extra-terrestrial intelligence as it analyses a more specific scenario encompassing hostilities arising from such an event. The study concludes that the United Nations is best placed to deal with the unknown variabilities related to interaction with an extra- terrestrial intelligence not from planet Earth.