I think the philosophy, legal goals, and technological goals of Asgardia are terrific. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to help Asgardia be successful in this great endeavor. However, we should consider how the existence of a successful Asgardia is likely to play out on Earth with the clearest vision possible based on the current geopolitical situation on Earth. Parts of our nation may literally be "above the fray" and in a vacuum but that will not be the case for the majority of us on the ground or the politics involving Earth's nations and Asgardia. Even though one of our aspirations is to not interfere in Earthly relations we will do so simply by being successful. Think about that. Let's say I snap my fingers and the following happens right now: 1. Asgradia is a recognized nation and has a functioning form of governance all Asgardians are satisfied with. 2. Asgardia has some form of economy that is able to function in the current international system. 3. Asgardia has manned assets in space. 4. Asgardia has assets in space able to detect, block, and intercept threats to the planet. Today, nations navigate geopolitics through a "realist" lens. That is to say, we cooperate with each other as we can but we don't truly trust anyone. Realism is why some say "countries don't have friends, they have interests." This is why we all have some form of border guards, armies, navies, diplomats, and intelligence services. Realism is why even allies spy on each other. Imagine we're some how lucky enough to be allowed off the planet with some capability to protect the planet. Why would any nation trust us not to turn that capability around on a nation on Earth? We see part of our mission is protecting earth with some form of planetary defense system, but I'm willing to bet my next pay check others will see it as a potential weapon. I sincerely believe we wouldn't use our planetary defense system offensively but in a world run on "trust but verify, and be prepared" our sincerity is irrelevant. Let's assume nations say they trust us. What's stopping a nation from putting *something* of their own up in space "just in case Asgardia doesn't play nice", and then one after another everyone has some sort of weapon in space to keep others in check. What concerns me is the potential for igniting a space arms race. How can we build the kind of trust that dissuades other nations from unilaterally putting planetary defense systems in space that could be used offensively? It crossed my mind to have a rotating international oversight/inspection committee that we submit to in the name of trust and transparency so world leaders are absolutely sure that we're adhering to our stated mission. Has anyone else thought of this? What are your thoughts?