• Dying Earth: A Near-Future Nation RP
    50 replies, posted
[IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/45UefO.png[/IMG] [t]http://i.cubeupload.com/CM9X77.png[/t] Welcome to a [B]Dying Earth[/B]. [B]Intro[/B] [QUOTE]The year is 2123. Mother Earth chokes under the weight of billions of human lives, born and extinguished every day as the struggle to sustain the unsustainable continues toward its inevitable conclusion. - In 2055, the last fossil fuels in the world supply were exhausted. Economies dependent on the black gold for their growth and prosperity collapsed, or were banished to geopolitical irrelevancy, reduced to impoverished backwaters with no potential future. Those who had already made the transition away from fossil fuels were cushioned from the blow, but the collapse of the oil economy nonetheless triggered a chain reaction that would send the world into an economic depression. Strife and conflict ensued. Governments were overthrown and new ones forged from the fires of revolution. Cultural, ethnic, and religious minorities broke free and cut out their own states in the world, backed by new emerging superpowers. As the years went on, the rapidly expanding populations of the world's nations and the lack of economic growth suspended the Earth in a permanent depression, only worsening as formerly-common resources became scarce and climate change upended entire populations and completely destroyed entire countries. The world's largest and wealthiest cities lie under sea-level, the only thing separating their millions of denizens from a watery death being a series of sea-walls and levies, many of which are in disrepair and ready to break. - The year is 2123. Many are convinced humanity's end is near. But some disagree - exploration of our solar system and the exploitation of its resources has long been ignored, and a few intrepid scientists and enthusiasts have always argued that the solution to our problems lies out beyond Earth, if only its world leaders were willing to take a leap of faith. So far, no one has - after all, there are more important issues to focus on than some frivolous 'small step' for man.[/QUOTE] [B]Country highlights[/B] [QUOTE][B]Superpowers[/B] [U]United States of America[/U] - Once the sole superpower in the world, the United States has fallen from its apex through a series of poor administrations on both the federal and state levels, never quite recovering from the world depression set on by the oil collapse. Still, the United States remains one of the most powerful nations on Earth, and still holds a spot at the table with other great nations of the day. [U]European Federation[/U] - Formed from the European Union in the aftermath of the oil collapse, the EF was a controversial creation from its inception, and caused a schism in the former-EU countries which has never quite healed. The EF is one of the pre-eminent superpowers of the day, rivaling and even surpassing the United States. However, the EF still faces challenges, as rising nationalist sentiment and poor economic performance plague the relatively-young state. [U]Peoples' Republic of China[/U] - Following a series of political upheavals during the oil collapse, the PRC underwent an era of gradual thaw which saw the power of the Communist Party slip away, to be replaced by a meritocratic oligarchy of sorts. The oil collapse very much leveled the playing field for China, who enjoys status as a superpower among nations such as the United States. [U]Federative Republic of Brazil[/U] - Political instability in neighboring countries and the severing of international ties following the oil collapse has allowed Brazil to build its own connections and reputation on the international stage. With a series of competent administrations and wide restructurings of the country, Brazil has emerged as the junior-most superpower in the world, though its power and influence grows as the old breeds decay. [U]Republic of India[/U] - Like China, India has enjoyed a greatly expanded influence on the international trade and political stages following the decline of powerful Western nations. Its development throughout the years has generally been positive, and has gradually elevated the country to superpower status, able to challenge even the EF. [B]Major Powers [/B][U]Union of Fennoscandia[/U] - Like the EF, Fennoscandia was formed in response to the oil collapse to bolster the failing economies of Norway and Sweden, with Finland joining later. Unlike most countries in the post-collapse era, Fennoscandia has enjoyed modest economic growth. However, that growth is constantly threatened by resource shortages. Even-so, Fennoscandia enjoys status as a major economic power in Europe, and indeed the world. Fennoscandia harbors long-lasting tensions with Russia, from which the Union forcefully annexed Karelia and Murmansk during the 2070s. [U]United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland[/U] - Having left the European Union in the early 21st century, the UK fell into a period of diplomatic isolation and economic stagnation which would permeate its pre-collapse years. After the oil collapse and the subsequent formation of the European Federation, the United Kingdom has found economic and diplomatic partners in those opposed to the European superstate, particularly in Poland and its political bloc, the Visegrad Group. [U]Republic of Colombia[/U] - Known in shorthand as [I]Gran Colombia,[/I] the Republic of Columbia annexed Venezuela and Ecuador after their oil-dependent governments dissolved during the oil collapse. Although the first decades were extremely difficult for the previously-minor South American nation, efficient and intelligent command of its economy and international networking has placed Colombia near the top of the international food chain, and it enjoys significant connections with its powerful neighbor, Brazil. [U]Republic of Iran[/U] - After facing a secular revolution in 2025, the future of Iran was fairly uncertain - however, a strong consolidation of power and the use of diplomacy resulted in the formation of a new secular government which sought to aggressively expand Iran's influence in the world stage and diversify its economy away from fossil fuels. When the oil collapse happened, Iran was indeed badly affected, but not so much as its Iraqi neighbors, whose country fell into complete anarchy. Iranian intervention in the ensuing civil war resulted in Iraq's annexation, although concessions had to be made to the ever-growing Kurdish state. After the oil collapse, Iran, together with its new territories, has steadily grown to dominate middle-eastern affairs, and enjoys a respectable place at the table of nations. [B]Minor Powers[/B] [U]State of Japan[/U] - Japan was relatively unharmed by the direct effects of the oil collapse, although it suffered from the global depression that followed. However, technological innovations and a cultural enlightenment have put Japan back on the right track, allowing them to command a high regional respect. [U]Republic of Korea[/U] - After the gradual, peaceful collapse of the Kim regime, the two Koreas were reunited and the new country entered a difficult period of integration and reconstruction. From that era, however, emerged a highly technological society that was able to weather the effects of the oil collapse. Increasing depletion of rare earth metals and common resources has put Korea's progress on the backburner, however, and securing new sources are one of the republic's top priorities. [U]Russian Republic[/U] - The oil collapse was particularly devastating for oil-dependent Russia, whose large authoritarian federation collapsed following an era of civil war and conflict. With the former territory of the Federation now split between three prime states and numerous Caucasian ethnostates, the Russian government headed from Moscow is now a shadow of its former self, but still commands a decent amount of military power and economic influence, benefiting immensely from its trade with the EF through Kaliningrad. [U]Republic of Poland[/U] - Leading its own political bloc, Poland represents one of the main parties of opposition to the existence of the European Federation, whose existence even after decades is a contention for many. Poland has enjoyed a good level of economic growth throughout the years, especially compared to its more powerful neighbors, and although it must rely on its allies to truly wield any influence, Poland still commands a level of respect from its regional partners, including its budding relationship with the United Kingdom. [U]Commonwealth of Australia[/U] - Following the oil collapse, Australia descended into a period of chaos and anarchy, where the rule of governments completely dissolved. However, a solid and decisive series of crackdowns and reconquests against biker gangs and warlords put Australia back in control of her continent. After years of recovery and growth, Australia has once more regained its top position in South-Pacific trade, and a budding influence in Western politics.[/QUOTE] [B]Turn Structure[/B] [QUOTE][U]First Turn Only:[/U] Flag: 250x150 Country: {Country you want to play as} [U]Every turn:[/U] Diplomatic - Deals between you and other players External - Deals between you and the NPC nations Civil - Issues involving your nation and your nation alone Military - Non-diplomatic military actions (exercises, commands, etc.) Espionage - Covert actions such as sneeki beeki CIA blacksite ops and influencing others' elections via memebots Research - Pick 3 technologies and I will randomly pick 1. {Technology has not changed very drastically since 2018 due to economic issues in the world, but many theoretical concepts and technologies are now easily possible to achieve. Go wild, but do be reasonable! Oh, and fusion power exists.}[/QUOTE] [B]Game Mechanics[/B] [QUOTE]-Each turn will encompass 6 months within the RP, starting in January 1st, 2123. Be aware, however, that some turns may span more or less time than the usual. I will notify all players when this happens. -Turns should be a maximum of 7 lines, not including your research. -Things you do in your turn will often be reflected in certain stats or infoboxes displayed above your turn text. You may also get access to private info for your use only, such as resource supplies and budgets and such. -There are certain areas of the world where, whether by climate change, political drama, economic strife, or other detriments, conditions have become bad enough that no centralized government can function, and thus exist in a lawless or even uninhabited state. These areas will always be dark gray on the map. -The world 100 years later is obviously going to be a more-than-slightly different place in terms of the technological, cultural, military, governmental paradigm, even if many things are similar or the same. Have questions about anything or need clarification? Ask me![/QUOTE] [B]Players - 7+2/7 [/B][QUOTE][B]Republic of Iran[/B] - Trebgarta [B]West African Confederation[/B] - Native Hunter [B]Peoples' Republic of China[/B] - Joshuadim [B]Union of Fennoscandia[/B] - Viper123_SWE [B]United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland[/B] - GordonZombie [B]Russian Republic[/B] - Ruski v2.0 [B]Commonwealth of Australia[/B] - Amfleet [B]United States of America[/B] - Potemkim [B]Republic of Korea[/B] - Mallow234[/QUOTE]
fuck it, give me shit tier [sp]Osettia[/sp] instead of Murica
Gonna take China
[b]MILITARY UNION OF FENNOSCANDIA, BITCHES[/b]
Welcome bois! International issue highlights coming soon.
