10 Times Star Trek Went Woke

A Taste Of Armageddon was produced roughly mid-way through the Vietnam War. David Gerrold, writer of The Trouble With Tribbles stated that the tallies of the dead on Eminiarian computers were directly inspired by the tallies that began appearing on the nightly news reports by 1967.

The Vietnam War broke out in 1955, lasting through until 1975. By 1967, US forces had been engaged in the War for just over a year. The story for this episode depicts American interventionism ultimately helping the societies they interfere with, even if it's down to the common soldiers to set things right.

Ambassador Robert Fox orders the Enterprise, over Kirk's objections, to open diplomatic negotiations with Eminiar VII. This comes after a clear warning not to approach their planet. Fox then plunges the ship and its crew into a five-hundred-year-old conflict between Eminiar VII and the neighbouring Vendikar.

The episode depicts the rashness of the expansionist policies of the day. Fox orders forced contact. Kirk, and by extension Starfleet, has to clean up Fox's mess - while simultaneously ending a centuries-old War. Kirk disarms one side, calculating that the other side doesn't want a messy affair - a dangerous tactic that pays off. The Ambassador sees the error of his ways when presented with the truth.

There is jingoism here - Starfleet stands in the US Military, and it is a military captain - supported by his crew - who saves the day for everyone. What, then, is the message? Is Star Trek attempting to condemn US involvement in Vietnam? Was it celebrating the troops and their commitment to the fight?

Which, ultimately, is the 'right' view to take?