Waldesia
17-04-2005, 08:27
Greetings to all. I am here to give you a short summary of the Empire of Waldesia, a soon-to-be major player on the international stage. Originally a part of eastern Germany, the Waldesian people grew weary of a lack of representation in government and the general consensus was an independent state was needed. General Thomas Howard, a high-ranking officer in the German military proved to be very sympathetic to the concerns of his people. Emerging as a charismatic leader he became wildly popular amongst the Waldesians. Demanding that the Waldesians receive more government support, he consistently flew to Berlin making fiery speeches before the German government. When electoral methods proved ineffective, Howard led an armed uprising in the eastern province of Waldesia. After four years of fighting government troops and international peacekeepers to a standstill, the German government recognized the state of Waldesia as sovereign in 2005.
Since that time Waldesia has emerged as a state with a distinct ideology. Deeply rooting herself in "Nationalism, Militarism, (and) Cultural Purity," the current Waldesian state is a result of a people long oppressed finally finding herself with freedom.
As a landlocked nation, Waldesia is in a unique position. The economy is largely based on industry, with major corporations holding large amounts of influence behind the scenes in government. A true statesman, Emperor Howard has worked consistently to fight the influence of these industrialists and bankers behind the scenes, without attackinig the free market economy itself. The major economic challenge for Waldesia in the near future is keeping up in the fast-paced world of technology. The average income tax for a Waldesian is very low by international standards, and businesses are not taxed much either.
The Government of Waldesia has truly committed herself almost exclusively to the task of protecting her people and providing a strong defense force. While the government's budget is relatively small, 8.5% of the nation's GDP goes directly to military spending, ensuring a strong defense force. While the Empire prides itself on it's large number of servicemen (military service is compulsory for males aged 18-22), the strength of the Waldesian Defense Force (WDF) lies in their tank divisions and air force.
The current Government has made known several things on the international stage. Firstly, national sovereignty is key. While the Empire is having an internal debate over whether or not to join the United Nations, for the time being Waldesia refuses to recognize international law as affecting the Waldesian people. Decades of oppressive German and Soviet rule have left us important lessons with regards to letting outsiders run our lives. Waldesia is very clearly interested in joining coalitions of Eastern European states. We have much to offer such an alliance, and we would not mind reaping the benefits of such an organization.
The Government of Waldesia consists mainly of the Emperor (currently Thomas Howard) and a 50 member one-party Senate. Their is a lower house which the people elect, but their authority is limited strictly to making recommendations to the Senate. The Emperor's word is above all written law, giving him absolute authority when he deems necessary, but Thomas Howard has generally been very respectful of resolutions and bills passed by the Senate. Only time will tell if that tradition will continue. Each of the 50 senators is appointed by the Emperor, and it has been tradition that each of the 50 states within Waldesia (Sandora being the largest and the capital) would be represented by a local senator.
The Emperor has a Cabinet of advisors that head various departments in the government. The Minister of War, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Minister of Immigration Control and the Minister of the Judiciary (there is no separation of powers in Waldesia) form the principle core of advisors to the Emperor.
Waldesians make up about 90% of the population of the Empire, while Yukans make up nearly the remaining 10%. The Yukans have been at the center of many problems for the Empire in recent years. Widespread looting, riots and even terrorist activity is common in Yukan, the main territory where these people reside. The government says it has been forced into passing various anti-Yukan laws, including curfews and laws banning marriage between Yukans and non-Yukans. While these measures may seem harsh, these people have been a thorn in the side of this proud empire for a very long time and will continue to be unless drastic measures are taken.
Crime is punished harshly in Waldesia, as evidenced by common use of capital punishment and sterilization (for sex offenders). It is forbidden for citizens to own firearms (this law was adopted as a result of widespread crime in the Yukan communities).
The state of Waldesia gradually began expanding a few years ago, and thus adopted the title, "Empire." The German concept of "Lebensraum," dating back to the 19th century was largely behind this. The Waldesian people, viewing their culture as superior to that of many of their neighbors, favored expansion to the east and south in Europe. The idea became even more popular after raids by rebels in neighboring countries became common. There originally wasn't much land available for agriculture, but recent expansion has paved the way for even greater economic growth. Conquered peoples are treated with a fair amount of dignity, but in many of the recently conquered areas martial law has had to be enforced temporarily.
The main ally for Waldesia is, oddly enough, the Republic of Wilcambara (a socialist, left-leaning welfare state). Waldesia has provided Wilcambara with large amounts of military equipment in the past, while Wilcambara has offered technology to the Empire.
