Could the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence lead to a new era of global unity or exacerbate existing human conflicts?

ANSWER: The discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence could act as a double-edged sword. It might usher in a new era of global unity as humanity realizes its place in a larger cosmos, fostering international cooperation to engage with this profound revelation. However, it could also exacerbate existing human conflicts due to disparate ideologies, competition for extraterrestrial resources or technology, and heightened nationalistic endeavors to assert dominance in cosmic relations, leading to increased rivalry and division.