In Character Convention Lecture: "Nation Building"  Stardate 10406.26
Lecturer: Admiral Jonathan Wolfe, Deputy Director for Starfleet Special Operations

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INFO: The room is dark, and a screen is on with the Federation logo glowing.

Ens_Turok says:
::quietly takes a seat in the front row::
CTO_LtJG_Lingn says:
::takes a seat::
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::walks into the dark room, and tries to avoid tripping over anything as he takes a seat near the back, and looks at the screen::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Enters the room, a PADD in his left hand, and walks towards the stage::  Computer, half lights.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Looks around the room::  Those who have not found a seat yet, please do.
Lt_Chaser says:
:: hurries to a seat next to Tigs ::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
I am Admiral Wolfe, Deputy Director of Starfleet Special Operations, and today we will be discussing what are typically called MOOTWs.  Military Operations Other Than War, and specifically the topic of nation building
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
If you have questions during the lecture, please raise your hand.  That being said...
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Walks around slowly::  The term "Special Operations" brings to mind typically one or two things - teams of operatives infiltrating and blowing up enemy fortresses, bases, and the like.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
What would be more appropriate would be to consider Special Operations to be those situations where the difficulty rating is rather high, where special operatives are needed.  Not infiltration, but peace keeping forces and nation building, to mention a few examples.
Admiral_Kelley says:
::enters quietly and sits at the back::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Glances at the races represented in the room::  The Federation prides itself on its democratic nature.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
A good example of nation building would be our recent conflict with the Dominion, and their allies, the Cardassians.  Once the open conflict is over, what's left is to pick up the pieces and assist in the rebuilding of their world.  Typically, a democratic style government is created.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Is this wrong?  Is it strange that we would insist on a democratic ruling structure?
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Looks around for opinions::
Ens_Turok says:
::Raising his hand::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Nods towards Turok::  Ensign?
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Is it wrong for the federation to impose our standards when we believe so strongly in the soveriegnty of each race sir?
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
It's not our standards we are imposing.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Democracy, by its very nature, is ruling based on the opinions and desires of the people.
Lt_Mrlr says:
::walks in, nods to the Admiral, and sits quietly in the back::
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: And if the people of a particular culture prefer a monarchy to democracy the federation would not mind rebuilding one, sir?
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
A specific set of people may prefer a monarchy, but it would not be possible to fairly represent the entire population.
Admiral_Kelley says:
::holds up her hand::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Admiral?
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: So the federation would place the form of goverment that the majority preferred?
Ens_Turok says:
::Embarrased he talked over the waiting admiral::
Admiral_Kelley says:
What if the population had a monarchy before the conflict.  I think it would be rather presumptious of hte Federation to tell them that they now have to change to a different government simply because we are there to help.  Don't you think?
LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: ponders the question ::
Ens_Turok says:
::Nodding in concurrence::
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::is pleased that that question has been posed::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Nods thoughtfully::  In such a situation, if it is the will of the people, then it is their will.  However, there are also situations of internal conflict - again, the Cardassians are a good example.  Their government went from a miliaristic state to a democratic state, did it not?
Lt_Chaser says:
:: thinks only after the Federation saved them ::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
That was their own actions - they had a democratic state during the Dominion Occupation.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Looks at the Klingons in the crowd::  Not to place you on the spot, but describe the state of Klingon governmental affairs.
Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: folds her arms ::  Wolfe : Klingons are born to conquer and do.
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::wonders momentarily what a person with that attitude is doing in Starfleet instead of the KDF::
Cmdr_Irvin says:
::sneaks in and finds a seat in the back::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Tulpuq: That was not the question posed.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Looks around::  Well, would it be unfair to say that the Klingons are not fully a democracy, but slowly built towards it?  A Chancellor, but also a ruling council.
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::raises an arm::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Captain?
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
I'll admit to not being terribly familiar, sir, but as I understand, the High Council is hardly an elected body - is not appointed, normally in a hereditary manner?
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Exactly.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Now... is the will of the people represented fairly?
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::silently shakes his head softly::
Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: muses a moment over a group of aliens discussing things they'll never hope to understand ::
Admiral_Kelley says:
Of course not, but that is not any of our business is it? ::asked with a smile::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
There is constant internal struggle within the Klingon Empire.  Power struggles, internal politics...
CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::slips in quietly::
LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: agrees with Admiral Kelley, but sits unmoved in her chair ::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Admiral, it is of our interest.  They are our galactic neighbors, and currently our allies.  Shifts in the power system have created problems for us in the past.