Waldesia has not agreed to any international treaties regarding the environment. The international community has placed sanctions of Waldesia in the past for this, but the Government refuses to budge.
The Emperor looks forward to talks and negotiations with leaders of other nations, particularly those in Eastern Europe whom we hope to establish friendly relations with. Until that time, "Hail Waldesia!"
Since that time Waldesia has emerged as a state with a distinct ideology. Deeply rooting herself in "Nationalism, Militarism, (and) Cultural Purity," the current Waldesian state is a result of a people long oppressed finally finding herself with freedom.
As a landlocked nation, Waldesia is in a unique position. The economy is largely based on industry, with major corporations holding large amounts of influence behind the scenes in government. A true statesman, Emperor Howard has worked consistently to fight the influence of these industrialists and bankers behind the scenes, without attackinig the free market economy itself. The major economic challenge for Waldesia in the near future is keeping up in the fast-paced world of technology. The average income tax for a Waldesian is very low by international standards, and businesses are not taxed much either.
The Government of Waldesia has truly committed herself almost exclusively to the task of protecting her people and providing a strong defense force. While the government's budget is relatively small, 8.5% of the nation's GDP goes directly to military spending, ensuring a strong defense force. While the Empire prides itself on it's large number of servicemen (military service is compulsory for males aged 18-22), the strength of the Waldesian Defense Force (WDF) lies in their tank divisions and air force.
The current Government has made known several things on the international stage. Firstly, national sovereignty is key. While the Empire is having an internal debate over whether or not to join the United Nations, for the time being Waldesia refuses to recognize international law as affecting the Waldesian people. Decades of oppressive German and Soviet rule have left us important lessons with regards to letting outsiders run our lives. Waldesia is very clearly interested in joining coalitions of Eastern European states. We have much to offer such an alliance, and we would not mind reaping the benefits of such an organization.
The Government of Waldesia consists mainly of the Emperor (currently Thomas Howard) and a 50 member one-party Senate. Their is a lower house which the people elect, but their authority is limited strictly to making recommendations to the Senate. The Emperor's word is above all written law, giving him absolute authority when he deems necessary, but Thomas Howard has generally been very respectful of resolutions and bills passed by the Senate. Only time will tell if that tradition will continue. Each of the 50 senators is appointed by the Emperor, and it has been tradition that each of the 50 states within Waldesia (Sandora being the largest and the capital) would be represented by a local senator.
The Emperor has a Cabinet of advisors that head various departments in the government. The Minister of War, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Minister of Immigration Control and the Minister of the Judiciary (there is no separation of powers in Waldesia) form the principle core of advisors to the Emperor.
Waldesians make up about 90% of the population of the Empire, while Yukans make up nearly the remaining 10%. The Yukans have been at the center of many problems for the Empire in recent years. Widespread looting, riots and even terrorist activity is common in Yukan, the main territory where these people reside. The government says it has been forced into passing various anti-Yukan laws, including curfews and laws banning marriage between Yukans and non-Yukans. While these measures may seem harsh, these people have been a thorn in the side of this proud empire for a very long time and will continue to be unless drastic measures are taken.
Crime is punished harshly in Waldesia, as evidenced by common use of capital punishment and sterilization (for sex offenders). It is forbidden for citizens to own firearms (this law was adopted as a result of widespread crime in the Yukan communities).
The state of Waldesia gradually began expanding a few years ago, and thus adopted the title, "Empire." The German concept of "Lebensraum," dating back to the 19th century was largely behind this. The Waldesian people, viewing their culture as superior to that of many of their neighbors, favored expansion to the east and south in Europe. The idea became even more popular after raids by rebels in neighboring countries became common. There originally wasn't much land available for agriculture, but recent expansion has paved the way for even greater economic growth. Conquered peoples are treated with a fair amount of dignity, but in many of the recently conquered areas martial law has had to be enforced temporarily.
The main ally for Waldesia is, oddly enough, the Republic of Wilcambara (a socialist, left-leaning welfare state). Waldesia has provided Wilcambara with large amounts of military equipment in the past, while Wilcambara has offered technology to the Empire.
Waldesia has not agreed to any international treaties regarding the environment. The international community has placed sanctions of Waldesia in the past for this, but the Government refuses to budge.
The Emperor looks forward to talks and negotiations with leaders of other nations, particularly those in Eastern Europe whom we hope to establish friendly relations with. Until that time, "Hail Waldesia!"