"The Dark Forest" is a science fiction novel by Liu Cixin, part of the Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy. It explores the concept of cosmic sociology, where civilizations in the universe must navigate the dangers of revealing their existence to others. The story follows humanity's response to an impending alien invasion from the Trisolarans. The title refers to the metaphor of the universe as a dark forest, where every civilization is a hidden hunter. Each must remain silent to avoid drawing attention, as any signal could lead to destruction. The novel delves into themes of survival, trust, and the nature of intelligence.