[QUOTE=Trebgarta;53140874]Republic of Iran[/QUOTE] Damn you, I was going to start a Persian reconquest until I saw this. UK gogo.
Once I get home, I'm gonna do some passes on the map to fix Africa and SEA, the intro-post, and the turn deadline will accompany that. Stay tuned!
for mother rossiya
Australia rides eternal, shiny and chrome [video=youtube;XfR9iY5y94s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfR9iY5y94s[/video]
[IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/GLtzwV.png[/IMG] [t]http://i.cubeupload.com/CM9X77.png[/t] MAP UPDATED [B]Changes[/B] [QUOTE]-Flood zones around the world added. -Maghreb Republic and Morocco territories restored. -Republic of Egypt Territory extended -Congo Republic extended -Introducing three new African nations: East African Federation, Union of South Africa, West African Federation -Montenegro joins European Federation -Western Macedonia joins Albania -Greco-West Turkish borders no longer disputed[/QUOTE] [U][B]International Highlights[/B][/U] [B]The International Order[/B] [QUOTE]During the immediate aftermath of the oil collapse, the United Nations became ineffectual and eventually was considered dissolved. Although disparate regional organizations and NGOs have picked up some of the UN's former responsibilities, no international body of a similar scope has been founded ever since. Some national leaders have clamored for the formation of a new, improved, and more effective organization to foster international cooperation, but have been met by opposition from nations who are not interested in external meddling in their affairs and decisions. For a new organization to truly become the successor of the United Nations, it will require concerted support and promotion of powerful national benefactors, including China and the European Federation.[/QUOTE] [B]United States of America[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Strongly divided, partisan politics Social Stability: Tentative, growing unrest Corruption / Organized Crime: Moderate corruption, high crime in select regions Civil Liberties: Good [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Stagnant Infastructure: Poor, failing Standard of living: Decent, extremely large wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Very large, volunteer, modern equipment (~2110), well-trained/inexperienced Nuclear Capability: Nuclear triad, huge stockpile, outdated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]In a day and age of economic depression and political instability, America could never be more divided. Its time as the top dog in the world has long passed and for the most part international interventionism is no longer feasible nor desired, with most if not all overseas bases no longer in use. America takes a heavy focus toward local interventionism, however, and deals heavily in securing its Southern borders and trade through alliances with the states of Sonora and Rio Grande. Foreign policy overseas mostly revolves around balancing relations with the EF and China, who are both key suppliers of the last remaining rare earth metal deposits. As well as heavily relying on fission power for energy generation, America is often forced to butt heads with EF out of a need to access Siberian and Turkish uranium, which are influenced by Iran and China. The United States is a key trade partner and natural rival of Brazil, the newest superpower to join the international stage. The two share a tentative but peaceful relationship, often at odds regarding events in South America and the ever-fractured Mexico, as well as Brazil's affiliations with the Peoples' Republic of China. The American economy has never truly recovered from its decades of political turmoil and economic crisis set on by the oil collapse, and most Americans live in a reality where 60,000 dollars a year is considered an upper-class salary. 3 in 10 Americans are unemployed, and 7 in 10 benefit from Government welfare - a figure only exacerbated by mass automation by American corporations - a phenomenon which has been in motion for many years, and is constantly fought against by progressive lawmakers in Congress and on the state-level. Automation and the many different ways to deal with it are one of the chief controversies of today's political sphere, and the American government has chosen largely to ignore the issue, even as Americans lose their jobs with no recourse or alternative path to success. In the South, the USA deals with placating the various Mexican states and keeping the flow of refugees from endless conflict in check. An active insurgency in the State of Baja as well as near-total gang rule in the cities of Chicago, Detroit, and much of Los Angeles have federal agencies tied up and in a constant state of warfare within the country's own borders.[/QUOTE] [B]Peoples' Republic of China[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Undivided Social Stability: Unstable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Very low corruption, low crime Civil Liberties: Mediocre [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Slow growth Infastructure: Mediocre, decaying Standard of living: Mediocre, high wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Very large, volunter & conscript, modern equipment (~2120), decent training/inexperienced Nuclear Capability: Nuclear triad, huge stockpile, dated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]A true superpower of its day, China has come a long way from the polluted, authoritarian, communist-styled country of the 21st century - While still called a "peoples' republic," China's communist stylings have all but dissipated into complete ambiguity, with the Communist Party no longer in power, replaced by the ever-powerful Directorate. Political parties as a concept are dead in China, and the separation between organization and government has dissolved entirely. Now, all politicians rise through the ranks of the gargantuan meritocratic machine of the Chinese government, which despite its flaws has proved a powerful avenue for social mobility in economically depressed Chinese society. China is one of the last countries on the planet which still exports rare earth metals, and thus holds significant political and economic clout on the international stage. Chinese influence is wide and deep, with political allies and associates across the world, including in Brazil, Iran, Russia, and especially East Africa. China's immense political influence allows it to influence the dwindling but crucial uranium exports out of East Turkey and the Siberian Republic, putting the superpower at odds with the European Federation and India. One of China's key issues is that of sea-level rise. Many of the country's most important economic hubs lie under sea-level, supported by vast levies and sea-walls which hold the ocean back. These expensive and grand systems are, for a lack of funds, decaying and threaten China's already fragile economy. China faces difficulties internally as poor economic performance has revived agitation for expanded civil liberties, true freedom of press, and crackdowns on rampant police corruption, as well as discriminatory selection in the meritocracy. Without a willingness to take a hard, violent stance against protestors and dissenters, China is forced to face-up with its issues, and with three in ten Chinese out of a job, things could not be more tense. In local politics, China must straddle with increasing flows of refugees displaced from seaside communities in Indochina and the South-East Asia. Questions of how to integrate and put these refugees to use has long been a subject of controversy.[/QUOTE] [B]Republic of Ossetia[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Undivided Social Stability: Stable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: High systemic corruption, high crime Civil Liberties: Decent [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Slow but stable growth Infastructure: Mediocre Standard of living: Subpar, improving slowly, high wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Very small, conscript, antique equipment (~2014), poorly trained/experienced Nuclear Capability: None[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]Ossetia founded its republic after spliting through force from Russian authority during the era of civil wars following the oil collapse, and since, through courting Iran and EF, have forced Russia to recognize their independence. Ossetia, along with the other Caucasian nations form their own small, slightly dysfunctional political bloc, with Georgia at the head. With the stabilization of the government and lifting of many civil and social restrictions, the corruption and incompetence in the Ossetian government has come to light in recent years, sparking calls for reforms from emboldened political parties. Economic performance in the republic has been generally poor, and the presence of large foreign companies has hampered growth of native businesses, spurred in a large part by Ossetia's reliance on Turkish uranium to fuel its fission-based power grid. Externally, Ossetia must deal with the ever-looming Russian Republic, and its tentative neighbors, whose political sphere has been compromised by revived conflict between Christian Armenia and the beleaguered Azerbaijan, whose economy was near-completely destroyed during the oil collapse. Along with troubles within the immediate region, Ossetia and its neighbors must straddle with increasing Iranian influence, which threatens to upend Ossetia's relations with the European Federation - a common link to Russia which ensures the independence of the Caucasus.[/QUOTE] [B]Republic of Iran[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Slightly divided Social Stability: Stable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Very low corruption, moderate crime Civil Liberties: High [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Decent, stable growth Infastructure: Average and modern, well-maintained Standard of living: Decent, small wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Large (volunteer), dated equipment (~2090), well-trained/experienced Nuclear Capability: Unknown, large conventional ballistic missile stockpile[/QUOTE] [quote]As of 2123, the Iranian republic stands at the head of Middle-Eastern politics and at the charge of Turkish trade policy. As a powerful nation of the 22nd century, Iran must contend with a complicated and intertwined web of political blocs and issues which decide its place and standing within the international order. Chief among the issues in its grasp is Iran’s support for and influence over East Turkey, a key supplier of ever-scarce uranium used to satisfy much of the world’s energy needs in a post-petroleum Earth. Iran’s influence over the uranium trade is tangent upon continued political and military support for the authoritarian Islamic regime of East Turkey, a deal that has consistently damaged Iran’s correspondence with the European Federation, a relationship which Iran benefits from significantly through trade privileges and weapon imports. Iranian support for East Turkey draws criticism for the ruling party both abroad and at home, bringing comparisons to America’s historical support for the old Saudi regime of Arabia. Indeed, the East Turkish government’s ethics are antithetical to those of modern Iran, and the government must decide between preserving its wider relations with the West, or expanding its local influence, as unwavering European support for democratic Western Turkey spells no inbetween. Internally, Iran must contend with stunning poverty in its Iraqi regions and social disorder spurred on by the Iraqi independence party, who wield a major voter bloc in Iraqi local-level politics, as well as alleged connections to several insurgent cells operating within the Syria-Iran border region, and increasing militant activity on the Arabian border. Iran is a staunch rival of Kurdistan, who steer their own destiny at the behest of the European Federation and Israel. Because of this, Iran must contend with the ever-growing ethnostate with less overt means, and before it can upend Iran’s carefully orchestrated regional order. In the North, a resurgent Armenia threatens Iran’s Azerbaijani allies, whose dysfunctional state is all but officially run from Tehran. Armenia, secretly backed by Georgia and Russia, has proved a difficult foe to tackle directly, and will require Iran to face Armenia in proxy, or on the political stage.