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Contact with Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Human Law
The Applicability of Rules of War and Human Rights
Series: - Studies in International Criminal Law, Volume: 5
Author:
It is statistically unlikely that humans are the only intelligent species in the universe. Nothing about the others will be known until contact is made beyond a radio signal from space that merely tells us they existed when it was sent. That contact may occur tomorrow, in a hundred years, or never. If it does it will be a high-risk scenario for humanity. It may be peaceful or hostile. Relying on alien altruism and benign intentions is wishful thinking. We need to begin identifying as a planetary species, and develop a global consensus on how to respond in either scenario.
Michael Bohlander, Dr. jur. (1992), Chair in Global Law and SETI Policy, Durham University. Originally an international criminal lawyer, his current research focuses on the consequences of contact with extraterrestrial intelligence for human law, particularly humanitarian and human rights law.
"Bohlander stellt unter anderem auch zur Debatte, welche (kriegs)rechtlichen Grundlagen bei einer Auseinandersetzung mit Aliens anwendbar wären. Gelten die Genfer Konventionen auch für Außerirdische? Und muss man einen Unterschied machen, wenn wir Menschen diejenigen sind, die sich verteidigen müssen? Könnten bösartige und gewalttätige Aliens überhaupt nach den Regeln des menschlichen Strafrechts angeklagt und verurteilt werden? Und was ist, wenn unsere Maßstäbe von „bösartig“ oder „gewalttätig“ gar nicht für unsere außerirdischen Gegner passen, weil diese ein ganz anderes Wertesystem haben als wir?"
Matthias Bieder, Bild-Plus 26.11.2023.
“Bohlander’s book targets some specific weaknesses in our conceptual and legal framework as regards contact and the ETH. These weaknesses matter because of the existential risk implications they entail, which cannot be addressed except prospectively. Addressing them after contact is made will already be too late. Hence, Bohlander’s book should be read by anyone willing to entertain the possibility that existential risks can, and should, be preempted.”
Michael Uhall, Limina — The Journal of UAP Studies 1(1) (2024) pp. 55-58.
"This important book will hopefully catalyse interest and discussions in the international law community about humanity and ETI."
Cheah W.L., Asian Journal of International Law (2024), 1–2.
"In conclusion, this book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and implications surrounding human interactions with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI). By examining the intersection of science fiction, real-world legal frameworks, and international cooperation, the author highlights the need for proactive measures to address the profound uncertainties of potential ETI contact."
Ketevani Gamtkitsulashvili and Bharati Manukonda, Principium, Issue 45, May 2024.
“Ein absolutes Muss nicht nur für Juristen, sondern für alle an der Thematik des Erstkontakts interessierte Leserinnen und Leser.”
Andreas Müller, GreWi, 30. Januar 2024.
“Doch es geht hier nicht um Realsatire, zumal wir gar nicht genau wissen, welche Realität uns umgibt. Die mutmaßliche Existenz Außerirdischer ist nicht nur ein naturwissenschaftliches Thema, sondern hat auch psychische und soziale Dimensionen – ethische und juristische Fragen, Folgen und Probleme eingeschlossen. […] Gibt es Metagesetze über Artgrenzen hinweg – und wie könnten sie durchgesetzt und eingeklagt werden? Dürfen Außerirdische mit ihren Raumschiffen um die Erde fliegen? Ist ein Abschuss von UFOs erlaubt – und unter welchen Umständen? Sind UFOs überhaupt ein Thema der Rechtsprechung?“
Rüdiger Vaas, Bild der Wissenschaft, 3/2024.
Matthias Bieder, Bild-Plus 26.11.2023.
“Bohlander’s book targets some specific weaknesses in our conceptual and legal framework as regards contact and the ETH. These weaknesses matter because of the existential risk implications they entail, which cannot be addressed except prospectively. Addressing them after contact is made will already be too late. Hence, Bohlander’s book should be read by anyone willing to entertain the possibility that existential risks can, and should, be preempted.”
Michael Uhall, Limina — The Journal of UAP Studies 1(1) (2024) pp. 55-58.
"This important book will hopefully catalyse interest and discussions in the international law community about humanity and ETI."
