NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm not absolutely sure of the value of this, but while I lay cooking to death in bed last night and the useful parts of my brain had liquified, I had some now half-remembered thoughts about AMW. A sad reflection on just how long I can lie in bed without feeling compelled to do anything, I know. It occurs to me that sometimes we don't understand one another's nations, and of course that's what factbooks and such are for, but perhaps we still struggle with how they stack up against one another and relate to each other. How well are they all doing in various ways, how powerful are they relative to one another?

I'm not sure what sort of depth I'm thinking, here, but I feel that maybe a brief discussion of nations couldn't hurt.

What of the new leftist bloc, the progressives? The Igovian Soviet Commonwealth is clearly at their head in almost any measure of power, and has a hundred and twenty million people on the USSR at the end of its reign, but is BG the sun around which other revolutionaries orbit in the fashion of the old Russian empire?

Traditionally, many leftists have been able to look to the longer-established Hindustani progressives or to a much lesser degree the Lyongians or Lusakans, but with empires rising left and right, will not more states and groups be drawn to the relative power of the Igovian Soviets? The Lusakans themselves can deliver only token aid and in the event of emergency require much more in turn, and I think I may be forgiven for labeling the Lyongians as traditionally quite introspective.

But the Commonwealth's large population eats into what would otherwise be ample resources, and the on going development of West Bengal especially is a taxing ambition (less populace, resource-rich Jharkhand is well on the way to paying its own way and more). The population is motivated and increasingly harmonious, with attempts to incite racial conflict bouncing off well educated ears and leaving little impression on empowered people, but in general its attitude to work is relaxed and output is below its full potential, which is not even seen as a problem that needs to be addressed.

It is quite possible that foreigners look at the Commonwealth and see four hundred million people of countless races idling about in the sun and producing enough consumer goods for a western European nation several times smaller, burning fossil fuels enough to power such a nation, and that they could be forgiven for rating Beth Gellert as a minor force compared to the Quinntonian economy. But then frequent bursts of productivity turn-out such things as the world's only trimaran aircraft carriers (so far as I know) and truly strategic-scale WIGs, or increase other productivity tens of percent almost over-night to aid development of new Commonwealth states.

In some regards, BG is in my estimation a little like the early C20th US (not sure if the USQ had a history akin to the USA), usually dozing peacefully but having a great industrial capacity tucked like a weapon under the pillow.

Certainly Quinntonia must be regarded as one of the few bigshots in most rankings, though one may question its mass influence when compared to the draw of the progressive world revolution or of more radical religion from Catholic Europe or Islam. There's no denying the nation's ability to gear up for protracted war over-seas, however, as was demonstrated in Korea, which is something I feel that other nations ought not forget or dismiss... AMW nations should realise that in the last few years, war in Korea killed more than three million people over a period of months and years. Certainly that demonstrates some resolve that will not be a point lost on those who may think to push their luck, or to consider that they're the hardmen of the world: AMW is not full of powers and people inclined to be kowed because you think that you can kill a few hundred thousand of them.

I expect that I'll waffle on in elaboration of these and other nations and forces, but maybe this is just a good place to discuss whether you/he/we/I/they can really do that, and whether it makes sense in character et cetera. To grasp how much we're over or under estimating nations we can't actually go out and look at or read/hear about in the media. Partly I don't want things to be forgotten, I suppose. Things that have built our nations and our modern world, and that should still influence how the states relate to one another. Maybe we can even keep track of the waxing and waning of forces.

A qualifier: I certainly don't mean to indicate by having thus far only really mentioned my nation and Quinntonia that I'm trying to list the super powers and consider only these to qualify, it's just that I chose to stop typing now :) This may all just be owing to an especially dull phase in my life right now, heh.

Im intrigued. Yet, what are you asking, I mean at its root? Like a 'fly-over' rp of the country or such?

I shall definitley respond tonight, as I think this thread is worthwhile in many respects, and needed in AMW to boot. Im not much for plain lists, theyre boring, time consuming, and just turn out numbers and confusion. I do like this idea about waxing and waning of overall power, as it fits in with the real nature of civilizations. So, why dont you lay down some more boundaries, and ill get back to this fine thread later.

Ciao!

Oh, I'm certainly not suggesting that we all sit and list how many hundred battle tanks our nations have or anything like that, though some relative militarisation talk would probably come into it.

I'm liable to just waffle on as in the first post and hope that others contribute tidbits, opinions, forgotten or unconsidered aspects of whatever nations are being discussed, I suppose.

