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  1. Among the most advanced topics in the literature in the Austro-libertarian milieu is that which deals with the workings of the fully free society, that is, the society with no state, or anarcho-capitalism. Robert Murphy deals with this head on, and makes the first full contribution to this literature in the new century. Working within a Rothbardian framework, he takes up the challenge of Hans Hoppe regarding the role of market insurance in property security to extend the analysis to the security of person. His applications are part empirical and part speculative, but unfailingly provocative, rigorous, and thoughtful. The title itself refers to the supposed chaos that results from eliminating the state but Murphy shows that out of chaos grows an ordered liberty. Anyone interested in exploring the farthest reaches of anarchist theory must come to terms with Murphy's account https://mises.org/library/chaos-theory
    3 points
  2. Migraine Now I remember this very vaguely, but I remember most of it I believe. Firstly I started my nation in school because I had noting better to do and i was in search of nation / role play game. I was hoping to find one online that went into detail but when I saw Politics and war it was good enough. Once I created my nation I did not know what at all I was going to get into. After me just doing random things like buying barracks and building a military. At this point I realized this game had a discord server and quickly joined. After I asked for help in the main Public channel saying I was a new player. All of a sudden many people said "Figure it out Ur self". But this one person named Migraine (Sorry if i spelled ur name wrong) Basically offered to help me. What happened after Is he basically looked at my nation and told me to sell anything but military and power and i phucked up my nation so then I re-rolled. Then He invited me to Afrika corps, n which I applied. But i didn't join the discord I think so I just ended up leaving the alliance. But The point of this short story is not about any alliance. Its the fact that it is so hard for people to be respectful and helpful to people these days. The real reason why I created this blog is to encourage or try to encourage people to be nicer and less aggressive. Rn P&W is at a very aggressive state and I only wish for this situation to become better. (Also Thank you migraine if it wasn't for u id probably leave this game)
    3 points
  3. I've been thinking a lot about the difference between my "home" community of NationStates, and other nation sims like this one. I want to start off by saying that they are very different games. NationStates is, at its core, a political game, with a focus on ideology and broad policy over micromanaging. It has no clearly defined goal, and there is no clear metric for success or failure. War is conducted either through role playing (of which there is a great deal) or through a complicated proxy system involving the administration of regions. This second system is really better regarded as an entirely different game, and has its own universe of politics and opposing communities. Even this, however, has a minimal effect on an individual's choices. NationStates is somewhat strange among popular nation sims, in that there is almost nothing to do with game mechanics after one has mastered the basics. Paradoxically, this lack of hardcoded goals seems to have spurred players to develop entire world's of things to do. By the admission of the game creator, who is an award-winning author in his own right, the rigid self-imposed standards of quality in the role playing community rival those of fully published works. The level of politics and intrigue which permeates both national roleplaying, and especially relations between regions, makes real-world diplomatic crises seem straightforward. As with any sufficiently large community, the level of activity and detail is nested fractally, and has no endpoint. In sharp contrast, P&W is based on the premise of tweaking numbers to perfection, and micromanaging until the cows come home. Nation scores, leaderboards, and wars provide a plethora of goals and ways to stack up players' efforts. Alliances take this one step further with data-oriented aid programs and additional tools to pinpoint the effects of player actions. Players who do well can bask in the glory of being ranked highly, and nations who fail will know as much in no uncertain terms. Even with these features, however, players are limited in how much detail they can put into their nations. Daily activity is limited by resources, and creativity in policies and spending is limited by the need to maintain defensive capabilities. These limits are not necessarily a bad thing. The more complex a game becomes, the steeper the learning curve for new nations becomes, and the more likely new players are to become overwhelmed and quit. A finite number of daily actions promotes long-term strategies, and player loyalty. There is also a certain realism in limiting the possibilities for players to enact fringe policies, and shepherding players towards a particularly successful