Contact with Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Human Law

Michael Bohlander, Dr. jur. (1992), Chair in Global Law and SETI Policy, Durham University. Originally an international criminal lawyer, his current research focuses on the consequences of contact with extraterrestrial intelligence for human law, particularly humanitarian and human rights law.

• ForewordPrefaceList of FiguresAbbreviations1 Introduction1 An Initial Caveat: the ufo/uap Debate – the Elephant in the Room2 Structure of the Book2 The Scientific seti Environment1 Introduction1.1 The Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox1.1.1 Drake Equation1.1.2 Fermi Paradox2 Anthropocentrism and Morphism3 seti Approaches and the Nature of Contact4 Astrobiology3 Social Science Aspects of seti1 Gauging the Risk and Impact of First Contact on Global Society1.1 The Rio and San Marino Scales1.2 iaaseti Declarations of Principles1.3 Excursion: iaaseti and Its Attitude to Research Into uap1.4 The disc Quotient – Linking Impact and Linguistics2 Exolinguistics3 Exosociology, Exophilosophy and Exotheology4 The Metalaw Debate – Premature Speculation and Proper Use of Legal Considerations5 Conclusion4 Science Fiction and (First) Contact Scenarios1 Science Fiction Literature2 Types of First Contact2.1 The Hercules Text2.2 The Rama Cycle – Rama i and ii2.3 The Tripods Tetralogy and the Forge of God2.3.1  The Tripods2.3.2  The Forge of God2.4 The Mote in God’s Eye2.5 The Three-Body Problem as an Example of the Risk Inherent in meti3 Interspecies Comprehension and Communication3.1 Rama iii and iv3.2 Semiosis3.3 Children of Time and Children of Ruin4 Interspecies Armed Conflict4.1 Ender’s Game4.2 The Forever War, Starship Troopers, Old Man’s War Trilogy, and Anvil of Stars5 Conclusion5 Hostile Contact and Current International and Domestic Law1 Introduction2 Liability of Humans2.1 International Criminal Law2.1.1  Overview of Core Crimes2.1.2  Individual Problems2.2 Domestic Law3 Liability of ETI3.1 Jurisdiction3.2 Nullum Crimen Principle4 Conclusion6 Preparing for Hostile Contact1 Introduction2 Weapons Technology3 Strategy and Tactics3.1 Weapons Development and Deep Space Strategy3.2 The Strategic Parameters of Deep Space Warfare3.2.1  Distances, Speeds, and Celestial Mechanics3.2.2  Psychological Aspects4 Conclusion: an End to the Idea of a Peaceful Use of Outer Space?7 Legal Prolegomena of Peaceful Relationships with eti1 Introduction2 Joining the “Galactic Club” – a Future Theory of Humans’ Rights Protection in Interstellar Civilisation Networks?2.1 Overview of Possible Factors Affecting Human Rights Guarantees2.1.1  Network Regulation Density2.1.2  Rights Hierarchies and Enforcement Mechanisms2.2 Individual Rights2.2.1  Preamble2.2.2  Recognition as a Person before the Law2.2.2  Self-determination, Political Activity2.2.4  Equality and Minority Rights2.2.5  Right to Life, Ban on Cruel and Degrading Treatment, Torture and Slavery2.2.6  Due Process Rights, Right to Liberty2.2.7  Freedom of Movement2.2.8 Privacy, Freedom of Religion and Expression, Assembly and Association2.2.9   Family and Personal Status; Child Rights2.2.10  Restrictions on Exercise of Rights3 Conclusion8 Conclusion and OutlookEpilogue by Dr. Andreas AntonAnnexesBibliographyIndex

"It can be stated that Michael Bohlander has written a work that has no parallel in the existing literature in terms of its focus and depth of elaboration. His monograph therefore has the potential to become a reference work for all those who will deal with this topic for the next decade. It is a work that is fascinating in its content and manner of elaboration. At the same time, it is impossible not to see that it is a work that is disturbing in its content. The fact remains that humanity is completely unprepared for an encounter with extraterrestrial intelligence, not only legally, but also materially, politically and militarily."Prof. JUDr. Jakub Handrlica, DSc., Vice-Dean for Postgraduate Studies | Head of the Department of Administrative Law, Charles University, Prague, Právník 12/2024 (1317-1320pp.) "Bohlander stellt unter anderem auch zur Debatte, welche (kriegs)rechtlichen Grundlagen bei einer Auseinandersetzung mit Aliens anwendbar wären. Gelten die Genfer Konventionen auch für Außerirdische? Und muss man einen Unterschied machen, wenn wir Menschen diejenigen sind, die sich verteidigen müssen? Könnten bösartige und gewalttätige Aliens überhaupt nach den Regeln des menschlichen Strafrechts angeklagt und verurteilt werden? Und was ist, wenn unsere Maßstäbe von „bösartig“ oder „gewalttätig“ gar nicht für unsere außerirdischen Gegner passen, weil diese ein ganz anderes Wertesystem haben als wir?" Matthias Bieder, Bild-Plus 26.11.2023.“Bohlander’s book targets some specific weaknesses in our conceptual and legal framework as regards contact and the ETH. These weaknesses matter because of the existential risk implications they entail, which cannot be addressed except prospectively. Addressing them after contact is made will already be too late. Hence, Bohlander’s book should be read by anyone willing to entertain the possibility that existential risks can, and should, be preempted.”Michael Uhall, Limina — The Journal of UAP Studies 1(1) (2024) pp. 55-58."This important book will hopefully catalyse interest and discussions in the international law community about humanity and ETI."Cheah W.L., Asian Journal of International Law (2024), 1–2."In conclusion, this book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and implications surrounding human interactions with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI). By examining the intersection of science fiction, real-world legal frameworks, and international cooperation, the author highlights the need for proactive measures to address the profound uncertainties of potential ETI contact."Ketevani Gamtkitsulashvili and Bharati Manukonda, Principium, Issue 45, May 2024.“Ein absolutes Muss nicht nur für Juristen, sondern für alle an der Thematik des Erstkontakts interessierte Leserinnen und Leser.”Andreas Müller, GreWi, 30. Januar 2024.“Doch es geht hier nicht um Realsatire, zumal wir gar nicht genau wissen, welche Realität uns umgibt. Die mutmaßliche Existenz Außerirdischer ist nicht nur ein naturwissenschaftliches Thema, sondern hat auch psychische und soziale Dimensionen – ethische und juristische Fragen, Folgen und Probleme eingeschlossen. […] Gibt es Metagesetze über Artgrenzen hinweg – und wie könnten sie durchgesetzt und eingeklagt werden? Dürfen Außerirdische mit ihren Raumschiffen um die Erde fliegen? Ist ein Abschuss von UFOs erlaubt – und unter welchen Umständen? Sind UFOs überhaupt ein Thema der Rechtsprechung?“ Rüdiger Vaas, Bild der Wissenschaft, 3/2024."In Contact With Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Human Law: The Applicability of Rules of War and Human Rights, Bohlander undertakes an ambitious and wide-ranging exploration of the many fascinating legal issues that arise when we contemplate an encounter with an extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI)."Hugh Taylor and Marc Feldman, Center for Study of Space Crime, Piracy, and Governance (CSCP&G) , Mar 30, 2025.