Cheah W.L., Asian Journal of International Law (2024), 1–2.
"In conclusion, this book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and implications surrounding human interactions with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI). By examining the intersection of science fiction, real-world legal frameworks, and international cooperation, the author highlights the need for proactive measures to address the profound uncertainties of potential ETI contact."
Ketevani Gamtkitsulashvili and Bharati Manukonda, Principium, Issue 45, May 2024.
“Ein absolutes Muss nicht nur für Juristen, sondern für alle an der Thematik des Erstkontakts interessierte Leserinnen und Leser.”
Andreas Müller, GreWi, 30. Januar 2024.
“Doch es geht hier nicht um Realsatire, zumal wir gar nicht genau wissen, welche Realität uns umgibt. Die mutmaßliche Existenz Außerirdischer ist nicht nur ein naturwissenschaftliches Thema, sondern hat auch psychische und soziale Dimensionen – ethische und juristische Fragen, Folgen und Probleme eingeschlossen. […] Gibt es Metagesetze über Artgrenzen hinweg – und wie könnten sie durchgesetzt und eingeklagt werden? Dürfen Außerirdische mit ihren Raumschiffen um die Erde fliegen? Ist ein Abschuss von UFOs erlaubt – und unter welchen Umständen? Sind UFOs überhaupt ein Thema der Rechtsprechung?“
Rüdiger Vaas, Bild der Wissenschaft, 3/2024.