[/quote] [B]Union of Fennoscandia[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Undivided, momentary division present Social Stability: Mostly stable, unrest building, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Very low corruption, very low crime Civil Liberties: Excellent [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Good, stable growth Infastructure: Good, well-maintained Standard of living: Good, decreasing, small wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Large (volunteer), modern equipment (~2100), well-trained/somewhat experienced Nuclear Capability: Nuclear triad, small stockpile, dated[/QUOTE] [quote]Since the turn of the 22nd century, Fennoscandia has enjoyed a period of modest economic growth and political stability, benefiting from its always-positive relationship with the European Federation, its foremost trade partner. One of EF’s key military allies, the Union enjoys ready access to the most advanced European arms and fosters a healthy defense industry of its own, host to respected arms manufacturers such as Bofors and Saab. The citizens of Fennoscandia enjoy a high quality of life, with access to single-payer healthcare and universal basic income, as well as ample civil liberties and a transparent democratic government. Regarded as one of the best places in the world to live, Fennoscandia receives ample tourism traffic from Europeans and Russians seeking out the beautiful fjords of Norway and the lush forests of Sweden. However, Fennoscandia is not without its issues - while the standard of living for the average person is fairly high, the cost of living has risen drastically as well, and economic troubles in the world have had amplified impact on the country’s citizens. For some, even the cushion of universal income is not enough, and many Fennoscandians have fallen on hard times with little recourse. Poverty is especially an issue in Finland, which only joined the Union several decades ago. Politics are especially hot in parliament and on the streets of Finland, where protestors and activists accuse the government of ignoring widespread homelessness and the ongoing impact of automation in the workforce. Conditions are even worse in the regions of Karelia and Murmansk, where many have lost their confidence in Parliament to solve the regions’ problems. Russian speakers in the regions have long protested against systemic discrimination both by the Finnish public and local governments and police, and the city of Murmanska itself has been host to several Russian nationalist-affiliated terror attacks, including the bombing of a trainstation in 2119. It is appropriate to thus say that diplomatic relations with Russia are especially cold, with the Russian Republic refusing to recognize the Union’s claim over Karelia and Murmansk. Frequent close calls between the two nations’ air forces permeate the 22nd century, and there is always the threat of an escalation, only kept in check by vigilant efforts by the European Federation to act as a mediator between the two quarreling nations.[/quote] [B]United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Divided, weak majority party Social Stability: Unstable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: moderate corruption, moderate crime Civil Liberties: Decent [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Poor, economy declining Infastructure: Decent, decaying Standard of living: Decent, declining rapidly, somewhat high wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Moderate-size (volunteer), modern equipment (~2100), well-trained/inexperienced Nuclear Capability: Air & sea based, small stockpile, outdated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]The modern history of the United Kingdom starts at the formation of the European Federation, whereupon the formerly isolated island country found economic and political allies in the Anti-Federalist opposition of Europe. Since then, the UK has fostered a close with Poland and Visegrad group, benefiting from connections forged outside of Europe and further distancing the country from its long-lost ally. Politically, the UK maintains close relations with United States, its historical partner-in-isolationism, as well as China, the kingdom's largest export partner. The UK boasts the most efficient agricultural industry on the continent, with more food produced per laborer than any other country in Europe, as well as an influential high-tech manufacturing and defense industry which serves the greater European economy. Recently, the United Kingdom has been beset by troubles as automation takes a heavy toll on the workforce, and a lack of any sort of modern system designed to remedy its effects has sparked unrest and protest. Unbearable living costs in much of Southern England and coastal flooding uprooting thousands to already-crowded and expensive cities has brought the United Kingdom to the breaking point, and with no immediate action from parliament in sight, many people are on the cusp of rioting.[/QUOTE] [B]Russian Republic[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Undivided, fake democracy Social Stability: Unstable, decreasing, clamor for drastic reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Widespread systemic corruption, high crime Civil Liberties: Poor [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Very poor, declining Infastructure: Poor, failing Standard of living: Poor, enormous wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Somewhat large (conscript/volunteer), dated equipment (2080), decently-trained/experienced Nuclear Capability: Air & ground based, somewhat large stockpile, very outdated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]The Russian Republic was born from the death and fracturing of the Russian Federation, which dissolved after a period of widespread civil conflict. As the strongest of the post-Federation nations, the Russian Republic considers itself the official successor of the Russian Federation. The history of Russia following the oil collapse is one of economic and political turmoil - with the splitting of the Federation into several successor states, the Russian Republic has lost many of its crucial industrial zones in the East, and now relies heavily on its highly-automated agriculture and steel industries to keep afloat. Trade with the European Federation and China is the lifeblood of the modern Russian Republic, and information technology and arms manufacturing still forms a core part of the republic's economy, with major weapon exports to former-Federation states and North Africa. Kaliningrad remains a major economic hub for Russia, and the main artery into the greater European economy. The Republic's relationship with the EF, while positive, is strained by its historic rivalry with Fennoscandia, to which they lost the regions of Murmansk and Karelia, and Russia's diplomatic correspondence with EF often involves discussing the issue of territorial disputes, which as of yet have reached no resolution and are unlikely to in the future. Relations with China are neutral but often strained by China's influence in the Republic of Siberia, and Russia's ties to Eastern Turkey which compete with Chinese influence. Relations with the Caucasian states are also tentative and marred by a checkered past full of oppression and struggle against their former overlord. Still, Russia has done much in recent years to court favor with the nations of the Caucasus, and this has fostered some positive deals and a growing import-export. Russia is one of the few truly post-autonomous countries, having nearly fully automated its agriculture and steel and iron industries. Poor policy, financial troubles, and systemic corruption have laid the burden of automation fully onto the people of Russia, who are largely impoverished with little hope for upward mobility. What wealth exists is concentrated heavily into the hands of wealthy factory-owners and tech businessmen who find business easy to do in Russia. The presence of crime on both a street and organized level is rampant in Russia, and local governments are often complicit. Elections are often overtly rigged, and this, combined with the widespread economic woes of the public has led to massive protests across the country, with little coverage from outside media.[/QUOTE] [B]Commonwealth of Australia[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Somewhat divided Social Stability: Stable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Low corruption, very high organized crime in concentrated regions Civil Liberties: Good [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Moderate, stable growth Infastructure: Poor, somewhat maintained Standard of living: Somewhat decent, decreasing, moderate wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Small size (volunteer), somewhat modern equipment (~2090), well-trained/experienced Nuclear Capability: None[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]While order has largely been restored and peace kept on the continent following the widespread collapse of the Australian government, many remote regions of the country remain under de-facto control of powerful warlords, who control minute reserves of gasoline leftover from the period of anarchy - a key resource to fueling the swathes of abandoned military vehicles littering the continent, including advanced battle-tanks. While the Australian government takes an overt, hostile stance against these informal powers of the outback, the reality is much less savory, as the Australian military is not powerful or well equipped enough to enter a drawn-out conflict with the warlords and motorgangs, nor is the Australian public willing to take on the burden of death and destruction that would surely accompany such a campaign. As a result, the Australian government often prefers to deal softly and selectively with the warlords, pitting them against each other and only mounting isolated assaults on those that become more trouble than they are worth. Australia enjoys close political relations with the United States and South-East Asia, who are its largest trade partners, and a budding relationship with China. It is speculated, however, that Australia won't be able to enjoy the benefits of its opposed friends forever, and will eventually have to align to a political bloc like the rest. Still, the Australian government maintains a neutral stance towards international politics, and most countries in correspondence with Australia are content to this, as it is a relatively minor country. Although Australia enjoys a healthy trade economy and moderate growth in an age of world economic depression, Australians often live with high costs and low access to Western consumer goods, which are expensive and in short supply. Agitation for universal basic income has become a hot button issue for many as Australia continues to automate to keep up with the world economy, and unrest continues to build as the Australian government, with its small budget cannot meet the demands of the country. Australia is one of the least modern countries in the world in terms of power, and still relies largely on decaying solar and wind farms to meet its needs, often resulting in power blackouts and energy shortages, and forcing the country to rely on power imports from China. However, Australia has also been cited as a prime target for what American and Chinese power companies call 'futurization' - the large-scale transition to fusion power. Given Australia's sparse reliance on nuclear power, there is much room to build up from a clean slate, provided the Australian government can somehow saddle the immense cost.