I mean, who really knows how powerful is Hindustan, Spyr, the new Italy, and do we fully appreciate how France really stacks up next to United Elias, or what pull has Quinntonia in what regions?

Hmm, Quinntonia probably has what could be deemed super-power status, which I think that would be shared with BG and China. Our nation is majorly militarised, with a level of miniaturisation that is even higher than during the Vietnam War, but not so near as during the WWI&II. (BTW, Vietnam never happened in AMW, just using those stats)
So, Quinntonia has a massive force projection in Hamhung, a city enclosed in what is Dra-pol. And has fought incredibly bloody wars with said nation over the last twenty years, with a final death toll for Quinntonia of over 1 million, and inflicting upon its neighbour over 2 million. This makes Quinntonia pretty unique in AMW, because no one in AMW history besides Dra-pol and Quinntonia has had an all-out balls out drag down scrap like that, just little wars.
Quinntonia also has to be understood as a nation that is less concerned about politics, power or economics, but more concerned with faith. Why do we worry so much about Communism? They are atheistic. Why is our relationship with the Holy League so complicated, they profess Christian faith.
However, in the end, we will stand for what is right, as told when we were willing to attack French ships to defend Strainist governments quite awhile ago.
As for influence, I think that we have some major influence pretty much worldwide influence in one way or another. We have a protectorate in the form of Quinntonian Dra-pol, which is fortified by the Westgaard Line, and holds 450,000+ troops, as well as the Quinntonian Dra-poel Militia Irregulars who serve as an emergency reservist force in the event of an attack. There is no other city in the world more prepared for an attack, and a lot of Quinntonian attention is focused there. Also, Quinntonian interests involve themselves in ROK, to the tune of 150,000 troops, which are there to support and defend ROK in the case of a second Dra-poel invasion of that country. We also have a huge military base there in which we support 50,000 Kenandruan refugee soldiers who supported the Royalist government and have been moved there with their families to protect them from Revolutionary reprisals in their own nation.
We also have just signed an alliance with Japan, and are very excited about the possibilities about that in the future.
WE also sit as the Chairmen of the group NATO, which includes Hudecia, The British Federation, Roycelandia and myself, and was put together in order to counter balance with the Holy League and the Progressive Bloc. It is meant though, to be a purely defensive pact.
Our relationship with the Holy League is good, I guess, they have a very frustrating habit of attacking other nations, but have never really done anything to directly offend Quinntonia, and Quinntonia feels that they have a good relationship with Versailles, who seems to be the figurehead of the League. In fact, France, in the name of friendship with Quinntonia, allowed Protestantism to exist in France.
We have treaties with Al-Ahzad that allowed Christianity to come into that area, in exchange for arms and educational support. United Elias is also a great ally, and we are currently looking at them for full NATO membership.
Let's see, we also have had a multi-year diplomatic effort in Mexico that will soon pay off in dividends.
Our relationship with China is on again off again, but I am assuming that for the most part, trade goes on.
And with India, we have a very good relationship with LRR and would do much to help them. AS for BG, though they are the alpha to our omega, we do some limited commodities trade.
WWJD
Amen.

Hm, while that is all true and Quinntonia is possibly maintaining greater over-seas deployments than anyone else, and has one of the largest militaries in the world, it raises some questions about how prepared they are for other major confrontations, does it not? Six hundred thousand troops on the Korean peninsula is around 0.2% of the USQ and QDP population, is it not? It is almost the total of the entire Soviet Army (680,000).

Still, while it must be taxing and limiting the full potential, in the event of major war another 0.1% of the Quinntonian population still gives them more personnel than the British army has in peacetime and relates to possibly lower militarisation than some HL nations keep long-term.

In that sort of context, I'm inclined to see BG's regular military as more of a heavy expeditionary force... an over-sized UK military, and to perhaps regard that differently to some of the other great powers. I'd almost say that others are more imperialistic, though that isn't to say that BG's doesn't have an... interventionalist quality to its relative flexibility.

I would agree that Quinntonia wield an incredible military strength. But I would argue that its influence is a lot weaker than it would appear.

Although Quinntonia holds strong allies such as Britain, most of its 'friends' are more friends of convenience than true allies. Hudecia is suffering rampant anti-Americanism, Japan is unpredictable and liable to shift towardsthe stronger partner, France is a loose cannon, etc..

As well, American influence in key areas is held only by military strength. Even the alliance with Japan was partially a result of arms dealing (I think.. I'm not sure on this but Quinntonia will correct me if I'm wrong) and the presence in Korea is maintained only through force of arms.

