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374 societies rarely attain. Swenson speculated that it may require an enduring organization based on immutable dogma, like one of the world’s major religions.” We will need a clear idea of what we want. We also will need a clear understanding of what we are prepared to give in return. Our foundation must be the enlightened self-interest of the human species. We may be able to move beyond that to find common ground, to identify actions that could be seen as positive by both civilizations. If two intelligent races—both of which have special rules of behavior— come into contact with each other, the basic understanding of such mutual rules will lead to a kind of code of conduct. Deannt Danan 190048 As far back as Immanuel Kant, some have speculated about a legal system that would apply to all intelligences in the universe. What would be its basic principles? Half a century ago, space lawyer Andrew Haley proposed what he called The Great Rule of Metalaw: Do unto others as they would have you do unto them.” It is not clear how we could observe this principle in the absence of extensive knowledge about the other civilization. We may need detailed, sophisticated communication to find out. Fasan expanded on Haley’s concepts, proposing basic metalaws appli- cable to all sentient beings: 9. . No partner of Metalaw may demand an impossibility. . No rule of Metalaw must be complied with when compliance would result in the suicide of the obligated species. . All intelligent species have in principle equal rights and values. . Every partner of Metalaw has the right to self-determination. . Any act which causes harm to another species must be avoided. . Every species is entitled to its own living space. . Every species has the right to defend itself against any harmful act performed by another species. . The principle of preserving one’s species has priority over the development of another species. In case of damage, the damager must restore the integrity of the damaged naete Interpretation of such high-minded principles could be problematic. Principles 7 and 8, for example, could be seen as authorizing preemptive attacks on incoming alien spacecraft. Fasan explicitly stated that the right Annex: Preparing Toward a New Legal Order —Enrnst Fasan, 1998**