model. In many ways, P&W and NationStates are opposites. P&W is geared towards developing one's nation along very specific lines, with the end goal always coming back to war and building infrastructure. NationStates is not so much a simulator, as a template for creating stories, whether those stories be enshrined in roleplay, factbooks, or fictional statistics. And yet, the politics between alliances and regions is almost the same. The same language, the same agendas, and the same (contextually justified) paranoia of other groups. After a great deal of thought, I have concluded that it is not so much that the engines are similar, it is that the players, and their actions and intentions when dealing with each other, are virtually the same. The purpose of such an online game is not to generate a set of statistics for one's ideal utopia, as such could be just as easily accomplished with a pencil and paper, and skip the period of building. Nor is it for the purpose of the raw stimulus of pushing buttons correctly; we make it far too difficult for that. What is really on display in these games is the interactions between players. We desire external validation of our achievements, and we choose to seek such validation through a system which mimics the familiar flow of international politics. It can come as no surprise, then, that similar demographics will join both games, or that similar themes and buzzwords will arise in both communities of players with similar taste in style, because the source and manner of human validation is the same. In conclusion, while the mechanics of NationStates and Politics & War may be presented as opposites, and indeed, there are substantial differences in the traditional methods of regular players, the demographics of the players, and the manner in which they address each other, are almost indistinguishable.
    2 points
  4. If you find the print too small, please click the image link for a full screen view. On PC, you can enlarge with the magnifier. Enjoy!
    1 point
  5. Thanks for the support guys for the past weeks! Both me & Corps are thankful for giving us the boost needed! !
    1 point
  6. Article One - Primary Aim and Agenda: The overall aim of Resplendent, is to establish an alliance capable of providing ample opportunity for economic growth and militaristic protection. Resplendent will do whatever within its power to protect the political sovereignty of itself and its member nations, to ensure their perpetual security and protection, and the doctrine of aggressive neutrality with the aim of establishing more peaceful relations. Article Two - Principle of Non-Involvement: The Principle of Non-Involvement is not the principle of non-intervention, but no individual of Resplendent to exhibit a partiality towards one side or another in a conflict to which Resplendent has either decided or pledged to refrain from. Such things would include the abstention from ghosting, taking direct hostile action against an alliance for non-approved reasons, or the providing of aid for nations in alliances Resplendent is maintaining peace during conflict with. Article Three - Principle of Impartiality: The Principle of Impartiality ensures the impartial attitude of Resplendent government towards any asylum seeker, diplomat, or guest that visits Resplendent communication channel, whether in-game or out of game. Satisfying the Principle of Impartiality requires that we are able to treat the other party in impartial manner, regardless of their identity and/or background. Another such instance of the Principle of Impartiality is in regards to the markets. Resplendent pledges and ensures that the member nations will always seek the lowest prices unless affected by alliance conflict, embargo or relation. Article Four - Principle of Sovereignty: The Principle of Sovereignty requires the protection of the alliance, thereby the individual members. Any such infringement of this principle will be met with such action deemed necessary. The Principle of Sovereignty also applies to the member nations of Resplendent in a manner to which the individualism of each member is to not be restricted by the government of Resplendent, nor any foreign government. Individual sovereignty is to be protected by the usage of firmly defined democratic practices and sound capitalistic economic programs. It is the belief of the alliance and the membership to uphold first and foremost the sovereignty of the alliance as a whole and the membership, and to therefore maintain a sufficient and impressive military to deter aggressors and secure our sovereignty. Article Five - Principle of Reciprocity: The Principle of Reciprocity reflects our acceptance of reaching compromise with other alliances, and that other alliances are encouraged to accept such compromise. We view ourselves as an institution in which both a strong alliance can exist whilst still allowing the flourishing of democratic ideals. It must be concluded that an alliance such as Resplendent is asking for exemptions and/or liberties from the rest of the alliances, which can nevertheless be essential for us in ensuring our continued non-involvement, and impartiality. Any past