Although this is not neccessarily a bad thing ("might is right"), it is a dangerous situation when it is faced with competitors like China and BG.

Looking at other nations however, I would argue that few nations are in a better situation. Certainly Hudecia is not, neither is Spyr, China or even BG.

Perhaps the only nation that holds more influence than Quinntonia is France.

I intend to do a post later, perhaps tommorrow; It will be a "Tour de France" in which the results of the Restoration Government in its collective entireity (insofar as it is possible to do that) are viewed by a member of the solid middle class. Ill put it on Progressive Restoration, and I hope that it will explain the results of the Progressive Restoration thus far.

The Holy Leauge is a idea, as powerful as any Marxist or for that matter Facist doctrine. It is subscribed to by the Tetrarchy: Louis-Auguste, Juan Catalan, Caesar Maximus and Tsar Wingert. It seemes the Tatrarchy also has a true believe in the form of President Putin. These for crowned heads have, in the span of 11 years, halted the clock in Europe and now begin to turn it back. This idea is original conservatism in its purest form: Each person has a place, and rites to perform. Notice rites instead of rights. There are no rights in the Ancien Regime, there are only commandments and obiedience in the shdow of the wroth of the Lord. Yet, there is duality. God, the Orthodox and Catholic God subscribed to by the Holy League members, is majestic as well as demanding. He wishes to exalt his agents on earth, The Holy Father in Rome and the Tetrarchy.

The Holy League seeks to destroy secularism in communism in Europe, and restore the fuedal form of government to the peoples of Christendom, as it was in the days of yore. When all is said and done then, the Holy League will have literally rebuilt Christendom, albeit far stronger than it ever was before.
The goals of extirpating secularism and communism Europe have almost been accomplished: only Tunisia, Libya, and the Baltic States and their satellites stand as threats now. Once this has been done, Christendom will enter a golden age secure from all enemies in its ancestral homeland. Kings will rule justly, nobles will serve faithfully, the priests will pray righteously, and everybody else will work diligently. For, with Europe secure and the wealth of North African Oil (Libya and West) and Russian Oil and minerals in their hands, the Holy League will be impervious.

Now, about France. France is a nation whose star is rising once again. From the sun at Versailles, rays of light now reach out all across Europe. Whole planets have joined this suns radiance, and have become the Holy League. The French people, admittedly at first skeptical about the results of the Restoration, now swell with pride and dignity with every step they take. They are ruled by an awesome sovereign, who dispenses his unalterable law from on high. Once again Paris is the center of fashion and culture in Europe. French fashion is followed by every Court in the Holy League, and the French language is again becoming the language of diplomacy. The people of France rejoice in Catholicism once again, though Protestantism (many of whose members were prominent businessmen) was tolerated under the Kings aegis.

Once again the Lily Throne commands grand armies, and this time even grander navies. The Cherbourg Mk. III is a revolutionary vessel in every sense of the word. Already the Mk. I survived with minimal damage a devastating missile barrage by Elian aircraft. The Mk. III is four times as powerful. The Royal Navy hopes with the creation of the Mk. III to have created a vessel so strong and magnificent aircraft carriers and ASM'swill be about annoying as gnats against an elephant. Then, once the missile and aircraft factor has been eliminated, with her incredible speed the Cherbourg Mk. III can swoop in and with her armament sweep in and destroy in short order any surface ships.

The everyday subjects of France are content under the Restoration. People have large families once again, and marital vows are enforced by law (though with the French it is taken with large grains of salt, look at Louis XX!). Abortion, however, is a serious crime, and doctors caught performing them or condoning them are locked away in a dungeon with the key thrown away...or worse. The government makes sure that all are well fed: as a rule a peasant can always procure bread and wine, with a ration of cheese and meat, manyt imes with soup and vegetables (and much better on Church holidays) as it is the responsibility of their Fief Lord to provide sustenece in return for their labor. Of course, nobles dine much more lavishly, a nine course meal considered par. Soccer is still the national pasttime, although nobles now hunt voraciously in their own stocked forests.

Hmm, well im off. I will get more up on Progressive Restoration ere long. Should be a good post. Ciao.

I suppose I'll stick a little bit about Hindustan up here, eh?

