If I recall correctly, the Taurhai embody similar ideals like the Federation. In fact the Federation and the Taurhai would get along quite well if not for the Taurhai habit of forcing their views on others. In other words - no prime directive.
The Taurhai, more advanced than the Federation or the Romulans, view everyone else as in need of education and have no qualms messing with prewarp Civilizations. Peacefully if possible, but they resort as likely to more drastic measures on their quest to bring peace and unity to the Galaxy.
I think they can be regarded as an antithesis to the Borg. Instead of assimilating a Society and taking the useful parts, they force other cultures to assimilate to their culture. It all reminds me of 19th century imperialism. The Taurhai taking the parts of the educated Europeans bringing Culture to the savages.
Rudyard Kipling formulated it this way:
Take up the White Man's burden—
Send forth the best ye breed—
Go, bind your sons to exile
To serve your captives' need;
To wait, in heavy harness,
On fluttered folk and wild—
Your new-caught sullen peoples,
Half devil and half child.
Ahem, getting carried of again - sorry
As far as I recall the Romulans gave the Taurhai a frosty welcome and bested their fleet in a desperate battle halting their advance. All this taking place just before TNG first encountered the Romulans in Season 1.
"Space may be the Final Frontier, but it's made in a Hollywood basement"
Red Hot Chili Peppers "Californication"
"per aspera ad astra"
Seneca