[/QUOTE] [B]Republic of Korea[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Somewhat divided Social Stability: Tentative, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Moderate corruption, moderate-to-low crime Civil Liberties: Good [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Good growth Infastructure: Good, well-maintained Standard of living: Good, decreasing, very high wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Moderate size (volunteer), dated equipment (2090), well-trained/inexperienced Nuclear capability: Nuclear triad, small stockpile, outdated[/QUOTE] [quote]Since the end of the reconstruction era, Korea has seen unprecedented economic growth, outpacing even China and Japan, its foremost trade partners. Korea’s somewhat anomalous progress is owed in part to the undeveloped state of North Korea following reunification, but the primary catalyst for Korea’s growth has been its positive relations with China and thus access to uranium, ample rare earth element deposits, and the brightest minds of Chinese society. Korea is one of the most technologically progressive countries in the developed world, with an overwhelmingly fusion-based energy grid, as well as being home to some of the most influential tech companies of the day. Korea is a key producer of microprocessors and is one of the world leaders in quantum computing technology. In recent years, Korea’s growth has been threatened by dwindling rare earth supplies at her alternate sources in South Africa, as well as the rarity and inefficiency of deuterium-tritium used to fuel the Korean energy grid. Government officials have long eyed the moon and her potential deposits of helium-3 to fuel the next generation of Korean progress, and indeed such an endeavor might give way to exploiting other useful resources. As well as securing a more stable supply of fuel for her enegy grid, Korea will need to contend with China’s numerous trade partners for its share of rare-earth exports as sources dry out and the Peoples’ Republic remains one of the few major producers. At home, automation has taken a heavy toll on job growth and many are agitating for Universal Basic Income or some sort of job program to help alleviate the developing crisis. Criticisms of the government’s inaction come at the heels of record economic performance for the Republic’s top businesses. Poverty in the North is disproportionately high - a consequence of the DPRK days which has never been fully remedied. To this day, North Koreans protest against discrimination and isolation in the South, as well as back-breaking poverty and the dramatic rise in living costs brought on by urban development. Things are certainly uneasy for a people whose government appears to favor talking about quarterly reports over rising unemployment and wealth inequality. Abroad, Korea must contend with Asian politics and its relationship with its Chinese neighbors, who, alongside Japan form the backbone of Korean import-export within Asia. Doubly-so, Korea must contend with revived American interest in the region, which is doubtless to upset the economic and political peace.[/quote] - [B]Turn Deadline[/B] [QUOTE]Turns are due on Saturday the 24th, but the sooner I get them the sooner the turn will be written![/QUOTE]
Korea go
[B]Turn tracker is a-go! Have [IMG]https://facepunch.com/fp/ratings/tick.png[/IMG] Need [IMG]https://facepunch.com/fp/ratings/cross.png[/IMG][/B] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/Q6XBqg.png[/IMG] [B][IMG]https://facepunch.com/fp/ratings/tick.png[/IMG] [/B]All turns received! [B][IMG]https://facepunch.com/fp/ratings/tick.png[/IMG] [/B]Work on the turn will start tomorrow,[B] on Sunday, [/B] while a preview will be released today. Thanks everyone for getting your turns in by the deadline.
[IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/8Q3CHe.png[/IMG] --- [B]Blue Marble[/B] [IMG]https://i.cubeupload.com/mk5fty.png[/IMG] [I]A view of the Earth, snapped from lunar orbit by the Shoujing core module. The Fennoscandian Ericson probe was briefly visible as a speck of red light as the two passed each other.[/I] [QUOTE]Employees at the CNSA command center cheered as their new unmanned orbiter successfully entered lunar orbit with no major setbacks. The massive inflation of the Chinese space agency's budget has expedited plans to draft and execute plans for a manned mission to the moon, this time not purely for history, but for prospecting the moon for possible reserves of the rare helium-3, which can be used to fuel a massive demand for fusion power back on Earth. The need for a major fuel source has been a large setback for Fusion power globally. The Shoujing core module, carried by SpaceX's Accipiter Superheavy nuclear-thermal rocket, will serve as the main connection point for an expandable orbital lunar base that will spearhead research and further colonization of the moon. Shoujing's launch was separately accompanied by Fennoscandia's Ericson probe, which stopped by the moon for a gravity-assist on its way to its mission at Titan, Saturn's largest moon. Using newer, advanced fuel-saving launch techniques, Ericson is expected to reach Saturn in a record 2 years.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/AFjxhH.png[/IMG] [B]January 1st, 2123 --- June 1st, 2123[/B] [t]http://i.cubeupload.com/GPd26d.png[/t] Events in the world [QUOTE] -The Armenian capital of Yerevan is beset by terror and mourning after a string of bombings rocked the city in late May, taking over three hundred lives and injuring several thousands more. Two men implicated in the attacks have been arrested, while one gunman and two heavily armed canine droids were taken down during a sustained firefight with police. 32 officers were reported dead, with another 11 injured and expected to recover. The bombings, which were believed to have been carried out as part of a well-coordinated attack, mark the first major terror attack in Armenia since the 2078 parliament bombing. Qara Hilal, an Azerbaijani shia extremist organization allegedly affiliated with the Azerbaijan Unity Party, took credit for the attacks. The group, in a video via the internet, blamed Armenian and Kurdish foreign policy as the cause for the attack, and vowed to strike again. The attack, and the muted reaction from Azerbaijan sparked wide outrage from within the EF, including a movement for sanctions spearheaded by Germany’s representative, Eugen Kistner, who called on Iran to take action. The Middle-East as a whole was too shook by the attacks, as the economically depressed but relatively stable region faced the threat of resurgent terrorism. [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/1I8tnM.png[/IMG] [I]A Lockheed-Martin K-96A5, allegedly similar to the droids used in the attacks.[/I] -Earlier in February, US President Norman Perry announced the total withdrawal of all foreign-stationed military assets, marking to many the end of an era for America. While the number of US foreign bases in operation has steadily declined since the early 21st century, no administration has ever ordered a full pull-out, leaving America’s European partners and the world at large wondering what’s next for the former top power. -In a unique turn of events, the Russian Republic’s decision to decommission some of its nuclear warheads to use for reactor fuel has sparked calls for other countries to follow suit. “Megatons for Megawatts” as the movement has become known, has gained traction among activist youth in countries such as the European Federation and China, who command the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenals amid a worldwide uranium shortage. -In March, the first true free-walking bipedal robot was unveiled by ROBON, Boston Dynamics’ Moscow-based subsidiary. While working, prototypical designs have existed since the early 21st century, the 2055 Economic Crisis put a damper on any real progress in bipedal robotics. Sporting a nearly 1:1 human range of motion and agility, the HOMIPED prototype displayed at the Moscow Technology Convention ran, jumped, climbed, lifted weights, and even danced for onlooking crowds, while presenters outlined different looks and configurations, as well as possible fusions with artificial intelligence technology. European-based NGO Against Autonomous Weapons was far less excited, citing long-lasting fears that Russia and other states are seeking to fully automate their militaries, removing the human cost from pursuing aggressive military action. Human rights organizations were neither too thrilled, as the consequences of automation took on a new image - that where even the most human, artisanal labor could be performed by robots. [/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/QAS08L.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=542727&dateline=1518579950[/IMG] [B]Peoples' Republic of China - Joshuadim[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Undivided Social Stability: Tentative, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Very low corruption (decreasing), low crime Civil Liberties: Mediocre [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Slow growth Infastructure: Mediocre, decaying (improving) Standard of living: Mediocre, high wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Very large, volunteer & conscript, modern equipment (~2120), decent training/inexperienced Nuclear Capability: Nuclear triad, huge stockpile, dated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-China’s outlook for 2123 was anything but positive as nationwide protests mounted for increased civil rights and a drawing back on censorship policies carried over from the ‘Jinpingist’ era. While Western media stood by to cover the otherwise censored Chinese retaliation, both journalists and protesters alike were surprised by the lack of response from the Chinese government, even as locally based police ran their usual routines of intimidation. Anti-censorship protests organized throughout the month of January went by with little action, while behind the scenes the powerful gears of the Directorate churned in overdrive. On February 15th, Chinese privately-owned media reported the arrest of over 150 officials within the government on corruption charges, including over a dozen high-ranking governors including the likes of Xi Luoyang, the great grandson of late Xi Mingze, daughter of the mythical Xi Jinping. The move came as a shock to analysts both in and outside the country, and spurred rumors about changes in the directorate’s top leadership. Indeed, keen analysts owed the move to the workings of the young Liao Gui Ren, chief of staff to Director Dingxiang Fa. Ren has long been a known progressive in a high seat of power, and many have speculated his role in influencing the highest seat of the directorate, whose inner workings at the top of the ladder are rarely known. Although no action followed in the months after the corruption crackdowns, protests continued and the directorate promised that talks would be held later in the year to hear the protesters’ demands. -In the same breath, the Chinese lower parliament announced a budget revision which allocated significant sums of money to the Chinese National Space Agency. Although no specific numbers could be extracted from China’s largely opaque budget documents, officials speaking anonymously to Western press cited figures as large as several hundred billion yuan. An allotment which was allegedly a cause for much discord in parliament. Nevertheless, the new budget was passed, without a doubt urged on by the higher echelons of government. -Along with the creation of a state-of-the-art gene vault facility designed to store and preserve Chinese flora and fauna, the new budget came with the kickstart of a large infrastructure program, beginning immediately. Thousands flocked to impromptu recruitment offices run out of post offices and private shops to help build new roads and vertical farms, bridges, hospitals and schools, especially in rural areas, while collecting decent checks for their work. The project was a boon to popular support for current ventures of the