Hindustan, is, well, a fairly nice place, and only recently have Hindustanis been able to fully appreciate the products of their difficult and long labor. During the first and second world wars, Hindustani (Indian, for that matter) troops fought alongside British forces in all theaters of war, proving to be skilled and proffessional, if restrained. Hindu and Muslim soldiers were grouped together in mixed units, and this contributed to the tolerant attitude after independence.

In 1947, Hindustan was granted independence from the British Empire. While originally entitled to much of present-day Beth Gellert, as well as the independent states, the Bedgellen Principality, under Prince Llewellyn, was able to seize a very large portion of Hindustani territory from the budding democracy, which had yet to build up much in the way of a military. During the first months of independence and the few years between the end of WWII and independence, Gandhi and other figures, representing the full range of Hindustani nationalities, worked tirelessly to establish democratic institutions par excellence, and to unite Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians into one secular nation. Independence was marked by mass celebrations and a demonstration of the absolute best-case scenario for the region. Members of all religious groups embraced the new nation, its remarkably open Parliament seated in Mumbai, and its first Chief Minister, Vijay Kumar Singh.

But that celebration was short lived. Not long after the last British troops sailed, Llewellyn's tanks rolled across the border, perpetuating a series of small and large-scale wars that would only end when the Prince was deposed, and even then Sopworth's dictatorship was viewed with distrust.

The Hindustani economy, damaged from decades of war, which saw borders shift constantly, has largely recovered and improved. While the 1950s and early 1960s were dark days for Hindustan, the newly-formed HDF began winning and was able to drive Bedgellen forces into roughly the same territory that the Igovian Commonwealth occupies today, allowing valuable farmland to be reoccupied. Agriculture remains the most important industry besides shipbuilding, and Hindustani farmers are given the most modern farming equipment and a top-notch scientific education.

Hindustani shipyards, located at major cities along the Arabian Sea Coast, are some of the busiest and most capable anywhere in the world. Those located in Mumbai and Gwadar are easily larger than the Hyundai yards in Korea, and secure Hindustan's place at the very front of the pack when it comes to maritime industries. There are also a number of very large breaker's yards, although very strict environmental and labor laws make for a remarkably clean and safe work environment.

Manufacturing is important, and Hindustani plants make farm equipment, IT systems, cheap knicknacks the likes of which are quite popular in the west, and a great many other thises and thats.

Hindustan Aeronautics is one of Hindustan's largest single companies, producing everything from large-capacity transports to clock radios. HAL is best known for its military aviation sector.

The Hindustani government is one of the most open out there, with the right of referendum held as a founding governmental principle. Nothing short of an amazing level of decentralization exists, with heads of state possessing virtually no real power. Capital punishment is outlawed, and, unlike in other Progressive nations, abortions are allowed only in certain circumstances. Due to the fact that Hindustan exists more as a shining example of mutual love among different religions, certain taboos must be observed, but the majority of Hindustanis consider themselves 'Deist' or 'Agnostic,' perhaps as a result of the extremely open religious and social discourse.

Hindustanis are furnished with extremely comprehensive civil and political freedoms, and Mumbai's human rights record is virtually spotless.

The HDF is one of the world's most experienced and proffessional militaries, having faced almost continuous high-intensity warfare since its inception. Despite what some might classify as inferior equipment and a command staff formed of expatriate Eastern European generals, many of whom have World War Two experience, the HDF has proven itself time and time again a force to be reckoned with. High standards of training and proffessionalism have carried Hindustani troops through very dire situations, in spite of second-class equipment in some areas.

Yeah, the high level of militraisation is difficult to maintain, and it does draw that very question, how prepared are we? Well, should a major war start on another front, we do have a very highly trained populous to fall back on. Our mandatory militray servce of every citesen for a minumum of two years, allows us to call upon vast pools of reserves. I have always figured that we would be at least as able to fight in a multi-front foriegn war at least as well as USA did in WW II. So, manpower-wise, I am assum,ing that we could call upon an immediate buildup (within 15 days) of 3 million extra troops. I don't know what would have to happen to need that many, but I am assuming like, NATO, Holy League and the Progressive Bloc all attack at once, or something. Then, we could deploy about 100,000 more troops per month after that. That was about what per month USA mustered in WW II. I know that everyone is saying that 100,000 a month, is a lot, but you must also take into consideration the Quinntonian secret weapon...a vast industrial base. That means, the new troops would have state-of the art weapons and equipment, and so on.

WWJD
Amen.

The HDF, designed as a home defense army first and foremost, has extremely limited force projection capabilities. After all, the HDF has only been called upon to provide its own logistics in recent times, and it fought on the Indian Subcontinent for the majority of its existence.

