Development Index Rating

The Development Index Rating (DIR) is a pivotal metric within the System, serving as a barometer for the technological and societal progress of habitable planets. Originating from the Core Planets, Ysldara and Arukh, the DIR is a scale ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 indicating a nascent stage of development akin to pre-industrial societies, and 10 representing the zenith of planetary advancement.

Criteria and Impact

The DIR assesses a variety of factors, including but not limited to technological innovation, quality of life, infrastructure, and cultural achievements. A planet’s rating influences its political leverage, trade potential, and the flow of interplanetary aid. Higher-rated planets often hold sway in the System Council, dictating policies that shape the future of the System.

Controversies

The DIR has been a subject of controversy, criticized for perpetuating a hierarchy among the planets. Critics argue that it enables the Core Planets to exert undue influence over less developed worlds, often leading to exploitation. The war-torn planet Ishtar, rated a “3”, is a prime example of such disparity, having suffered greatly under the shadow of its more advanced neighbors.

Post-War Reforms

In the grim aftermath of the System War, there have been calls for reforming the DIR to be more inclusive and reflective of a planet’s resilience and cultural heritage, rather than merely its technological might. These proposed changes aim to foster a more equitable System, where all planets can thrive without the specter of past conflicts dictating their worth.