Admiral_Kelley says:
Of course we should pay attention, but we should not interfere.
Ens_Turok says:
::raising his hand::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Ensign?
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Sir, In our interest yes, but having members of the federation is in our interest, but we don't invade planets or stage cous to get the form of goverment we prefer
Lt_Chaser says:
:: thinks if anyone tried that they'd be dead ::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Of course we do not.  But when a planet comes under internal conflict, we are more than willing to assist our allies, are we not?  A peace keeping force, a negotiating team, or a nation building force.
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Should not the internal struggles be left internal. Who decides which side to take in the struggle sir?
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
A peace keeping force does not take sides.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
I feel as though the topic of the discussion has strayed too far.
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: What if they are struggling for a democracy, do we go in and keep everything status quo as it was before sir?
Admiral_Kelley says:
::raises an eyebrow at the Admiral's views and opinions but holds her tongue, the Ensign seems to be handling himself quite well::
Ens_Tulpuq says:
:: thinks this Ensign is an honorable man ::
Ens_Turok says:
::Quickly leans back in his seat::
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::feels that by definition a civil war is an internal affair, which whilst the UFP cannot help but be concerned about, has no right to intervene in - this was the decision made in the Klingon civil war nearly two decades ago which stopped any Starfleet vessels from aiding either side of the conflict::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Ensign, I'm not certain what your opinion of Starfleet seems to be, but I suggest you read up on the Prime Directive.  Non-interference.
Lt_Mrlr says:
::her commbadge beeps and she listens to the message, grimaces and leaves quietly, nodding an apology to the ranking officers as she leaves::
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Sir wouldn't placing a peace keeping force there for a civil war be considered interfering?
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::has been impressed by the Ensign::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Peace keeping forces are typically placed in situations where two sides are in conflict, not for internal struggles.  During the Klingon civil unrest periods, Starfleet did not interfere.  A situation where peace keeping forces would be used is the Cardassian withdrawl of Bajor.
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Sir, what responibilities do the forces have in rebuilding?
Admiral_Kelley says:
::raises her hand::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Nods as the topic returns::  After a devistating struggle, there is typically a great deal of chaos and disorder.  A rebuilding force is sent in to assist in recreating a nation's infrastructure - electricity, water, and other utilities, along with government, trade, and other international affairs.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Sees the hand::  Admiral?
Admiral_Kelley says:
Ahhh...I see you clarified it for me, thank you. ::smiles:: I was going to say that we were not so much a peace keeping force on Bajor as an advisory board for the provicial governement.  And even then were resented by much of the population.
Ens_Turok says:
::raising hand::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Correct, that was not a nation building force so much as a peace keeping force - create a buffer between the Cardassians and the Bajors and ensure stability within the region.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Ensign?
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Sir, do we offer new technology the aid in the rebuiding process?
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Typically the Federation offers what it feels is appropriate.  In the case of the Bajorans, they had some warp flight experience, along with advanced technologies.  Thus, it was not a stretch to provide things such as medical technology or industrial replicators.  However, we did not provide things such as warp technology or ship building schematic
Ens_Turok says:
::raising hand::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Looks around::  I apologize that we did not get as deep into our topic as I hoped.  Are there any final questions before our time is complete?
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Ensign?
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Sir, how long would a force normally remain on a planet?
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Nation building forces would remain until internal infrastructure is returned, and a semi-stable government is created.
Cmdr_Irvin says:
::slips out of the rear entrance::
Admiral_Kelley says:
::looks at her chronometer and quietly stands up.  Makes her way to the exit and slips out::
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
If there are no other questions... I wish you all a good day.  ::Nods once, and begins to gather his things::
Ens_Turok says:
::Applauding::
LtCmdr_Ravenprowler says:
:: stands and leaves
CNS_LtJG_Ryn_Solaa says:
::claps::
CO_Cmdr_Laurence says:
::heads for the exit::
Lt_Chaser says:
:: leaves::
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Sir it was a very informative lecture, I must apologize if I took it off track, but I learned quite a lot. Thank you sir.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
No problems, Ensign.
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Sir, when is your next lecture? I would like to attend and promise I will sit quietly and listen.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
Someone will speak tomorrow on a similar topic, around 2 local time.
Ens_Turok says:
Wolfe: Thank you sir. Have a nice day. I have another lecture to attend now. Thank you again sir.
Host Admiral_Wolfe says:
::Nods sharply::
Ens_Turok says:
::Quietly leaves the room::