Dominion

The Dominion is composed of two distinct groups, with sharply opposing philosophies. The perspective of the Founders (aka Changelings) was formed from their history of persecution at the hands of "Solids". To that end, the priority of the Founders is the preservation of their own species, by any means necessary. They have no interest in anything like Klingon honor, Federation love of exploration or Ferengi material sucess. Their primary concern is to control everything they can gain domination of, and destroy all that they can't. In addition to their paranoia, the Founders are driven by an urge to "impose order on a chaotic universe". This may result from them believing their own propaganda, and convincing themselves from lies to their subjects that they actually are gods, who must lead the inferior solids.

The Founders' extreme longevity--indeed, practical immortality--has provided them with a long viewpoint. As the supersmart genetically engineered Jack said, (DS9: Statistical Probabilities) the Dominion doesn't worry about what's happening this week or this year, they are concerned with what the universe will look like a century from now. This perspective appeared in the Dominion War, where the strategy consistantly appeared as engaging in a long-term war of attrition, counting on superior construction methods and their ability to breed Jem'Hadar rather than risk everything on one battle.

Apart from the Changeling's metamorphic abilities, the most distinguishing ability of their species is "linking" the physical and mental connecting of two or more Changelings. Much of the species seems to exist in a collective union called The Great Link for much of their existence, producing a strongly anti-individualist perspective that is nonetheless far from the Borg Hivemind. In a consequence, the Founders seem to be a remarkably unified, even monolithic, species. Their most sacred axiom: "No Changeling has ever harmed another" reflects both this and the obsession with their physical security that characterizes Dominion philosophy.

The subject races of the Dominion--the Jem'Hadar and the Vorta--are dedicated to the service and worship of the Founders, who they have been genetically programmed to regard as Deities. In that respect, Dominion philosophy is comparable to a mix of Bajoran and Cardassian, combining religious faith and dedication with absolute loyalty to the state.

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