Originally posted by kafka47:
I am not sure that I agree with above descriptions of the Zhodani. I rather favor the Alien Realms/Delta 3 interpetation.
Though you don't have to agree, I am prepared to argue from the canonical references here that my interpretation is reasonable.
In which, I think they are a branch of humaniti that evolved with a different central tenant. Which poses the question, what would we do if we could see in others minds. Do we create an open society or close it off.
Note that the Zhos occupy both of those positions: They are 'open' and 'honest' but they also adjust malcontents 'for their own good'.
These are the real questions the Zhodani pose. The answer that comes back is create an oligarchy. But, at the same time, it creates the challenges of trying to maintain glasnost. Therefore, the democratic mechanism mediated by the nobility becomes the folcrum.
They don't have a democracy. They have an illusion of one, but that's as far as it goes. Kind of like modern G20 countries, only with different aspects.
Now contrast that with the major other branches of Humaniti:
A racist, xenophobic government that periodically dreams of conquest of all Chartered Space...the Solomani.
Latter day revisionist tripe.
The early Solomani presentation was nothing very much like this (Solomani Rim supplement). It is even arguable how much influence the Party really does have and how much of a dissident/liberal movement there is. And do they want to conquer all of chartered space? I'm not so sure. They do make the argument they are more fit to rule, but then really so do the Imperial Nobles. And the Imperial Moot's stance on Brzrk tells me they too have 'racial equality' issues. And they have been repeatedly booted by the Imperium, so they do have some good reasons for complaint.
A personalized dictatorship whereby all positions of power depend upon loyality to a remote Central government, that doesn't give a damn with what you say rather shafting the question to local authorities which either impose a dictatorial will or are in the pockets of the plutocrats, anyhow...the Imperium.
Not that you can't imagine this as ONE possible intepretation, but it is hardly the necessary or only one.
How do you know if the Emperor gives a damn what his subjects say? You have no real idea how he governs. You also have no idea how well the Imperial Nobility governs. It may do a lot of good things for the people - for one obvious thing, it provides (most of the time) a very stable background for trade.
Your interpretation isn't invalid, but it is just one view of things. There are others equally substantiable.
So out of those choices, I think that the Zhodani show the dangers of government but also provide a model how government can be a benefit.
The Zhodani are both an interesting society because they embody openess and honesty and because they help to insure that their people are happy and like what they are doing and their role in society. But they are the ultimate Liberal Paternalists, with a bit of Big Brother who tolerates no dissent thrown in for a good measure. They don't have the Tav'chedrl for for nothing. And they do, undoubtedly, willingly sponsor insurrectionist movements in neighbouring space that get people killed, so they don't seem to give two hoots about anyone who is not one of their citizens.
What makes them interesting is they don't fight wars with the Imperium (mostly) to win territory. They just want to hold their own and be left alone. Mind you, they do work through their client states and at their borders to gradually work nations into a state where they can be absorbed. This policy of glacially slow growth and absorption is the only way for them to grow in a stable fashion.
But they are also interesting because their central management and their noble classes allow them to pursue amazing long term planning agendas, like the Core Expeditions. In that sense, they verge on being Chinese or Manchurian. (Whereas the Solomani in latter days were given a Soviet cast...).
The thing that makes them wonderful is that their society, despite being based on some assumptions that differ dramatically from the 3I, has some sort of cohesive logic to it. Their outlook seems based on their psionics and their adaption to them. Some of us find their empire repugnant, stagnant, and intrusive. Some probably envy its stability, peace, and the average level of contentment its citizens have. That's what really rocks about the Zhos - they are both enviable and despicable by parts, your view depending on your own values and probably what kind of past you've had in other systems.