government, certainly as many millions of Chinese lived unemployed or in poverty, now more than ever before. The project also dealt a heavy blow to ongoing protests, which, already struggling from attrition and police intimidation, were now beset by rally-goers leaving to find work. The Chinese government reaffirmed their promise of talks later in the year, but the protest movements were slowly losing their leverage. While pilot efforts for the project started in Beijing and Shanghai, recruiting tens of thousands, a broad expansion of the initiative was planned later this year or the next. -On May 1st, a military parade was held in Beijing, in honor of those who signed up to work in the infrastructure initiative. Millions attended, and while the parade was a spectacle for urban denizens and foreign reporters alike, the pride and pageantry was overshadowed by lingering feelings of unrest over decades of civil rights issues and censorship, which, aside from dubious promises of future talks, were virtually unacknowledged by the government. -Later in the month, the Chinese National Space Agency, having earlier announced plans to return to the moon, launched and successfully orbited the Shoujing Core module, the centerpiece to a planned lunar orbital station. With their schedules expedited by a massively inflated budget, the CNSA announced its expectation to complete the station by 2127. The first crew would be expected to arrive by late December of the same year. CNSA’s Aerolab division, based in Shanghai, also announced, in cooperation with SpaceX, that it was prototyping a ‘Zubrin’ type nuclear rocket which could massively outstrip even standard nuclear-thermal rockets in efficiency. Given SpaceX’s past ventures and the CNSA’s goal for an efficient, powerful engine, the internet was certainly abuzz with speculation of a planned return to Mars, but others feared how the world would react were Chinese astronauts to stumble upon the infamous ‘Major Tom’ habitat - a long-abandoned US research module situated in Gale Crater, the landing site of the old Curiosity rover. A massive debate-war was waged on the battlefields of the internet, with one side generally for leaving the hab alone and the other for cracking it open, memes and fictional stories abound. The controversy even caught the attention of some American congressmen, who have called on the president to break the isolationist ice and speak to Director Dingxiang face-to-face on the issue. -A summit taking place in early May culminated in the creation of the Pan-Asian Free Trade Agreement, a massive economic deal between key players in the Asian economy. While all three attended the summit, India, Korea and Japan decided to opt out of the agreement Mid-May. India cited its ongoing border disagreements with China as a prime concern before any other agreements could be made, while Korea and Japan abstained for now to pursue closer ties between each other.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/tFAmkE.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=459191&dateline=1322443687[/IMG] [B]United States of America - Potemkim [/B][QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Strongly divided, partisan politics Social Stability: Tentative, growing unrest Corruption / Organized Crime: Moderate corruption, high crime in select regions Civil Liberties: Good [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Stagnant Infastructure: Poor, failing (improving slightly) Standard of living: Decent, extremely large wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Small, volunteer, modern equipment (~2110), well-trained/inexperienced Nuclear Capability: Nuclear triad, huge stockpile, outdated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-President Perry, making good on long-deferred election promises, ordered the complete withdrawal of US military assets abroad, which would come to full effect in June. Additionally, Perry managed to pass his new budget proposal which massively slashed military spending and downsized the armed forces to a skeleton crew, whose new stated mission was to protect the US Southern border. Newly recruited and retained personnel, however, got a hefty pay raise, even in the lowest ranks, while old and obsolete aircraft and equipment were scrapped and sold for a pittance. The Democrats, meanwhile, managed to sneak in a rider which barred women from serving anymore - a move largely un-acknowledged by either side. The new budget came with criticism from fiscal conservatives and interventionists on the democratic side of congress, while Perry’s own Unionist Party lauded his efforts to cut wasteful and ‘parasitic’ military spending. In a somewhat over-dramatic speech on the floor, Senate minority leader Bill Dunbar called the pullback ‘America’s last dying breath’, saying the US’s enemies were now free to enslave America, all because Perry and the unionists in congress, of course. -The newly passed budget was joined by a tax reform bill which raised taxes for major tech corporations - an assault on the likes for Microsoft and Alphabet accompanied by massive anti-trust investigations into those same companies. In early May, Apple announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Brussels, joined by many other Silicon Valley firms. -Although the dollar performed poorly in the first half of the year, helped little by the Fed’s ramping up of currency circulation, President Perry announced that, in cooperation with Congress, he would go ahead with plans to launch a comprehensive renovation program for the Southern border wall and the Francisco-Berkeley Seawall Complex, a move supported on both sides of the aisle, and especially by California Unionists whose coastal Megapolises were under threat. However, authorization of the project reached roadblocks in Congress over attempts by the President to expand financial subsidies for Sonora and Rio Grande, who have long held a tentative relationship with the US in controlling flow through the Southern border. Democratic senator Adam Halsie commented that the United States ‘should alone be responsible for protection of its borders, not some cartel mercenaries of dubious loyalty.’ Democratic party leaders said they would not budge on the renovations until Mexican subsidies were dropped. -Using an infusion of money and plenty of eminent domain, the government buys up thousands of acres of private agricultural land threatened by rising sea levels, forcing farmers of foodstuffs to move away from coastal areas. The government re-purposes much of the agricultural land for the planting of non-essential crops. Although plenty have reason to complain being forced off their land, there isn't much anyone can do, and thus the "great land reform", as the initiative becomes known euphemistically as, continues with little struggle[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/2VpY8U.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=633924&dateline=1507028801[/IMG] [B]Republic of Iran - Trebgarta [/B][QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Slightly divided Social Stability: Stable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Very low corruption, moderate crime Civil Liberties: High [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Decent, stable growth Infastructure: Average and modern, well-maintained Standard of living: Decent, small wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Large (volunteer), dated equipment (~2090), well-trained/experienced Nuclear Capability: Unknown, large (increasing) conventional ballistic missile stockpile[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-In early February, Iranian PM Navid Mozafari announced the formation of the Organization of Near Eastern Cooperation, an economic alliance between mutually aligned middle-eastern states. Formed out of talks held earlier in January, the organization’s initial roster of members held the likes of Eastern Turkey, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and Syria. West Turkey, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan were notably absent from any talks, while Egypt chose to take on an observational role in ONEC. In his announcement, Mozafari called the organization a ‘new step for the middle-east in a time of economic uncertainty.’ Iranian and European pundits, however, questioned why states like Israel and Lebanon, who are key economic players in the region, were discluded from the January talks. While the answer to that question was not a secret, analyst circles brought up concerns that if Iran could not settle its differences with longtime rival Israel, true growth and cooperation in the middle-east could not be accomplished. France’s representative in the EF, Èmille Legault called the organization a ‘thinly veiled disenfranchisement of Iran’s rivals’, and that Prime Minister Mozafari should ‘work toward greater cooperation all across the middle-east, not toward further division in a region which has barely secured lasting stability.’ -Later in March, Iranian parliament authorized a budget for the formation of an Iranian space program, following in the footsteps of recent developments by China. By 30th of the same month, the Iranian Space Agency, with help from Blue Origin, put a test payload into geostationary orbit. -The new budget provision also came with additional funding for a large expansion of Iran’s military aerospace rosters. Talks with the EF to purchase additional Eurofighter Hurricane IIs are expected to conclude in late August. -In May, Iranian tech firm Takhfifan announced the opening of an artificial intelligence division in wake of hefty government grants to pursue AI research. The corporation’s CEO said that it was working closely with both government-employed scientists and industry leaders to make strides in AI tech, and said that possible partnerships in Russia may also be possible. -Prime Minister Mozafari, in a speech ahead of the World Energy Conference in July, said he was committed to seeing a fusion-powered Iran in the very near future. Analysts speculated that in light of recent efforts by China to establish fusion-fuel research on the moon, Iran had its own plans to make a step on lunar ground in what would be a historical first for the country.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/wtxjJH.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=415940&dateline=1515622977[/IMG] [B]Union of Fennoscandia - Viper123_SWE [/B][QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Undivided Social Stability: Mostly stable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Very low corruption, very low crime Civil Liberties: Excellent [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Good, stable growth (stagnating) Infastructure: Good, well-maintained Standard of living: Good, stable, small wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Large (volunteer), modern equipment (modernizing) (~2100), well-trained/somewhat experienced Nuclear Capability: Nuclear triad, small stockpile, dated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-At annual talks held in Berlin, Fennoscandian Prime Minister Hans Lundström urged Russian leaders to recognize Karelia and Murmansk as an inseparable part of his country, saying that the two nations should ‘put aside old grievances’ and work toward greater cooperation with the EF. -After returning in March, Lundström introduced a plan for a decades’ long series of reforms to the Union’s financial and social systems. The announcement comes amid record high unemployment and revelations over the flaws of Fennoscandia’s social safety net. The Prime Minister, in his introductory speech to Parliament, said that ‘No Fennoscandian should be left wondering when their next meal may come - our government has a role to protect its citizens from the harsh climates of today’s economic conditions.’ While applauded on the floor, questions still arose on how parliament would take immediate action to curb rising unemployment. -Those first steps came in April, when Lundström’s coalition passed a major bill through parliament authorizing sweeping grants to local businesses for job training, allowing some employers to take on inexperienced workers without having to shoulder the financial burden of training and familiarizing new employees. It was reported that in May alone, Fennoscandia added 3000 new jobs - a figure that left many optimistic to see further progress. Finland alone saw 500 new jobs added in May, with the new Fennoscandian National Space Agency facility in Helsinki comprising over half of those. The bill also provided additional funding for the Fennoscandian armed forces, who have long been the source of major complaints about a lack of modern equipment and military readiness. In a conference held in late May, the Fennoscandian chiefs of staff said that the cashinfusion would provide a much-needed boost to the country’s aging armaments. -Later in the month, the Prime Minister, joined by local progressives, held a town-hall in Murmansk to speak with local protesters and hear their grievances. Many citizens of Russian identity got to speak their piece, with an overwhelming majority complaining of a lack of job opportunities and systemic discrimination by the incumbent local government. Indeed, as previous studies demonstrated, ethnic Russians accounted for over 70% of traffic stops and arrests made in the city of Murmansk during 2120, while only accounting for 35% of the population. Ethnic Russians also suffered from disproportionately high poverty rates, low performance in schools, and a disproportionately high recidivism rate, as reported by a study on prison inmates in Finland. While the PM came away with positive notes and promises to make change, many still felt he had neither the power nor will to protect the oft-hated ethnic Russians of greater Finland. More would certainly need to be done in the near future before a dialogue can be established. The recently-formed Fennoscandian National Space Agency enjoyed its first victory hot on the heels of China’s unmanned lunar mission. Ericson, a probe-lander armed with an array of advanced instruments was launched on the same day as the Chinese Shoujing module, making a brief flyby past the Chinese station core on its way to the Saturnian moon of Titan. Helped along by a new, state of the art launch system, Ericson’s two year mission to Titan will conclude with a landing, upon which Ericson will take samples of Titan’s earth and scan for microbial life in its liquid methane oceans, as well as take plenty of pictures both in orbit and on the surface. Saturn is expected to make a cameo, and the internet is abuzz as notions of a new era of exploration in our solar system begins to pick up.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/qMFe6k.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=219106&dateline=1487436878[/IMG] [B]United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - GordonZombie[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Divided, weak majority party Social Stability: Unstable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: moderate corruption, moderate crime Civil Liberties: Decent [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Poor, economy stabilizing Infastructure: Decent, decaying Standard of living: Decent, declining, somewhat high wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Moderate-size (volunteer), modern equipment (~2100), well-trained/inexperienced (gaining experience) Nuclear Capability: Air & sea based, small stockpile, outdated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-In a speech in early January, Britain’s prime-minister affirmed the country’s historical ties with the struggling Commonwealth of Australia and its long-term ally in the United States, whilst seeking new ventures with its north-eastern neighbour, the Union of Fennoscandia - a move lauded by his own party, BSDP. -The UK announced in February that it would be expanding its economic relationship with the V4, citing favorable economic benefits to further cooperation with Poland and its allies. The Prime Minister even floated the possibility of cooperation in the space sector, sparking rumors that the UK would attempt to join the new ‘mini space race’. Poland’s PM welcomed this suggestion, and said that talks in the future could certainly involve cooperation in space launches, although more ‘down-to-earth’ issues were of current concern. -In recent years, popular opinion has largely turned against the so-called Tory Party, who hold a weak majority thanks only to the political disunity across the nation. General opposition is strong but despite making a strong case against the Conservatives, many view the Labour party as ineffective and incapable of acting on what is perceived as empty rhetoric - whilst other, smaller parties have frantically risen up, further drawing votes away from a united effort to dislodge them from power. Electoral promises made to keep the status quo with the National Health Service and reduce unemployment have largely gone unfulfilled, instead met with half measures - 'amendments' to NHS policy have been announced most of the so-called 'employment opportunities' from the government scheme have been tied into the existing welfare system, leaving thousands of families below the poverty line. In London and across the Midlands and North, mass-protests against the Conservatives continue and in some case have erupted into small-scale rioting with demands for an early general election. Taking advantage of this, however, is the recently consolidated British Social Democratic Party - the BSDP - a socially left wing but economically centrist party formed from the ashes of the Liberal Democratic party and other leftist-centrists who were dissatisfied with the status quo of the Labour party. The BSDP has made a harsh critique of the current government, criticising policy at almost every step except with regard for military and, to a lesser extent, foreign policy - and has made openly favourable references to the UoF. -In April, UK armed forces conducted a joint military exercise with Poland near the Russian border, following up on mutual sentiments between the two that military readiness was of utmost importance to maintaining economic security. The joint exercise came at the same time as naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean, a move which the UK cited as a response to growing Iranian influence in the middle-east. The naval exercise drew criticism from politicians in the EF, who called it a ‘pointless provocation’ against Iran. -The UK National Space Agency announced mid-May that, together with private launch corporations, it had made strides in increasing thrust-to-weight ratios in rocket launches and that, in possible cooperation with Fennoscandia’s FNSA, it would strive to make industrial and commercial spaceflight cheap and readily available - a crucial first step in a series of logistical and financial barriers to feasibly exploiting lunar resources and beyond. Plans to integrate UKNSA’s cost-saving technologies with FNSA’s new state of the art launch system have been floated, although no concrete agreements between the two agencies have been made so far.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/DbYLh5.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=393181&dateline=1389053714[/IMG] [B]Republic of Russia - Ruskie v2.0[/B][B]Russian Republic[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Undivided, fake democracy Social Stability: Unstable, stabilizing slowly, clamor for drastic reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Widespread systemic corruption, high crime Civil Liberties: Poor [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Very poor, declining (improving slightly) Infastructure: Poor, failing Standard of living: Subpar, enormous wealth gap (improving rapidly) [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Somewhat large (conscript/volunteer), dated equipment (2080), decently-trained/experienced Nuclear Capability: Air & ground based, moderate stockpile, very outdated[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-As uranium prices continue to rise to unprecedented levels, the Russian government announced on January 5th that it would be decommissioning a number of its older nuclear warheads to ration out the fissile material as fuel for Russia’s struggling energy grid. The move came as a boon for Russian citizens across the country who suffered intermittent availability of electricity, and frequent power outages even during service hours. Even if temporarily, Russians could rest easy knowing they would regain uninterrupted access to electricity. Their dubious ability to keep the lights on, however, was the least of peoples’ quarrels with the government. With rising unrest in the country over unfettered corruption and widespread poverty, the Russian government came out in April to introduce a new universal basic income system, financially backed by many of Russia’s most iconic businessmen. Although not as comprehensive or hefty as its Fennoscandian equivalent, Russia’s new UBI served to somewhat calm tensions in the streets, conveying to protesters that the government was at least listening. On the subject of corruption, too, the government promised to make changes, and the enormous rally turnouts seen earlier in the year leveled out to protests of mere several thousand people - a large number indeed, but much more tame in comparison to the hundreds of thousands demonstrating in December. -Joining Russia’s new UBI program is a new skill-training and basic education program targeted at Russia’s poorest. The initiative, aimed at teaching low-skill, low-opportunity individuals useful skills like coding and nursing is hoped help alleviate the endless cycle of poverty seen at the country’s lowest levels of society. By June, many thousands had already signed up and are awaiting the program’s further instruction. -In March, the first true free-walking bipedal robot was unveiled by ROBON, Boston Dynamics’ Moscow-based subsidiary. While working, prototypical designs have existed since the early 21st century, the 2055 Economic Crisis put a damper on any real progress in bipedal robotics. Sporting a nearly 1:1 human range of motion and agility, the HOMIPED prototype displayed at the Moscow Technology Convention ran, jumped, climbed, lifted weights, and even danced for onlooking crowds which included a group of Russian generals and officials. Presenters outlined different looks and configurations, as well as possible fusions with artificial intelligence technology,floating many exciting possibilities the robots could bring. European-based NGO Against Autonomous Weapons was far less excited, citing long-lasting fears that Russia and other states are seeking to fully automate their militaries, removing the human cost from pursuing aggressive military action. Human rights organizations were neither too thrilled, as the consequences of automation took on a new image - that where even the most human, artisanal labor could be performed by robots. -In military affairs, Russian defense minister Peter Andreyev said he was ‘deeply concerned’ by Anglo-Polish military exercises near Poland’s border with Russia, and indicated the construction of a new network of layered defenses on Russia’s Western border. Andreyev did not disclose exact nature of these new defenses, but said Russia would be ‘prepared for any unprovoked aggression by Poland.’[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/663Arh.