Is the Dominion a product of "ethnogenesis?"

[Good Will Riker]

The Founders, the Vorta, the Jem'Hadar, and their counquered worlds.

Much like the Huns of 400's A.D., is the Dominion a product of "ethnogenesis?"

"ethnogenesis" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnogenesis#Ethnogenesis_in_historical_scholarship

 

[Apogeal Alpha01]

I think of them as an amalgamation of distinct parts, much like the Soviet Union, or the Chinese who have little tolerance for a people who want to become apart and separate, like the Tibetans or the Taiwanese. The Dominion are more than the Founders and their genetically created servants, but dozens, and more distinct worlds that come under their rule. It also included distinct parts that voluntarily joined like the Cardassians and the Breen, but still distinctly a political association, not a cultural one.

 

[Good Will Riker]

^^^

Does the Dominion function more like an empire, such as ancient Rome?

 

[Marie1]

I'd say more like an Empire. Rome I think would work...
From what we know, the Changelings were bitter over their treatment by solids, so they managed (which the help of the Vorta, who were apparently friends with them before the Dominion existed) to genetically engineer an army, and start taking over worlds. They appear to have worlds that don't really mind being part of the Dominion, and some who are forced to be in it against their will. A lot of the planets are part of the Dominion because there is something the specific planets have that the Dominion needs- material, ship-building, people who are good at chemistry or weapons development. Those places exist in a sort of (not peace, but not... dead) safety as long as they do what they're told- produce ships, weapons etc. The Dominion is about insuring the safety and iscolation of the Founders- all else is what it takes to maintain that.

 

[Apogeal Alpha01]

I think they've been described that way. But, ethnogenesis, if I understand it, involves voluntary re-invention, adoption of cultural norms that bind across racial and tribal lines. That wouldn't describe ancient Rome.

 

[Marie1]

^ Would the voluntary part apply to the dominating force- ruler + armies, just not those places who are taken over? After all, its the ruler's choice to expand? Or is that not "conscious" enough of an action so much as simple ambition?

 

[Good Will Riker]

For that matter, is the United States of America a product of "ethnogenesis?"

 

[Apogeal Alpha01]

More than the Dominion. Or, at least in the universe of Star Trek.

 

[Cyke101]

I'm more concerned about Khan getting his hands on the Ethnogenesis Device.