Talk:Council of Funding Nations

Very interesting discussion! On the question of membership, perhaps membership of the CFN is similar to to membership of the European Space Agency or the Large Hadron Collider project. In other words, not a question of eligibility (like the UN) but simply a coalition of the willing. In short, the funding nations are simply those who were willing to pay. Of course, in exchange for their contribution they get a share in the spoils, preferential protection (reflected in the score & funding mechanics) and the power to set the rules of engagement.

on the legalities, perhaps the CFN adopted an earlier preceedent set by one of its members and defined UFO occupants ans craft as "illegal enemy combatants" and, as such, not subject to the laws or norms of war nor to civil protection. x-COM's apparent licence to destroy real estate with impunity and risk civilians in the crossfire is harder to explain. i expect a large and hidden part of X-COM's funding is tied up in expensive insurance, compensation, & hush money schemes.

Spike 14:08, 11 March 2008 (PDT)