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373 communicate general truths. He thought that our communications should contain a combination of symbolic messages and pictures, although no single message or small set of messages can reliably convey the meaning of a given set of symbols.” Carl DeVito revived the idea of languages based on science in 1992. More recently, Canadians Yvan Dutil and Stephane Dumas, drawing on Freudenthal’s work, developed what they called an “Interstellar Rosetta Stone,” a set of symbols that can be thought of as a mathematical language." Vakoch proposed that in addition to pictorial representations and three- dimensional images, we should draw on semiotics (the theory of signs). He suggested transmissions that simulate natural phenomena as icons. Given that we are not sure which sensory modality will be primary for extrater- restrials, symbols that are not reliant on any particular modality would be preferable.* Given our ignorance of the other civilization, there is no perfect method of communicating meaning, particularly intent. Misunderstandings may be inevitable. If we do begin exchanging communications with an extraterrestrial civili- zation, we will be entering into a long-term relationship. We will need to think beyond our immediate reaction or our first message. If that civilization is hundreds or thousands of light-years away, we will face long delays between an outgoing message and a reply. Human cultures and human politics could change in ways that affect the dialogue or even bring its continuation into question. Should Earth’s nations communicate with extraterrestrials through an international institution? Does the United Nations provide an adequate framework, or would we need a new body? This is not a minor bureaucratic issue. The communicating organization would become Homo sapiens’ foreign ministry, where human interests are aggregated and expressed to nonhumans. Long-term relations require a strategy and a continuous calculation of Humankind’s collective interests. Building global consensus on the human response may be the ultimate test of coalition-building. Achieving it could greatly extend the concept of enlightened self-interest. Harrison proposed that a civilization belonging to the Galactic Club would know how to develop working relationships, guarantee mutual secu- rity, and explore the possibilities of trade and commerce.*® This is the essence of diplomacy, a practice with which we have some experience. A dialogue with another civilization would be a project for many genera- tions in succession, demanding a continuity of purpose that human Managing the Relationship Managing the Relationship