aggression shall not be held against, nor shall be acted upon without due and proper reason. Article Six - Principle of Perpetuity: The Principle of Perpetuity is our belief that to keep up this confidence, being the confidence our friends and enemies have in us, Resplendent must maintain its purpose and determination with a strong sense of long-term stability, so that other alliances will be able to predict our future course and steer clear of it, while trusting that by doing so we will never interfere with their own interests. If we change our standards so abruptly and frequently, how can any foreign alliance trust that we do not pose a future threat for their long-term interests? It is obvious that in order for such stability to exist, it is necessary for us to not only momentarily discuss and execute whatever standards we choose to be the best, but to follow the same set of standards faithfully for an extended period of time, even if the political climate surrounding us changes in a radical manner. Article Seven - Standards of Excellence: The multitude of standards we shall exhibit will always and forever be firmly grounded in a level of excellence so expected from this Alliance. Posting on public avenues is an inalienable right allowed to our members, however such right can be restricted should such a level of in-excellence be met. Members of the elected Government are the zenith of our democratic idealism, and so to ensure that we maintain a voice in these forums in matters that do directly concern us, these members whom are held in such excellence will demonstrate their capability. Article Eight - Opinion on Influences: It is believed and so derived from the Principles of Impartiality and Sovereignty that any alliance which attempts to exert unwanted and undue influence upon us which is not our own, is to be restricted and combated to the best of our capabilities. As such in any regard to when our impartiality is required, it will be our mission to remove any influence which may cause partiality and/or discrimination against any party involved. The view of foreign alliances influencing other foreign alliances via underhanded, or otherwise shady methods, are viewed as unfavorable, unforgivable, and wholeheartedly cowardly and craven. Article Nine - Focus on Economic Practice: It is mentioned to be our primary aim to provide ample opportunity for economic growth, and as such Resplendent shall do what is in its power to provide such opportunities to its membership. The abstention from war shall not be a permanence, however shall be a creed and guideline to which we shall follow. To seek economically beneficial engagements shall be common and we shall aim to accomplish, however to unnecessarily sacrifice our alliance and its membership is gross incompetence and negligence. It is the mindset of Resplendent, in order to ensure the individual opportunities and rights of all of our members, it is paramount to engage in capitalistic, libertarian-esque, economic practices. Such would be minimum taxation upon our members, unless in times of war, the allowance of free trade between our members and all others, unless due to embargo or conflict, and the allowance for self-determination in regards to offensive operations which do not result from the need to defend ourselves or our sovereign allies. Article Ten - Encouraged Economic Practices: Whilst member states of Resplendent shall always have the right to self-determination, especially in regards to their nations’ economic practice, there are several practices to which have been proven to be beneficial and effective for larger nations. One such idea is the concept where the nation imports all raw resources, and converts the said resources into manufactured goods for sale and national improvement. This system is particularly good for nations wishing to improve their warchest, and for those that opt to refrain from repeated numerous engagements. Another system of economic practice would be that where the nation importants all manufactured resources for national improvement, and produces solely food nationally. This food based nation will thus save rebuilding costs due to the larger investment into land area as opposed to infrastructure. Whilst arguably less profitable than the previously mentioned manufacturer-based nation, this system is particularly good for those which would like to maintain a larger military and have cheaper post-war costs. Article Eleven - Focus on Militaristic Protection: As with the primary aim of economic opportunity, the dual aim is that of militaristic protection. Resplendent aims to be able to protect its members from any form of hostile attack, especially in regards to militaristic means. The duty of not only the government, but the general membership is to aid its fellow member against any aggression against each other and the alliance. As stated in the Principle of Sovereignty, this will require the maintenance of a sufficient and impressive military to deter aggressors and fight off invaders. This sworn duty is not an opinion of Resplendent, but a fact for all of its members, and such duty cannot be dismissed, delayed, or withdrawn from without