Allan E. Goodman

Diplomatic and political problems affecting the formulation and implementation of an international protocol for activities following the detection of a signal from extraterrestrial intelligence

Abstract This paper is based on interviews with scientists and national space policy makers on what such a protocol should contain and their reactions to the draft of one proposed by the author at the 15th Review Meeting on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, held during the XXXVII International Astronautical Congress (1986). The key arguments against formulating a post-detection protocol are whether such advance work is necessary or practical, the implications it would have for national sovereignty and the wisdom of disseminating information about SETI research in general to the public. While such problems could be major obstacles to implementing a post-detection protocol, they are not sufficient grounds to discourage efforts to develop one. The principal operational problem will be to find an appropriate and effective international consultative body to which the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence signals and plans for analyzing and responding to them can be referred. The paper recommends establishment of a new consultative organization which would be chartered under the auspices of the International Astronautical Union or other appropriate international scientific body.

Hong Kong redux

There are surprises ahead for both Hong Kong and the China of which it will become a part. This article focuses on how the reversion of Hong Kong will affect the future of politics in both societies. Even though rule by Beijing will change Hong Kongs commercial and political life, China will also be changed by having to deal with the emerging elite of Hong Kong and those persons from the mainland who have been educated in the West. This will not produce democracy in either Hong Kong or China but it will reduce the likelihood that China will become a hegemonic power in East Asia.