James E Gunn's "Private Enterprise" (as by Edwin James) (short story, colonialism, free): Taking charge of a country by taking control of its economy

Nine System Trade Alliance, a human bloc of Sol, wants Rigel V to join the Alliance. Alliance needs Rigel V to expand to galaxy, but Rigel V fears its way of life will be destroyed by its absorption into the powerful Alliance.

To mold public opinion there, & to take control of key infrastructure & opinion makers, earth has planted a spy network there - at least one human, a financial genius, as leader & at least one Rigelian earth can completely trust.

The story mostly takes place after the cover of human mole is blown & he's arrested, & ultimately reveals how human spy network worked there & the Rigel V was made to agree to join the Alliance.

Fact sheet.

First published: Astounding, July 1950.
Download full text as part of the scans of Astounding, July 1950.
Rating: A.
Among the stories from Astounding/Analog issues edited by John Campbell.