Ah but the Russies did do some assimilation, chiefly eastern Europe...odd that I didn't think of that til now. That's very true I find that most Author's try to slip in something that is relevant to their specific time.
Does anyone else see the Borg Collective as a tie in to the USSR? Great enemies of Star Fleet(a tie to the USA) More emphasis on the group than the individual The higher powers have luxury while the lower powers have none (the borg queen has individuality to an extent, drones do not) Or am I just making a connection that isn't there?