Synopsis: Relationships and positions change on Deep Space Nine and on Cardassia Prime.
This episode can be seen as an illustration of Carl (C. G.) Jung’s concept of the union of opposites; wherein the Logos-driven rational conscious ego integrates bits of material from the Eros-driven irrational unconscious into itself.
In “The Dogs of War” amid the preparations for a final battle between Federation forces and their allies against the Dominion, Grand Nagus Zek of Ferenginar visits Deep Space Nine to anoint his successor. When Quark first receives the message about Zek’s arrival he believes that he will be named the next Grand Nagus, as does everyone else on the station. His brother, Rom, offers to by his bar from him so that he will be able to focus on his new duties. These duties Quark imagines will entail undoing all the reforms that Zek has done in his tenure. But when Zek arrives on Deep Space Nine, instead of appointing Quark as the next Grand Nagus, he names Rom. Zek states that Ferenginar needs a new kinder, gentler, leader. Quark despondently realizes that the Ferenginar he once knew no longer exists.
In this episode, Quark can be seen as a personification of the conscious ego, knowing itself to be correct and not allowing itself to be deterred by change. Rom and Zek can be seen as analogous to a conscious ego that has integrated bits of unconscious material into itself, to become more flexible and therefore stronger, which also creates a psyche that is more whole. In the end of this episode, as in a healthy psyche, the latter prevails.
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