Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Themes

Deep Space Nine sheds some of the Utopian themes that embodied the previous versions of Star Trek. It focuses more on war, religion, political compromise, and other modern issues.

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The most prominent theme in the series is that of the deeply religious Bajoran people attempting to rebuild their world and their economy after years of oppression from Cardassia. The relationship between the Bajorans and the Cardassians is intentionally portrayed as a powerful Holocaust allegory; the Cardassians had put the Bajorans to work in forced slave labor camps under terrible conditions, killed them with impunity, and express regret that their actions aren't recognized as being for the good of Bajor. Deep Space Nine's first officer, Kira Nerys, was formerly an underground resistance leader responsible for many acts of sabotage and subversion and is required in her new role to learn diplomacy and patience.

Related Topics:
Holocaust - Kira Nerys

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The relationship between the Cardassians and the Bajorans can also be regarded as colonial in nature. Much like in Kipling's "The White Man's Burden," the Cardassians believed themselves to be both technologically and culturally superior. According to Dukat, at the time of first contact, Cardassia was at least 400 years ahead of Bajor in every way. The Cardassians strip-mined Bajor and instituted forced labor camps under the guise of civilizing a lesser people. Guerrilla tactics by Bajoran fighters led to the removal of their colonial shackles in the same way that many colonies gained their independence in the 1960s and 1970s.

Related Topics:
Kipling - The White Man's Burden - Dukat - First contact - Guerrilla - 1960s - 1970s

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The Star Trek universe portrayed in Deep Space Nine is one of power politics among the galaxy's great powers. Prior to the series, the Federation was showcased as a near utopian society guided by human rights. In contrast, the Federation in Deep Space Nine tries to balance its high ideals with the practical realities of galactic politics. This theme speaks to the current state of international affairs, a mixture of power politics among states and rapidly growing avenues of international cooperation brought about by globalization.

Related Topics:
Power politics - Great power - Utopian - Human rights

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