Do aliens go to war with each other? | Robin Hanson and Lex Fridman | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR
Competition is a defining factor in the universe of alien civilizations, and the choice to allow interstellar colonization determines the level of competition between civilizations.
Key Insights
- 🛟 Competition has historically defined life on Earth, both between species and among humans.
- 🎮 People today have the opportunity to control and limit competition within our civilization.
- 👻 Allowing interstellar colonization brings back competition with great force in expanding civilizations.
- 👽 The presence of competition in alien civilizations is almost certain, but the form of competition, whether military or not, remains uncertain.
- ✌️ The destructive power of weapons poses a challenge to the desire for peace and control of competition.
- ❓ Despite tremendous atrocities throughout history, humanity has displayed resilience and the ability to continue.
- 🫱 A nuclear war, while devastating, is unlikely to completely annihilate humanity or prevent its potential expansion.
Transcript
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Questions & Answers
Q: Is competition a fundamental force in the universe?
Yes, competition has been a fundamental force so far, driving innovation and progress in various spheres. It is likely to be present in alien civilizations.
Q: Can competition be controlled and limited within a civilization?
Some people believe that competition can be suppressed and managed well within a civilization, promoting peace and limiting destructive forms of competition.
Q: Can the desire to control competition be outweighed by the destructive power of weapons?
There is a concern that the destructive power of weapons, such as nuclear weapons, may overshadow the desire for peace, potentially leading to destructive competition.
Q: Can a global regime of governance limit competition and prevent expansion?
The establishment of global governance that restricts military and business competition could prevent the expansion of a civilization, including interstellar colonization.
Summary & Key Takeaways
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Competition has historically defined life on Earth, both between species and among humans, often taking the form of war.
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Many people hope to suppress and end competition in human affairs, leading to the desire for world governance and the suppression of war.
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The choice to allow interstellar colonization determines the level of competition in alien civilizations, with the potential for competition at the borders but uncertainty regarding military competition.
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