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=440820&dateline=1519097692[/IMG] [B]Republic of Alania - Native Hunter [/B][QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Undivided Social Stability: Stable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: High systemic corruption, high crime (Corruption growing slightly) Civil Liberties: Decent [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Slow but stable growth Infastructure: Mediocre (improving) Standard of living: Subpar, improving slowly, high wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Very small, conscript, antique equipment (~2014), subpar training/experienced (training improving) Nuclear Capability: None[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-In a concerted effort to consolidate and reorganize the young republic’s elements of government, the final measure in a nearly five year process to nationalize Alania’s police forces was confirmed on January 2nd, bringing disparate departments under central oversight. Proponents of the move have long complained of the need to restructure and rebuild Alania’s law enforcement, and have made it clear that could only happen under the authority of a strong centralized command. Part of the major restructuring effort has brought the police under the command of the military, with its ranks bolstered by draftees. While many have brought contention with conscripting policework and giving civil authority over to the military, many in the country are optimistic that increased police patrols and a crackdown on indiscipline and corruption will make the streets safer for everyone. In addition, the military took on a new, defensive role, with a focused and objective-oriented approach to national defense, and to that end, Alania’s top brass announced in February that new, higher physical fitness and dietary standards would be implemented for the army. Some of these new provisions were quite whimsical, including a bare-minimum weight requirement of 180 pounds in order to serve. -This new restructuring of government wings came amid a crackdown on corruption within the higher levels of government, culminating in the indictment of Alania’s Prime-Minister over bribery and gun-trafficking charges. The majority party was thrown into disarray as the very man who vowed to tackle corruption in the country was himself taken down for corruption. Snap elections have been called in June to elect a new government, and while the scandal dealt a major blow to Alania’s National Conservative Party, they were expected to retain their majority of seats. -Following in the footsteps of previous administrations, parliament approved a large string of requests from towns to change their names to from their Russified to Ossetian variants. Originating from a government effort in the 2070s to “nativize” the country, many in Alania have strove to bring the nation back to its ‘ancient cultural identity.’, and the reigning administration has done everything in their power to promote the movement. Just this March, Alania’s government passed a bill which extended privileges and protections for followers and institutions of the country’s ‘uatsdin’ folk religion, which has steadily grown in adoption over the past century. Today, as many as 35% of Alanians identify as adherents of the religion, and that number is growing steadily. The bill, which passed a majority vote, included the legal establishment of several ‘uatsdin’ religious and public holidays, much to the dismay of the orthodox church. -In late February, American corporation SolarCity announced a several-billion dollar contract with the Alanian government to furnish rural villages and towns with solar roof tiles and paneling as part of an ongoing effort to reduce the country’s dependency on fission power, especially amid skyrocketing uranium prices and poor electricity availability outside major cities. The company said the project would take up to four years to complete, and would provide power for several thousand rural homes in the country.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/J9jnNc.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=520588&dateline=1519504321[/IMG] [B]Commonwealth of Australia - Amfleet[/B] [QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Somewhat divided Social Stability: Stable, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Low corruption, very high organized crime in concentrated regions (crime decreasing slightly) Civil Liberties: Good [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Moderate, stable growth Infastructure: Poor, somewhat maintained Standard of living: Somewhat decent, improving, moderate wealth gap [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Small size (volunteer), somewhat modern equipment (~2090), well-trained/experienced Nuclear Capability: None[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-Australia started the year off on the tail-end of the Pan-Asian trade summit in Beijing, opening up a dialogue with India following its withdrawal from the talks. Negotiations over a free trade deal proceeded smoothly and Australia came out with significant privileges in the Indian market, though imports remained difficult and slow as the Australia dollar hovered at around 0.06€ as of May 2123. -Parliament’s focus throughout the start of the year remained on fixing Australia’s failing power grid. Several proposals were drawn up, including a more cost-effective fusion pilot-program proposed by a Chinese corporation, but all proposals were deemed too heavy on the budget and deferred. -Likewise, proposals to implement a limited basic income for the poorest citizens were floated, but deemed impractical under the government’s current financial restraints. For many MPs, the question of how comprehensive basic income could be funded with the currently sparse budget remained. -On the other hand, a proposal to establish universal internet access via satellite uplink was passed in April, with SpaceX taking the winning bid to handle launches - now more than ever launches were becoming cheaper, and progressives in Parliament viewed wider internet access as a key step to rebuilding Australia’s information technology industry, a keystone of many of today’s largest economies. AUSNET, drawn up by SpaceX would emphasize minimum latency and maximum satellite coverage at minimal impact to the total cost of the project. Initial launches began in May, with the full network expected to be online by late September, with equipment installation and public signups taking place throughout the launch period. -Coinciding with a campaign to reclaim abandoned rural areas via irrigation and provide agricultural jobs, parliament passed a bill authorizing the formation of the Civil Guard, a government-organized volunteer militia tasked with protecting outback settlers from gangs and wild animals. Full plans and documentation are already authorized and completed, but, with the failure of the basic income bill which was to form the main mode of compensation for volunteers, the authorization did not include any provisions for pay or compensation, leaving few incentives to actually join up at the moment. Some MPs called the authorization a ‘joke,’ while others joked of paying volunteers in gasoline. -In the private sector, Australian enviro-startups made strides in cheap, efficient desalination technology. Although only prototypical at this stage, and marred by doubt-inducing investment pitch videos featuring royalty-free ukulele music, the technology seemed promising enough that the Australian government provided a $5,000,000 grant to one startup. A working prototype was expected to be built and showcased to officials next April. -In a night raid on May 5th, Australian special forces seized over six hundred gallons of gasoline, 15 HMMWVs and 5 antique abrams-model battle tanks from a motorgang compound in the Australian outback. One member of the raid team was critically injured and was evacuated to Melbourne for medical treatment. A spokesman for the Australian army reported that the seized materiel could be worth up to 500 million AUD.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/X5XDOZ.png[/IMG][IMG]https://facepunch.com/image.php?u=461103&dateline=1511107991[/IMG] [B]Republic of Korea - Mallow234 [/B][QUOTE][B][U]Internal[/U][/B] Government Unity: Somewhat divided Social Stability: Tentative, clamor for reform Corruption / Organized Crime: Moderate corruption, moderate-to-low crime Civil Liberties: Good [B][U]Economic[/U][/B] Growth: Good growth Infastructure: Good, well-maintained (improving) Standard of living: Good, decreasing, very high wealth gap (projected to improve) [B][U]Military[/U][/B] Status: Moderate size (volunteer), dated equipment (2090), well-trained/inexperienced Nuclear capability: Nuclear triad, small stockpile, outdated (reforming nuclear arsenal)[/QUOTE] [QUOTE]-The Republic of Korea started off the year reporting above-average growth and with a slew of diplomatic talks and summits to attend. Korean officials attended the Pan-Asian Trade Agreement talks in Beijing in early May, but dropped out of talks later to pursue talks with Japan. -In late May, those talks came to fruition as the two countries jointly announced a rolling integration of their space programs, with the goal of eventually forming a completely unified space agency. The announcement came just months after the Korean Aerospace Research Institute announced its rebirth as the Korean Space Agency, declaring plans for a lunar mission by late 2124, aided by the development of new transitionary rocket engines. Talks between the two also drew attendance from Taiwan, who were eager to strike deals. -Perhaps in response to international trends, the Korean National Assembly introduced and passed an infrastructure funding bill earlier in the year which would allow for the hiring of thousands of new workers to repair and maintain broken-down roads and other neglected infrastructure in the North. Hiring and training is expected to proceed in June, with work continuing through to next year. The bill came hot on the heels of a massive new budget passed by parliament, with new funds allocated toward piloting basic income - a crucial step in the ongoing debate over UBI. Several civil-rights and awareness nonprofits also received a boost in their annual round of government grants as Seoul saw its largest ever season of TV ads pushing the issue of North Korean enfranchisement. The issue gained enough traction on social media to be picked up by members of parliament, and the ad campaign has sparked a new debate on the floor that now goes hand in hand with progressives’ case for basic income - helping North Koreans achieve equality. Progressives in parliament argue now that implementing basic income would be a game changer for poverty and inequality in the North. -Among other institutions granted budgetary boost, Korea’s nuclear command received a funding augmentation as part of efforts to modernize the Republic’s aging nuclear arsenal. To save on costs, all ground and air-based systems will be retired, while four nuclear-powered submarines of a new hull-class will be added to the Navy’s roster along with a modern lineup of submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The full transition to a sub-only deterrent is expected to take up to 4 years, with the last submarine entering service in early 2128. -A new round of funding for the Korean airforce hit a roadblock in May after progressives refused to vote over a finalization for the military’s new jet-launched drone program. The K-109, as it is known, is a small, mass air-deployed anti-personnel drone with the ability to target and attack without human input. Human rights NGOs have long lambasted the program, which has had a troubled past marred with funding issues and questions about ethics. Progressive majority MPs revolted against their own party and staged a protest in the assembly to block the bill from passing, saying they will not vote on the funding bill until the program is shelved.[/QUOTE] [B]Submissions for turn 2 will be due on Friday, 9th of March. However, the sooner I get them, the sooner the turn gets written! Weighting scale for general ratings: <--Lower--|--Higher-->[/B] Very Poor - Poor - Subpar - Mediocre - Decent - Good - Great - Excellent [editline]28th February 2018[/editline] Espionage and secret techs incoming soon btw ;^)
[B]Turn tracker for turn 2 is live![/B] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/SX7teW.png[/IMG]
Just a reminder that turns are [B]due on Friday,[/B] in two days. If you need extra time to write your turn you should shoot me a PM or let me know on discord [B]before[/B] the deadline.
