TOS - S02E19 - A Private Little War[Video]

The crew of the Enterprise are sworn to protect the "Prime Directive," the order never to interfere with the native development of another culture.

And yet, in "A Private Little War," Kirk and his officers must wrestle with the decision to help arm the friends of the Federation against the tribes aided by the Klingons.

This episode was intentionally written to represent the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union in far-off theaters of war like Vietnam.

Do you think that Kirk should obey the Prime Directive in this episode -- or for that matter, ever? What is more important, spreading the values of the Federation, or respecting the independence of the people of another planet? Also spend a portion of the paper comparing this view to the Soviet Union.

Length of answer should be 2-3 pages. The best essays will include a strong thesis statement, smooth transitions between paragraphs, and potential counter arguments.

Please double-space and use 12-point font