At one point, the HDF could boast over one million standing soldiers and several thousand warplanes, but that number was reduced to current totals once a more solid proffessional army could be built in the late 1960s.

The HDF is unquestionably a very proffessional force made up entirely of volunteers and operating by an extremely strict code of conduct that obliges HDF troops to treat POWs with the utmost respect and forgiveness, avoid attacking civillians or medical personnel under threat of court-martial or worse, and give any injured person on the battlefield comprehensive medical care. Armored divisions form the bulk of the HDF's combat strength, and have seen combat on numerous occasions. While older and lighter tanks form the bulk of the actual tank corps, a force of top-class MT-4s supplies an MBT capability equal to or better than the UK, if much less deployable.

Hindustani forces could very well be considered the world leaders in anti-tank training and equipment, and used their skills in these areas to great affect against Llewellyn's forces, the Soviets in Afghanistan, and Chinese troops invading Nepal. Artillery, aircraft, and anti-aircraft regiments are also top notch in terms of training, if not always equipment, and equally well-trained logistical regiments support these combat units very well.

In a military of bests, the EME and Medical units are the very pinnacle. Electrical and Mechanical Engineer units can be counted among the world's best, if not the best, and deploy constantly in both combat and non-combat roles. The Medical Regiments can be held in a similar state of ability. Ambulance drivers and pilots, as well as medics, are arguably the most qualified anywhere, and have proven excessively brave in combat, to an almost suicidal extent. No Hindustani medic has ever fired a shot in anger, and the HDF is quite proud of this. Light infantry and marine regiments provide an equally well-trained and equipped force that is more friendly to overseas deployments and low-intensity conflicts. Experience in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sub-Saharan Africa, Indonesia, and Central Asia has moulded the light infantry regiments into world-class peacekeepers.

Around 850,000 personnel are in the present-day HDF, counting the ground, air, and sea forces. The airforce, while considered very well trained and equipped, is not nearly as large as it was, but still quite large and considered equal to any challenger, in terms of pilot and aircraft ability. The navy, while again very well trained and experienced, is largely equipped with what many consider obsolete ships. However, comprehensive upgrade packages and a thriving Hindustani shipbuilding industry has allowed the HDF to keep its vessels running in prime condition and readiness, many hulls dating from the 1940s or 1950s.

In recent times, before the rise of the reactionary powers, the HDF has mainly been called upon to participate in peacekeeping missions and low-intensity conflicts, where light infantry and marine units have played a major part. The recent Eritrean operation showed how HDF ships can offload small detachments of marines to secure and protect aid shipments.

Hindustan is one of the world's biggest contributers of international aid, deploying highly skilled advisors to oversee the use of aid money and the construction of infrastructure. Hindustan has repeatedly gone into very tough and complicated situations and sorted them out, when larger and more capable powers such as Quinntonia and Beth Gellert have not bothered. For this reason, Hindustan can claim a fairly good reputation amongst third-world nations.

In terms of international relations, Beth Gellert is by far Mumbai's most important ally. With both Llewellyn and Sopworth gone, and the quite agreeable Graeme Igo at the head of the most powerful progressive nation, Hindustan has found a very favorable nation to befriend. Strong ties are maintained with the nations of the Lyong peninsula due to their similar progressive orientation (although Hindustan often grumbles about being the 'first real progressive nation,' and therefore endowed with some kind of seniority, when at odds with its allies). Lusaka, Strathdonia, Neo-Anarchos, and Al-Ahzad are also considered friends of Hindustan, due in no small part to the massive amounts of non-conditional aid sent to these nations.

Hindustan is also on friendly terms with a number of western nations, such as the UK, Hudecia, and Quinntonia.

So, that's about it. Oh, and there's no compulsory military service.

That's something that at time I, and possibly others, almost forget. Playing god with military size, rapidly changing it, or even maintaining a half-way large military requires compulsory service, really. For societies calling themselves free or democratic, and acting like it, decisions about getting involved in major wars may be even more taxing when considering that people are going to have to be convinced that they don't mind dropping everything and going to get killed.

In BG's case, with a population a bit short of seven times that of the UK, we have around 1.5million full-time servicemen and women in the three main branches, while I think that the UK has maybe in the vague region of 0.2m, which would suggest around seven and a half times greater Beddgelen military population... I think close enough given the different circumstances, with BG not that far from the limit of its sustainable volunteer strength without an all-consuming recruitment drive and clear cause for people to get behind. It appears -though I can't exactly remember its final population just off hand- that while BG is just a little more militarised than the UK in RL, Hindustan is just a little less so. It's not all that radical a difference, really. Of course, in the hyper-unlikely event of Indian civil war, the slight difference would probably grow quickly given that the Commonwealth is increasingly a major source of HDF cutting-edge or heavy equipment.

