The question gives him pause as he considers it. He had been lucky so far in that aside from some unique individuals, he hasn't really come across very aggressive races. The Klingon were a major exception, but for now they mostly seemed content to keep to their side of space. The Romulans were shakier, but they weren't at war with them anymore as they had been in the past. That didn't mean they wouldn't come across openly hostile races in the future on their journey, so he thought about those potential encounters instead.

"I suppose that depends on what you mean by terms," Kirk said at last. "We always offer those we meet the chance to join the Federation and share its many benefits and protections, but if they do not want to we respect that and let them be though they will have to respect Federation space just as we would respect theirs in the ongoing foreign relations. Now if they begin attacking us after that? Yes we will fight them to defend ourselves. The Federation aren't conquerors - and I think you lose something when you force any peoples into joining anything or doing anything. It creates bitterness, and when that festers, down the road it will cause a lot more problems."

He took a sip of his drink, clearing his throat.

"Sorry, I'm not sure if that answered your question or not."