Joke's on you, it's thursday here and GMT+2 is the only time that matters. :weeb:
[QUOTE=Viper123_SWE;53185783]Joke's on you, it's thursday here and GMT+2 is the only time that matters. :weeb:[/QUOTE] brave words coming from a country who sent their turn early :yarr:
Think everyone else got their turns in aside from the US.
I received 9/9 turns by the deadline and writing will commence soon (didnt get the chance to update tracker). You really gotta join the Discord Gordon, so many announcements there :cool:
Let's not forget all the memes and shitposting.
[QUOTE=Milkdairy;53193489]I received 9/9 turns by the deadline and writing will commence soon (didnt get the chance to update tracker). You really gotta join the Discord Gordon, so many announcements there :cool:[/QUOTE] Have you got the link again for me? Didn't work the first time.
[QUOTE=GordonZombie;53193777]Have you got the link again for me? Didn't work the first time.[/QUOTE] Try this one: [url]https://discord.gg/ENRgHY2[/url]
[B]Mid-Turn Spot V.2: Peeling Back the Layers[/B] [QUOTE]Nearly 70 years after the oil collapse, many nations are still feeling its consequences, with many economies having stagnated. Still, the size of the global economy is larger than ever before, but slowly beginning to stall out. The collapse ushered in a new global economic order, revolving around two spheres - Europe and China.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/mk6LbF.png[/IMG] [I]Chinese counter-terrorism officer during a routine exercise.[/I] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/t2PrKw.png[/IMG] [B]The Peoples' Republic of China[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 1.4 billion GDP: 50.8 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $36285 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Nuclear (uranium-fission) Availability: Electricity is available to 100% of the population with no significant deficits. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in China is the lowest in the region, and among the lowest in the world. Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase exponentially in as little as five years, as uranium becomes more scarce.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/nWxBpK.png[/IMG] [B]United States of America[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 645.5 million GDP: 30.2 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $46785 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Nuclear (uranium-fission) Availability: Electricity is available to 100% of the population. Only about 82% of the population has around-the-clock access to electricity. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in America is lowest in the region, but above-average globally. Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase exponentially in as little as five years, as uranium becomes more scarce.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/WM8qtr.png[/IMG] [I]Australian volunteers engaging 'insurgents' with artillery near Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia.[/I] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/hL0bki.png[/IMG] [B]Union of Fennoscandia[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 52.1 million GDP: 3.3 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $63461 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Nuclear (uranium-fission) Availability: Electricity is available to 100% of the population with no notable deficits. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in Fennoscandia is highest in the region, and above-average globally. Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase exponentially in as little as ten years, as uranium becomes more scarce.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/ZVPYBb.png[/IMG] [B]Republic of Iran[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 165.6 million GDP: 7.1 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $42900 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Nuclear (uranium-fission) Availability: Electricity is available to 100% of the population with no notable deficits. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in Iran is the lowest in the region, and one of the lowest worldwide Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase exponentially in as little as fifteen years, as uranium becomes more scarce.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/dwE223.png[/IMG] [I]Iranian special forces member poses during training exercises near Baghdad.[/I] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/r0EHNN.png[/IMG] [B]Russian Republic[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 80.2 million GDP: 1.8 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $22471 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Nuclear (uranium-fission) Availability: Electricity is available to 100% of the population. Only 75% of the population has access to around-the-clock electricity. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in Russia is one of the highest in the region, and exceedingly above-average worldwide Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase exponentially in as little as fifteen years, as uranium becomes more scarce.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/1y23Fd.png[/IMG] [B]Republic of Korea[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 115.2 million GDP: 5.2 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $45138 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Nuclear (fusion) Availability: Electricity is available to 100% of the population with no deficits. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in Korea is the lowest in the region, and the absolute lowest worldwide. Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase in the future if new sources of fusion input are not discovered.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/t3KL0D.png[/IMG] [B]Commonwealth of Australia[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 35.2 million GDP: 1.3 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $36931 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Solar & Wind Availability: Electricity is available to about 78% of the population. Only 55% of the population has access to around-the-clock power. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in Australia is above-average in the region, and far above-average globally. Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase exponentially in as little as two to three years, as poorly maintained solar and wind infrastructure continues to decay.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/fq7814.png[/IMG] [I]Boeing K-98 'Chihuahua' on patrol at the U.S. Southern border.[/I] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/EmyXY0.png[/IMG] [B]United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 75.2 million GDP: 2.8 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $37234 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Nuclear (uranium-fission) Availability: Electricity is available to 100% of the population with no deficits. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in the United Kingdom is above-average in the region, and above-average globally. Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase exponentially in as little as five years, as uranium becomes more scarce.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/7etigt.png[/IMG] [B]West African Confederation[/B] [QUOTE] [U]Economy[/U] Population: 754.5 million GDP: 16.2 trillion USD2016 GDP Per Capita: $21471 USD2016 [U]Energy[/U] Largest source: Nuclear (uranium-fission) Availability: Electricity is available to 100% of the population, with frequent outages. Affordability: Average cost for electrical utilities in West Africa is lowest in the region, and above-average worldwide. Sustainability: Availability and affordability of electricity is threatened and average costs are expected to increase exponentially in as little as five years, as uranium becomes more scarce.[/QUOTE] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/ZFSpBR.png[/IMG] [I]Krauss-Maffei Ocelot 1A2 in operation by the Iranian Army.[/I]
We may not have the juice but you cunts best believe we have GRIT
[IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/CRx1Ps.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i.cubeupload.com/qTBsQI.png[/IMG] [I]One of Russia's ten MtChk-P infantry robots poses for a picture during field trials. This unit is controlled directly by an FSB officer nearby.[/I] [QUOTE]In August, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had begun trials to test Boston Dynamics' HOMIPED models for military use, with contract negotiations to follow. In a slew of pictures and videos online, a squad of ten kitted out robots commanded by human operators took part in military drills and exercises designed to test their abilities. In a video that went viral mid-August, the droid operators conducted a simulated room breach, taking on human opponents with real firearms with their simulated-ammo rifles. In the video, two robots endured a hail of fire and successfully neutralized enemy operators without taking casualties. In the wake of the trials, top military officials in the European Federation voiced interest in the prototypes, while the net was alight with controversy. Carol Harmon of the American-based humanitarian NGO [I]World Labor Federation[/I] had this to say: "In the past, we all agreed that war is a horrible, horrible thing. What happens when you can just say 'well, none of our own will suffer'? What happens when you subtract the mutual loss of life from war? What gives the Kremlin or any other government the right to take a person's life with a droid?"[/QUOTE]
So, quick update: Forum move fucked up all the formatting and most of my templates are built for a raw BBCode style post. I'll need some time to re-adjust to the new stuff as almost everything in terms of the turn organization needs to change now. Please standby.
Post still needs fixing?
Unfortunately I can't edit it at all, as I discovered later on. Turn'll still come but I will be hosting it externally.
Quick update: I've pretty much nailed down my new format and turn writing will b-gin soon enough. Stay tuned bois
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