That matters precious little, since the Commonwealth considers Hindustan as much as friend as Hindustan does the Commonwealth, making for two and a third highly motivated, trained, and armed Indians, I suppose. It may be true that the pipedream of Indian unification has permanently collapsed, but it is unlikely to escape the notice of anylists that just a few years ago, the initially apparent weakness in HDF reliance upon Commonwealth arms factories (not entirely, of course) did not exist, arguably because Hindustan was going clearly against Portmeirion's will by supporting the defence of the ROK while the People's Army rolled south in Beddgelen tanks: if Hindustan had been using Beddgelen arms then, it would be possible to imagine Portmeirion ceasing to provide them. It may seem now that Hindustan no longer fears such disunity, and is prepared to back that by integrating Commonwealth systems.

It could be that this comes as a result of the recent peaceful left-socialist/anarchist revolutions in Beth Gellert, which almost went unnoticed by much of the world, and reduced Igovian ties to... sketchy governments.

(I like how things in AMW all seem to fit together without always being planned that way by individuals. It's almost as if there are whole agendas and governments at work apart from us.)

Hmm.... about the Hudecian military (laughs a little)...

Hudecia's military has been built around the idea that despite being a small nation, Hudecia can punch above its weight class. It tries to focus on having a highly advanced air force and navy to the detriment to its army.

In general however, the Hudecian military (when compared to other nations) is more of a sideshow. Unable to seriously maintain a war for long on its own, Hudecia requires allies in any engagement. This requirement has lead Hudecia to maintain strong alliances with Quinntonia and to remain friendly with many other powers.

In recent months, with the election of a hardline separatist as Prime Minister, some of these relations have become strained.

Quinntonnia makes a fine point, and reasserts that when all is said and done he is the 900 lbs. gorilla in AMW. China, well yah, but they have no capability to actually deploy their force.

Ad initio we must all recognize that the Holy League is a militaristic entity. As BG pointed out, a democracy would have angst about shedding blood for their cause. Naturally, a King sitting on a high throne could care less about numbers: all is but a means to His Most Christian Majesty's ends. I suspect that is why the Holy League is viewed as so dangerous right now. The Tetrarchs simply command things to be done, and an increasingly zealous and fanatical civil body carries out these wishes. What a glorious thing it is to be a Spainiard, a Frenchman, a Italian/Roman, a Estenlandian and a Russia and to know that by sheer force of will and faith in God, you now participate in one of the most legendary and critical eras of history.

It is no mistake that such feudal and chivalric works as "Morte d'Arthur" and "The Song of Roland", indeed even "Beowolf" are such fantatsic hits in the Holy League theatres.

And once the control of the European economy, by default if not acreage, is in the hands of the Holy League the European Union will seem pitiful indeed by comparison. With control of Europe's economy, the lynchpins being fought over right now being North Africa and the strategic Baltics, the Holy League will be secure in its stance, manpower and resources; and can carry on its time travel un-interupted.

Of course, until that point hundreds of years in the future, when knights in shining armor plunge a bright lance into the heart of evil and demonic activity in the world: The Sub-continent.

Ang BG, youre se right about AMW's dynamics working together to create a sensical and exciting worlds, perhaps more vivid (and when comparing it by the likes of Dubbya Bush) much more real indeed. I only wish I could be King for a day!

The new Tour de France: Communists flee France while being chased by ravenous wild animals.

You may have noticed that Strathdonia is beginning to style itself as a sort of small local Hindustan (well the whole Lusaka paranoia was getting bit boring).

may i remind people that Strathdonia never received any direct aide from hinudstan for the Strathdonian back story the rebirth has to be primarily driven by aide from RL malawi's slef chosen benefactor: scotland.

Of course we haven't been above accepting cut rate/ free equipment from various people...

Well, the Roman Army is alot like it was at the height of Rome's power:

It is an all-volunteer force, relatively small when compared to foreign armies, but extremely well trained, disiplined, and equiped(as with Ancient Rome). It uses a mix of French and Italian-made weaponry for the most part. The main punch of the Roman Army is its vast mechanized capabilities and the sheer flexability of her Legions combined with nuclear strike capability.

