The Responsibility of the Borg Invasion in Star Trek

The question of who was ultimately responsible for the Borg invasion in Star Trek has been debated among fans and scholars alike. In the 1996 feature film Star Trek: First Contact, several factors come into play, including the actions of Q, time travel, and the earlier theft of human outposts by the Borg.

Even though the Borg initially stole the outposts, it was Q who, through his actions, ultimately pushed the USS Enterprise to confront the Borg. This situation, involving time travel, leads to a complex web of events that are often labeled as "wobbly timey wimey." Without a clear first cause, the timeline becomes convoluted, making it difficult to pinpoint a single culprit.

The concept used throughout the franchise is one of satire, and during the 1920s to 1940s, popular culture saw the rise of various toys, early comics featuring circus freaks, and radio shows reviving the theatre. As human characters evolved in these mediums, the representation of the Borg in Star Trek reflects this history, presenting the Borg as an embarrassment for humanity.

Human Guilt and Borg Assimilation

When a character in the series is assimilated by the Borg, it often evokes guilt and a sense of responsibility. The 22nd and 23rd centuries depicted in the series see advancements in human technology, including cybernetic enhancements that can be seen as early forms of Borg technology. The portrayal of the Borg as streamlining internal implants, reducing visible implants, and sometimes just being "assimilated" highlights the zombified nature of the humans they encounter. This condition requires the use of regenerative pods, which further emphasize the dehumanizing process.

Borg Philosophy and Human Emotions

The Borg's philosophy is that resistance is futile, embodying the idea that even with ones' emotions, there is no hope against the collective. The Borg see themselves as a hive mind that requires high human emotions as a form of connection. This idea forces the survivors to reconsider the essence of humanity and the purpose of their existence.

The Borg cube, representing humanity's presence in space for centuries, yet lacking excitement and the appreciation of uniqueness, simply seeks conquest. This raises the question: for whom are they conquering? With or without loneliness, the Borg’s existence is centered around assimilation and integration, often at the expense of individuality.

Other Perceptions and Debates

From a different perspective, some viewers and critics argue that the Romulans played a crucial role in the Borg invasion. However, in Star Trek: First Contact, there is no mention of the Romulans or Q (who appeared in the series but not in this film). Riker does mention attacks and missing colonies near the Federation's territory, implying that the Borg were already moving towards the Federation, with Q offering them a preview of what was to come.

At the end of the day, the responsibility of the Borg invasion is multifaceted and involves various elements of the plot, from external threats to internal conflicts within the human characters. Ultimately, it is the intricate narrative and the interplay of these elements that make the Star Trek universe a fascinating and thought-provoking setting.