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The New World Economy was the economic system that took shape on Earth; according to Tom Paris, it was around the 22nd century that "money went the way of the dinosaur." (VOY: "Dark Frontier")

The term "New World Economy" was only referenced by Tom Paris in "Dark Frontier"; in most discussions of the economy of the Federation, no specific name was used.

In 2259, Pelia recalled being unsure if the New World Economy, or as she referred to it, the "no money, socialist utopia", would last, preferring to hide in her Vermont bunker for a while. (SNW: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow")

Under the New World Economy, material needs were no longer the focus or driving force of many people, rather, it was self-improvement, self-enrichment and the betterment of all. This effectively eliminated social problems like hunger and poverty and, as a result, money was no longer used. Humans took great pride in this, describing themselves as having "grown out of their infancy." The Federation, however, continued to deal with other cultures which had money-based economies, using credits, trade or negotiation instead. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, TNG: "The Neutral Zone", "The Price", "Time's Arrow, Part II", Star Trek: First Contact)

Some cultures like the Ferengi did not appreciate the Federation's economic system. As a consequence, and in accordance with their extreme capitalist mindset, Ferengi historical records on 21st century Earth describe Wall Street with reverence. (DS9: "In the Cards"; VOY: "11:59")

In "Context Is for Kings", Captain Gabriel Lorca described how his family's business were fortune cookies "a century ago", "before the future came, and hunger and need and want disappeared". This would date the transformation to the middle of the century, roughly around the time of the founding of the Federation, though it is unclear if Lorca, an impostor from an alternate reality, was describing local Earth history accurately.

Quotes[]

"I'm Human, I don't have any money."
"It's not my fault that your species decided to abandon currency-based economics in favor of some philosophy of self-enhancement."
"Hey, watch it. There's nothing wrong with our philosophy. We work to better ourselves and the rest of Humanity."
"What does that mean exactly?"
"It means… it means we don't need money!"
"Well, if you don't need money, then you certainly don't need mine!"

- Jake Sisko and Nog, "In the Cards"
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