The individual Legionairre is heavily indoctrinated with the beliefs that he fights for God and that Caesar is God's chosen; therefore to disobey Caesar is to disobey God Himself. Therefore Rome maintains an extremely fanatical force. Surrender is considered unacceptable, for death only leads to martyrdom. To surrender is to be without faith. To be without faith is to be treasonous.

Each individual Legion can be compared with a Corps organization level, but on a far small scale allowing for easier deployment, giving the Imperial Army superb force projection capabilities throughout the Mediterrainian region, which is pretty much the only area of interest for Rome.

Technological developments include the upcoming Gladius C2 main battle tank which promises to out perform most modern MBTs, such as the Challenger II, Abrams, T-90, Leclerc, ect.

The Roman Navy isn't nearly as formiddable as the army, being primarily a frigate, destroyer, and cruiser fleet, with a few carriers thrown in the mix. It is primarily designed as a supporting arm to amphibious units.

That's all for now, at any rate.

Well, there's not likely to be any argument when I say that Al Khals is no great power. We've only four million people, and an economy that, while it's good by African standards, wouldn't be better than average in Europe or such developed places. But there's precious little religious leadership for the none-Christian world, and in a time of religious conflict and a world of some hundreds of millions of Muslims, Al Khali radicalism may yet be arguably significant. And that concludes our warning ;)

"A few carriers," a few carriers? That's not a laughing matter, Doomingsland! Most countries don't have any!

The HDF is probably the most civilized military in AMW by quite a margin, in terms of the fact that soldiers can face very harsh penalties for killing prisoners or refusing to accept a surrender. I can't even think what an HDF unit would get for gunning down civillians. It would be very bad.

The average HDF trooper, pilot, or sailor is probably motivated for the most part by the prospect of the atrocities that any prospective invading power would likely commit upon invading Hindustan and the need to protect the citizenry from such horrible things. But unlike other armies, no attempt at all is made to indoctrinate the HDF, as it is considered against the force's mission to dehumanize or radicalize. Despite this, Hindustan has fought a number of large conventional wars, possibly more than any other country if one goes by the fact that it wasn't waged against a rabble of angry Lavragerians armed with Moisin-Nagants. In addition to breeding a deep respect and fear of war in the average HDF trooper, such constant action has awarded the HDF status as perhaps the most experienced conventional army that currently exists, having fought somewhere or other ever since 1947. The HDF has never once fought a full-out war with technological or numerical superiority, something that very few other nations can boast.

As for the Hindustani defense industry, necessity has moulded it into a capable, if specialized, sector able to produce top-quality systems. The HDF boasts an excellent fighter force, flown by even better pilots, as well as some of the best artillery, ATGW, land-attack, and anti-ship systems. The TC. 3, even in light of its replacement by the TC. 4, can still be regarded as the pinnacle of modern APC design, and the TC. 4 as the great leap into the future.

It seems quite a popular trend to develop one's own world-beating MBT, eh? Well, I dunno. Hindustan's never been such a big tank fan, if only because the HDF was never able to field very many, and no terribly good ones at that, and was forced into making itself absolutely top when it comes to anti-tank weapons and tactics.

But Strath, I've got something for you on the Invision forums. I think you'll approve. For all it counts, Hindustan would probably have been quite against Rhodesia, but really unable to do anything to rectify the situation at the time.

Hindustan could concieveably militarize to French levels fairly quickly, or Igovian levels for that matter, if one applies the standards set in the AMW group to it. In fact, if the HDF really put its heart into it and introduced conscription, I'd not deem it unrealistic to picture Hindustani monitors cruising into Marseilles.. But what fun would that be? It would be un-Hindustani, that's what! If anything seperates Hindustan (or Robotstan for that matter) from the mainstream, its that it doesn't rush off to throw money at whatever big thing comes around!

But seriously.

Well, Neo-Anarchos is a relatively young nation; and in the process of implementing a whole economic and societal model that has not really been seen in the entire region before now. Confusion, dissent and economic models biting their own ass is everywhere, but the Anarchans are learning, and fast at that.

Anarchan economic and productive power is... Contested ;) All able-bodied citizens are employed at present, and most work in projects they themselves control and are well-treated by their comrades. All conceivable right of the worker is respected in the syndicalist nation, making for people who like their jobs and put an honor in doing it well. Working days are short(about 4 or 5 hours for most) and pleasant, with multiple people sharing experience and labour in key sectors.

