I have seen in numerous threads speculations regarding the strength of the various interstellar entities in Star Trek. However, I wish to see a single, cohesive thread where all arguments as to the strength of Trek's various species can be put forth. But, please, exclude the Dominion and the Borg. Everyone loves to pick these two species, but, since they are so strong, there is little to speculate on. For additional clarification, we are talking
For me, the ranking is as follows:
1- United Federation of Planets
Because it is an interstellar union rather than an empire, the cultural and technological distinctiveness of all integrated species can be brought forth to maximum potential, for ultimate economic, technological, and cultural development. While TNG gave us the impression that the Federation was a little soft, DS9 showed just what the Federation is possible of when under threat. The Enterprise-D had a glass jaw, but the Galaxies of DS9 were certainly more war-centric. Post-Nemesis, the Federation is most likely king of the kill. As Sloan indicated, after the Dominion War, the Klingons posed no threat to anyone, and the Romulans, whilst were seemingly an equal threat according to Sloan, were certainly shaken up by the Shinzon incident. Regardless, of the Shinzon incident, however, the Post-Nemesis Federation had a highly advanced, large navy, and a greater ability to innovate and produce ships. This is a result of the species integration in spirited desire to advance which appeared prevalent in TNG.
2 Romulan Empire
Post-Nemesis, the Romulans are undoubtedly the second most powerful Empire. The events in Nemesis certainly weakened them, but not in a sufficient manner to severely decrease their power. In DS9 we learned from Sloan that the Romulans were undoubtedly the second most powerful species. They have fairly advanced technological capabilities, and powerful ships. However, the Empire doesn't appear to have the innovative and production capabilities which the Federation has. The weaker innovative capabilities are a result of their oppressive nature, inhibiting the free thought of citizens which contribute to technological development. Their production disadvantage is a result of smaller population, which stems from the Romulan emphasis on subjugation rather than integration.
3- Klingon Empire
Post-Nemesis, the Klingons are undoubtedly the third most powerful state. In DS9, Sloan said they were weak, but the Klingon Empire is so vast, and their fleet so large that even a somewhat weakened Klingon Empire could still not be surpassed by minor species. If not for Sloan's information, I would have put them above the Romulans, because their warlike nature gives them an advantage in conflict. In addition, we get the impression that they have a large fleet stockpiled, although this has been somewhat cut-down by the Dominion War. I don't think they have as strong an ability to innovate as the Federation or Romulans, but their emphasis on war would certainly mean they had a significant amount of resources devoted towards military research.
Cardassian Union
I didn't rank the Cardassians, because I'm not sure if they can be ranked. I got the impression they were a sort of minor power which dumped resources into military assets, with the result being they can sort of play with the major powers. However, in reality they are still a minor power, a species which could easily be brushed aside by any of the "big three".
What do you think? Am I so wrong I should be kicked out of the BBS? Or do you agree?
For me, the ranking is as follows:
1- United Federation of Planets
Because it is an interstellar union rather than an empire, the cultural and technological distinctiveness of all integrated species can be brought forth to maximum potential, for ultimate economic, technological, and cultural development. While TNG gave us the impression that the Federation was a little soft, DS9 showed just what the Federation is possible of when under threat. The Enterprise-D had a glass jaw, but the Galaxies of DS9 were certainly more war-centric. Post-Nemesis, the Federation is most likely king of the kill. As Sloan indicated, after the Dominion War, the Klingons posed no threat to anyone, and the Romulans, whilst were seemingly an equal threat according to Sloan, were certainly shaken up by the Shinzon incident. Regardless, of the Shinzon incident, however, the Post-Nemesis Federation had a highly advanced, large navy, and a greater ability to innovate and produce ships. This is a result of the species integration in spirited desire to advance which appeared prevalent in TNG.
2 Romulan Empire
Post-Nemesis, the Romulans are undoubtedly the second most powerful Empire. The events in Nemesis certainly weakened them, but not in a sufficient manner to severely decrease their power. In DS9 we learned from Sloan that the Romulans were undoubtedly the second most powerful species. They have fairly advanced technological capabilities, and powerful ships. However, the Empire doesn't appear to have the innovative and production capabilities which the Federation has. The weaker innovative capabilities are a result of their oppressive nature, inhibiting the free thought of citizens which contribute to technological development. Their production disadvantage is a result of smaller population, which stems from the Romulan emphasis on subjugation rather than integration.
3- Klingon Empire
Post-Nemesis, the Klingons are undoubtedly the third most powerful state. In DS9, Sloan said they were weak, but the Klingon Empire is so vast, and their fleet so large that even a somewhat weakened Klingon Empire could still not be surpassed by minor species. If not for Sloan's information, I would have put them above the Romulans, because their warlike nature gives them an advantage in conflict. In addition, we get the impression that they have a large fleet stockpiled, although this has been somewhat cut-down by the Dominion War. I don't think they have as strong an ability to innovate as the Federation or Romulans, but their emphasis on war would certainly mean they had a significant amount of resources devoted towards military research.
Cardassian Union
I didn't rank the Cardassians, because I'm not sure if they can be ranked. I got the impression they were a sort of minor power which dumped resources into military assets, with the result being they can sort of play with the major powers. However, in reality they are still a minor power, a species which could easily be brushed aside by any of the "big three".
What do you think? Am I so wrong I should be kicked out of the BBS? Or do you agree?
