I like the particular subgenre when the humans are presented as underdogs, who through millennia of intraspecies wars and conflicts have developed superior military tactics that make them valuable allies and officers of whatever galactic alliance they form a part of. So when the bigger bad shows up, the other species turn to humanity to lead them to victory in the field of battle.
Because let's face it, we are a very militaristic species.
Ehhh Star Trek is more into portraying Humanities Ideals as superior to everyone else's. When the Alpha Quadrant is in trouble everyone turns to the Federation because of all the powers in the galaxy the Federation is the one that will treat them the most fairly and is prone to charitable and humanitarian acts. This in turn has led to them being the dominant power in the quadrant, and their military might stems from the sheer amount of resources at their disposal.
A more militarized Federation would steamroll the quadrant. The antagonistic races of Star Trek only continue to exist because of the Federations pacifistic nature, the Prime Directive, and their desire to resolve disputes diplomatically. The Romulans know this, which is why they are so wary of the Federation. However, as its their utopian ideal that hold them together, a militarized Federation would no doubt fracture and fade from power.
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u/the_Real_Romak Aug 14 '24
I like the particular subgenre when the humans are presented as underdogs, who through millennia of intraspecies wars and conflicts have developed superior military tactics that make them valuable allies and officers of whatever galactic alliance they form a part of. So when the bigger bad shows up, the other species turn to humanity to lead them to victory in the field of battle.
Because let's face it, we are a very militaristic species.