Future Economic Systems

Both Star Wars and Star Trek present societies that are difficult to categorize neatly as capitalist, socialist, or a simple mix of both. Here's a breakdown for each: 

Star Wars: 

• Limited information: Much of the galaxy operates under the Galactic Empire, which is depicted as an oppressive regime with strong, dictatorial, centralised control. While its economic structure isn't explicitly spelled out, it likely involves elements of both capitalism and authoritarianism, with large corporations operating within imperial constraints - a bit like fascist Germany. 
• Independent systems: Smaller independent systems might have more diverse economic structures, potentially including cooperatives, private ownership, and barter systems. 

In general, Star Wars doesn't offer enough detail to definitively label its economic system. It portrays a complex universe with varying levels of development and political control, likely leading to a spectrum of economic models at play. 

Star Trek: 

• Post-scarcity: The later Star Trek series (particularly The Next Generation and beyond) depict a Federation that has largely overcome resource scarcity thanks to technological advancements like replicators, which can create virtually any product or material and are heavily reliant on recycling. This removes the fundamental basis for traditional economic systems based on supply and demand. 
• Socialist aspects: There's strong emphasis on public welfare, with basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare freely available to all citizens. This aligns with socialist principles of collective ownership and distribution. 
• Individual pursuits: However, personal interests and entrepreneurship are still encouraged. Individuals can own businesses, engage in trade, and pursue personal wealth acquisition. 

Overall, Star Trek's society operates closer to a hypothetical "post-scarcity" model that blends socialist principles with some aspects of individualized economic activity. Therefore, rather than fitting neatly into specific boxes like capitalist or socialist, both Star Wars and Star Trek present fictional economic systems that blend elements from various models, or in Star Trek's case, transcend them altogether due to technology's role in eliminating scarcity.

Just a note on communism. We view communism with horror, but we have to consider what came before communism in those countries where it took root, notably Russia and China. In those countries it provided:

• Improved social welfare: Communist regimes in both countries achieved significant reductions in poverty and illiteracy, particularly in China. They provided basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare to a broader population compared to the preceding eras. 
• National development: Both countries underwent rapid industrialization and modernisation under communist rule, transforming them into major global powers. 
• Greater social equality: Communism aimed to eliminate class disparities and redistribute wealth more equitably. This resulted in a reduction in extreme poverty and increased access to education and opportunities for many.

It can be strongly argued that communism was a necessary and inevitable consequence of the rapacious and inflexible system of feudal peasantry and oppression that preceded it.

Had it been a transition phase to a mixed economy, it would have received a better press and, wonder of wonders, that's exactly the path China is now following, but still as a repressive, one party state.