While such a system in a union comprised of most of northern South America would appear to make NA a powerhouse, it is not so for several reasons. First off, the nation is under the Panarchist synthesis: Simply put, there are several economic systems in effect in the nation; complicating domestic trade and long-term economic planning. Also, the general desires of the empowered masses put a halt to any significant increase in construction of factories and military hardware; turning their energy mostly towards the areas of education, environment, social equality and other infrastructural efforts.

As for military capacity, a large force of approx. 820,000 personnel in all branches are currently undergoing restructuring. Apart from problems with unified logistics(there are still many different kinds of arms in the force), they are well-equipped, of regular training or better; and of good basic morale for their main task; defending the nation and the revolution. Also, equipment is decent, with modern air superiority fighters, MBTs, special forces and the like complementing the second world navy and reserve equipment.

Heh... I would speak of East Islandia, but I have been inactive for quite a while already, so whats the point?

I suppose my writing has atrophied, and I would like to come back into MOdern World, if someone hasnt taken my place.

***

With a warrior tradition that stretches back all the way to the founding of Islandian civilization, the East Islandian military is possibly the proudest military in Nationstates. Having fought in a multitude of conflicts, whether they be tribe-tribe fighting, wars of conquest, or wars against imperialism, the Islandian Banner Forces possess a wealth of lore--and pride. It may also surprise some to know that units formed many hundreds of years ago are still in existence today, though their mission, equipment and personnel are obviously different.

That having been said, East Islandia's military today is not exactly a glowing reflection of the past. Mostly due to budget cuts (stemming from the limited ability of modern-day East Islandia to field any massive military force) the Banner Forces have decreased in size--particularly their most celebrated branch, the Banner Navy. Once crucial to power projection and control of the seas, the Banner Navy has lost many ships, including a carrier, innumerable destroyers, several cruisers, and even several submarines. The mere fact that the Undersea Warfare Force, the most respected naval service arm, was hit by budget cuts showed the dire state of things.

The Air Warfare Force has not been affected so badly, particularly because it has been a small force. Two stealth projects were cut from the budget, and several fighter brigades lost a significant amount of personnel, due to budget cuts and loss of some retirement benefits. However, as a whole, the Air Warfare Force has retained much of its cohesiveness and morale has not sagged as low as that of the Navy.

The Ground Forces (Marines, Army, Air Descent Forces) have also been hit badly by budget cuts. For one of the few times in Islandian history, several units were deactivated. Despite the lack of money, however, the ground forces, the oldest branch of service, has not lost its morale, and somehow has remained combat-ready, despite the fact that funding is scarce.

Overall, the Banner Forces are in a sorry state, as monetary constraints and civilian resentment against a once-revered icon of society has soared, due to corruption scandals and a widespread perception that there seeems to be little use for the military at this moment.

Might as well put a bit up after slimming the HDF down to English size.

*****

The Hindustani Defense Force is an all-volunteer, highly proffessional force with more battlefield experience than most militaries and a strong commitment to what it views as 'fair play.' The HDF's medical support component is possibly the largest (in relative terms) and best-equipped in the world, and is obliged to treat any and all casualties. HDF units can face very severe punishments for killing civilians and every precaution is taken to avoid nonocombatant casualties. For these reasons, HDF units have proven highly adept at humanitarian and peacekeeping duties.

Despite a high degree of proffessionalism and training, the ability of the HDF to defend Hindustan, much less Hindustan's global commitments, is highly doubtful. The HDF is much smaller than the Igovian, Quinntonian, Chinese, and French militaries and operates off a relatively short budget. For these reasons, the HDF relies, for the most part, on second-hand equipment.

The HMDF suffers particularly badly in this regard, and holds the honor (or embarrassment) of having one of the oldest warships in front-line service. The recent Spanish naval buildup left the HMDF in the dust, giving Juan Catalan over twice the number of HMDF hulls in a single go. However, like the HDF at large, it is seeking to modernize and replace or compliment older systems with new equipment.

The HGDF is also rather poorly equipped, relying on the T-55 and Centurion to provide a small tank capability, although furnished with excellent ATGW and anti-aircraft equipment. The service can call on superbly trained engineers, medics, and support staff, all of whom contribute greatly to the HGDF's combat ability.

The HADF is in a similar state, although a number of excellent types are operated and pilots are some of the best and most experienced. The HADF is one of few services that can claim that most of its front-line pilots have flown in combat (often air-to-air) conditions at some point in time, although what good this does the average HADF pilot in combat with greatly more capable enemy aircraft is as of yet unknown.