Foreword
Preface
List of Figures
Abbreviations
1 Introduction
1 An Initial Caveat: the
ufo/uap
Debate – the Elephant in the Room
2 Structure of the Book
2 The Scientific
seti
Environment
1 Introduction
1.1 The Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox
1.1.1 Drake Equation
1.1.2 Fermi Paradox
2 Anthropocentrism and Morphism
3
seti
Approaches and the Nature of Contact
4 Astrobiology
3 Social Science Aspects of
seti
1 Gauging the Risk and Impact of First Contact on Global Society
1.1 The Rio and San Marino Scales
1.2
iaaseti
Declarations of Principles
1.3 Excursion:
iaaseti
and Its Attitude to Research Into
uap
1.4 The
disc
Quotient – Linking Impact and Linguistics
2 Exolinguistics
3 Exosociology, Exophilosophy and Exotheology
4 The Metalaw Debate – Premature Speculation and Proper Use of Legal Considerations
5 Conclusion
4 Science Fiction and (First) Contact Scenarios
1 Science Fiction Literature
2 Types of First Contact
2.1 The Hercules Text
2.2 The Rama Cycle – Rama
i
and
ii
2.3 The Tripods Tetralogy and the Forge of God
2.3.1 The Tripods
2.3.2 The Forge of God
2.4 The Mote in God’s Eye
2.5 The Three-Body Problem as an Example of the Risk Inherent in
meti
3 Interspecies Comprehension and Communication
3.1 Rama
iii
and
iv
3.2 Semiosis
3.3 Children of Time and Children of Ruin
4 Interspecies Armed Conflict
4.1 Ender’s Game
4.2 The Forever War, Starship Troopers, Old Man’s War Trilogy, and Anvil of Stars
5 Conclusion
5 Hostile Contact and Current International and Domestic Law
1 Introduction
2 Liability of Humans
2.1 International Criminal Law
2.1.1 Overview of Core Crimes
2.1.2 Individual Problems
2.2 Domestic Law
3 Liability of
ETI
3.1 Jurisdiction
3.2 Nullum Crimen Principle
4 Conclusion
6 Preparing for Hostile Contact
1 Introduction
2 Weapons Technology
3 Strategy and Tactics
3.1 Weapons Development and Deep Space Strategy
3.2 The Strategic Parameters of Deep Space Warfare
3.2.1 Distances, Speeds, and Celestial Mechanics
3.2.2 Psychological Aspects
4 Conclusion: an End to the Idea of a Peaceful Use of Outer Space?
7 Legal Prolegomena of Peaceful Relationships with
eti
1 Introduction
2 Joining the “Galactic Club” – a Future Theory of Humans’ Rights Protection in Interstellar Civilisation Networks?
2.1 Overview of Possible Factors Affecting Human Rights Guarantees
2.1.1 Network Regulation Density
2.1.2 Rights Hierarchies and Enforcement Mechanisms
2.2 Individual Rights
2.2.1 Preamble
2.2.2 Recognition as a Person before the Law
2.2.2 Self-determination, Political Activity
2.2.4 Equality and Minority Rights
2.2.5 Right to Life, Ban on Cruel and Degrading Treatment, Torture and Slavery
2.2.6 Due Process Rights, Right to Liberty
2.2.7 Freedom of Movement
2.2.8 Privacy, Freedom of Religion and Expression, Assembly and Association
2.2.9 Family and Personal Status; Child Rights
2.2.10 Restrictions on Exercise of Rights
3 Conclusion
8 Conclusion and Outlook
Epilogue by Dr. Andreas Anton
Annexes
Bibliography
Index
Preface
List of Figures
Abbreviations
1 Introduction
1 An Initial Caveat: the
2 Structure of the Book
2 The Scientific
1 Introduction
1.1 The Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox
1.1.1 Drake Equation
1.1.2 Fermi Paradox
2 Anthropocentrism and Morphism
3
4 Astrobiology
3 Social Science Aspects of
1 Gauging the Risk and Impact of First Contact on Global Society
1.1 The Rio and San Marino Scales
1.2
1.3 Excursion:
1.4 The
2 Exolinguistics
3 Exosociology, Exophilosophy and Exotheology
4 The Metalaw Debate – Premature Speculation and Proper Use of Legal Considerations
5 Conclusion
4 Science Fiction and (First) Contact Scenarios
1 Science Fiction Literature
2 Types of First Contact
2.1 The Hercules Text
2.2 The Rama Cycle – Rama
2.3 The Tripods Tetralogy and the Forge of God
2.3.1 The Tripods
2.3.2 The Forge of God
2.4 The Mote in God’s Eye
2.5 The Three-Body Problem as an Example of the Risk Inherent in
3 Interspecies Comprehension and Communication
3.1 Rama
3.2 Semiosis
3.3 Children of Time and Children of Ruin
4 Interspecies Armed Conflict
4.1 Ender’s Game
4.2 The Forever War, Starship Troopers, Old Man’s War Trilogy, and Anvil of Stars
5 Conclusion
5 Hostile Contact and Current International and Domestic Law
1 Introduction
2 Liability of Humans
2.1 International Criminal Law
2.1.1 Overview of Core Crimes
2.1.2 Individual Problems
2.2 Domestic Law
3 Liability of
3.1 Jurisdiction
3.2 Nullum Crimen Principle
4 Conclusion
6 Preparing for Hostile Contact
1 Introduction
2 Weapons Technology
3 Strategy and Tactics
3.1 Weapons Development and Deep Space Strategy
3.2 The Strategic Parameters of Deep Space Warfare
3.2.1 Distances, Speeds, and Celestial Mechanics
3.2.2 Psychological Aspects
4 Conclusion: an End to the Idea of a Peaceful Use of Outer Space?
7 Legal Prolegomena of Peaceful Relationships with
1 Introduction
2 Joining the “Galactic Club” – a Future Theory of Humans’ Rights Protection in Interstellar Civilisation Networks?
2.1 Overview of Possible Factors Affecting Human Rights Guarantees
2.1.1 Network Regulation Density
2.1.2 Rights Hierarchies and Enforcement Mechanisms
2.2 Individual Rights
2.2.1 Preamble
2.2.2 Recognition as a Person before the Law
2.2.2 Self-determination, Political Activity
2.2.4 Equality and Minority Rights
2.2.5 Right to Life, Ban on Cruel and Degrading Treatment, Torture and Slavery
2.2.6 Due Process Rights, Right to Liberty
2.2.7 Freedom of Movement
2.2.8 Privacy, Freedom of Religion and Expression, Assembly and Association
2.2.9 Family and Personal Status; Child Rights
2.2.10 Restrictions on Exercise of Rights
3 Conclusion
8 Conclusion and Outlook
Epilogue by Dr. Andreas Anton
Annexes
Bibliography
Index
Practitioners and academics in law, international relations and politics, philosophy, sociology and the military.