Ryujin
Legend
Possibly resulting in a "Berserker" scenario, aka "A Day in the Strife" in Babylon 5 terms.
What do space empires fight over?
or Green vs. Purple.
It's too easy to make world-busters for a long terme, sustained conflict to be viable. If war is constant, it's doctored. If peace happened, the various governing bodies would probably have to relinquish emergency war powers and be held more accountable. So, let's have an hereditary enemy who could planet-bust your populations centers.... but for some reason, mainly because it would make your own people consider using them, doesn't. Instead, there is a lot of skirmishes around the contested zone (of absolutely no strategic import since there is hyperdrive) so you can show the populace 2D maps of the galaxy showing a dubious border in blue and red, explaining why there is a need to be ever vigilant.
People would probably notice and speak up, but everyone knows what happens to unpatriotic people during war time: the cinema industry is regularly under scrutiny in all of these empires. Having dozens of empires allows for various opponents and threats. Most citizens of these empire would never be confronted with the war, but keeping it a looming prospect is a must.
People would probably notice and speak up, but everyone knows what happens to unpatriotic people during war time: the cinema industry is regularly under scrutiny in all of these empires. Having dozens of empires allows for various opponents and threats. Most citizens of these empire would never be confronted with the war, but keeping it a looming prospect is a must.
Bedrockgames
Legend
I am guessing territorial claims, probably due to the presence of resources, strategic locations, rebellions, conflict between different alien species, etc. I think a lot is also going to depend on the specifics of the universe in question. On the whole I think real world causes of war on earth can be applied to space. Nothing prevents having a war based on religious conflict for example. The presence of other life forms could change things too, as creatures that evolved on another planet might have a totally different set of needs from us, or a completely different psychology when it comes to war. So there is lots of room for thought experiments regarding war.
Istbor
Dances with Gnolls
I skimmed, so forgive me if someone called it out and I missed it, but I think Babylon 5 did well here.
You have the war that started as a misinterpretation of cultures or translation.
And those that are following doctrine or belief, however you may see it. The Shadows believe struggle was a path to perfection or strength. Their follower races/empires all adhered to that teaching which caused a bunch of conflict. Conflict not easily talked around when we consider it could be a core societal or religious belief.
Plus you have some of the oldies, of just pure greed. Some people just want more, or all of it. Even if you are post-scarcity. Look at some of the richest today. Money that they would be hard pressed to spend now, and impossible if they lead a normal life, yet they yearn for more.
As well, there are some wars that are just endless retribution. Empires that did wrongs to others, which in turn get vengeance which just sparks endless similar conflicts. One side always trying to get the last word in or justice for some previous loss or slight. It can be hard for entire space empires to break that cycle.
You have the war that started as a misinterpretation of cultures or translation.
And those that are following doctrine or belief, however you may see it. The Shadows believe struggle was a path to perfection or strength. Their follower races/empires all adhered to that teaching which caused a bunch of conflict. Conflict not easily talked around when we consider it could be a core societal or religious belief.
Plus you have some of the oldies, of just pure greed. Some people just want more, or all of it. Even if you are post-scarcity. Look at some of the richest today. Money that they would be hard pressed to spend now, and impossible if they lead a normal life, yet they yearn for more.
As well, there are some wars that are just endless retribution. Empires that did wrongs to others, which in turn get vengeance which just sparks endless similar conflicts. One side always trying to get the last word in or justice for some previous loss or slight. It can be hard for entire space empires to break that cycle.
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The Babylonians had a space empire? No-one ever told me that in history class!
Istbor
Dances with Gnolls
Fixed. But yes. The Babylonians on Babylon 5 had a pretty solid space station city-state for a while.
Ryujin
Legend
Storyteller Hero
Adventurer
Water is one of the most vital resources for maintaining a civilization, and doesn't necessarily appear in large enough quantities to be cheap everywhere one goes. Transportation of water can be a hassle, so space empires might fight over natural water reservoirs as prime strategic locations.
Star Trek Voyager's first season emphasized the need for water among spacefaring peoples, and how valuable it is in the absence of replicator technology.
Star Trek Voyager's first season emphasized the need for water among spacefaring peoples, and how valuable it is in the absence of replicator technology.
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