[Skulky]

I totally agree with this idea, probably one of the best out there, there should be the ability to research special units that can be built on a planet/transported there that are 'police,' then you can repress riots. The police could be ordered to ensure order or repress people, would effect happiness but could hold an alien race in line until you can move them off to step two of my idea, a 'prision colony/base' where they could be held for a year or so until they are properly adjusted.
Also, the empire that would be spawned by the revolt would be at a disadvantage (usually, especially if created by an enourmous intel project (100,000-800,000 points)) and then would be easily overrrun. HOwever, int he pattern of the COld War CIA you could offer assistance tothe rebels in the form of ships/money and recognize them as the ligit gov't. this would naturally piss of the gov't they revolted from. If you chose not to recognize them they would be pissed at you and the gov't they revolted from would like you, this could be an interesting situation (Arab/Israeli today where many countries wouldnt' recognize Israel for a long time).

Great thread, keep it up.