[FH] Third world stellar nations

G'day,

> Um, the PAU? And parts of the ESU, and the Indonesian guys?

Its just a personal take but I don't imagine all of these being so far behind
in 200 yrs time (especially the PAU and ESU). Either there will be new nations
that take on third world status (maybe break or abandoned colony worlds??) or
the meaning og the term will change subtly. I don't know much economics and
I'm a bit dodgy on modern history, but a lot has

changed over the last 200 years right? For one the US wasn't the dominating
power of today 200 yrs ago and the English and otehr European nations were
stronger (relatively speaking).

Just a thought.

Glenn asked:
> >Um, the PAU? And parts of the ESU, and the Indonesian guys?

I've been thinking that the Major Powers at the time of invention of FTL drive
would probably start off making claims to entire planets; however, the smaller
nations would apply pressure, one way or another, to get a share of the new
real estate, and eventually you'd see a major power being obligated to take
along three or four minor powers when opening a new world. You'd see a lot of
negotiation going on
over who is going in on which expedition--"I know it's Madagascar's
turn, but Venezuela has oil so we're inviting them instead" and "Benin isn't
in a position to launch its colony so it's offering its colonizing rights to
the highest bidder; the ESU has offered them two billion credits plus an air
defense network."