I've seen this happen one time. It was the Federation played by the computer. To form the federation they need at least 2 of the founding species available to form a federation with them by the time the Babel event triggers. In this one instance I believe that was not a possibility as the founding races were already federated with other races or had been destroyed/subjugated.

Is there any way to counter this?

Because without the United Federation of Planets, there would be no hope for galactic peace.

Originally posted by gregory.knapp:

Is there any way to counter this?

Because without the United Federation of Planets, there would be no hope for galactic peace.

Defend the founding races, Tellarites, Vulcans, Andorans, United Earth. Maybe guarantee them so if they are attacked you can prevent them from being subjugated. If you are one of the founding races then you want to attempt to be on good terms and ally with them asap. Not forming the Federation is pretty rare, even if you don't do anything.

Yeah, it happens in most games even when playing as another country. It's entirely intentional though, that it can sometimes *not* happen.