This is not a particularly accurate representation. It's a game theoretical problem. Because of the huge delay in communication over interstellar distances, yo

This is not a particularly accurate representation. It's a game theoretical problem. Because of the huge delay in communication over interstellar distances, you can not adequately communicate with other in diplomatic terms. due to the speed of light limitation, if you contact another civilization to e.g. propose to establish diplomatic relations, you will only find out if they sent a big ass rocket as a reply in about the same time it would take to receive a message as an answer. Making certain assumptions about the technology available, like: No instant communication possible, solar system or at least planet destroying weapons possible, etc., then in purely game theoretical terms if a civilization seeks to minimize the chance of being destroyed, it then becomes a good strategy for a civilization to hide and not reveal themselves, and immediately attack and destroy any civilization that should make the mistake to reveal themselves by e.g. sending out a message. thus giving them no chance to harm you before they are destroyed themselves. it's only a hypothesis, and even at a superficial glance there are alternative strategies that might end up being better on average, much better if each civilization is willing to take some risk, etc.