Governance on Mars: Democracy or Another Political Order?

The study of the political system of a future Mars colony belongs to the fields of futures studies, space policy, and political science. Although this is a long-term scenario, there are valid reasons to anticipate the possible evolution of political systems in space. According to the authors, it is justified to outline a vision of a political system for Mars, given its planned colonisation, once certain conditions are met. First, a specific political system presupposes a defined organisational structure, competences, and mutual relationships among state bodies; therefore, it cannot be analysed in isolation from the functioning of the state itself. In the context of Mars colonisation, this means that the issue of a political system will arise when the colonisation process becomes large-scale and colonists begin to perceive themselves as a distinct community (or nation) and seek independence from Earth's influence. Until a state is established on Mars, colonies will most likely be administered by settlers acting on behalf of Earth-based superpowers.