leaving the alliance. This maintenance of the national military should and must be the primary importance, overtaking that of economic prowess. Article Twelve - Guarantees of the Freedom of Speech: Never shall the freedom of speech of any member of Resplendent be infringed upon, unless acting in gross in-excellence. Whatever things they may say shall be protected so long as it does not incite genuine discrimination or harassment. Any such behavior which is found to be not in good humor, will be quickly expunged. Article Thirteen - Council of Triumvirs: The Governing Council, known as the Triumvirate, should refrain from interfering not only in the lives of the individual nation states, but also the general runnings of the alliance. It’s aim is to set the direction of policy, to ensure the policy enshrines the ideals of Resplendent, and to deal with foreign affairs and emergencies. It has never been the practice to micromanage the sovereign departments of Resplendent, but to guide them on the correct path of policy in accordance to the laws of the alliance and its spirit. Powers of the Triumvirate should be delegated downwards to the lower levels of government whenever possible, as to give them the necessary experience to handle the alliance should emergency occur, thus improving their own experiences and character. Although serving for indefinite term lengths, these positions enshrine the epoch of not only governmental authority, but also democracy. Should a Triumvir either resign from his post, or be unfortunately impeached by the membership, only the best and brightest should run and be elected to these positions. Article Fourteen - Facilitator: The Facilitator is the highest ranking official with a regular election cycle. As such they are to conduct themselves with the utmost respect for our democratic traditions. They are the face of the alliance, the embodiment of the membership. It is their duty to run the daily happenings of the alliance, to administrate the advisors which serve below he/her, and to guide the alliance in accordance to the requests of the Governing Council, but primarily in accordance to the ideals of Resplendent. Whilst the Governing Council will typically handle all of the highest levels of administration, it is expected that Facilitator be included in most, if not all, of the proceedings. Foreign diplomacy may be initiated by the Facilitator, however must be finalized through the Triumvirate, in which the Facilitator is encouraged to attend such meetings. Article Fifteen - Advisors: The Advisors are the lowest ranking official with regular election cycles, as well as being the lowest government official in the alliance. Despite this, it is expected for them to run their departments in an expected level of excellence under the guidance of the Facilitator. They shall carry out the policy of the Facilitator and the Governing Council. Article Sixteen - Prismatic Legacy: Whilst not the direct successor to the original Resplendent, the Alliance shall aim to be the spiritual successor to the best of its ability whilst retaining its own sovereign individuality. It is our duty to carry on the ideals and the spirit of the original Resplendent, and to never regress in our progress forward.
    1 point
  7. It's time to put down the pen It seems to be accepted wisdom that the only thing wrong with treaties is not having enough of them. More treaties = more power! All those allies of yours who will happily march into the meat grinder to further your glorious ambitions and provide a barrier between you and any enemy seeking to harm you. Signing a million treaties is only bad for the game because stagnation or because it makes you a !@#$, but that's someone else's problem man, for you it's ballin'. Few people seem to realize that treaties themselves have significant downsides which erode your sovereignty, earn you enemies and makes you a target for wars, the exact things that treaties are supposed to protect you from. Most alliances have enormous requirements for declarations of war against another alliance. Democratic alliances could require the whole alliance to vote in favor, or only the emperor is allowed to declare war, and is a decision made with gravity and seriousness. If you have even one treaty though, this entire process is hijacked and you are thrown into someone else's conflict because you signed a piece of e-paper. The decision as to when and how and upon whom you declare peace or war is the most significant element of sovereignty an alliance has, and treaties with any mandatory defense clause destroy this. For reasons unknown, this surrender of sovereignty to third parties is often done with happiness, as alliances don't want the stress and burden of maintaining their own foreign policy, and essentially cede control of this to their "allies" (masters?) who take a more proactive view of foreign policy. In this instance, you no longer control your foreign policy, you ally controls your foreign policy, you are no longer an alliance, you are a subset of your ally's alliance. You have just made yourself into a vassal state. This surrender of sovereignty is significant but unheralded, and the slaves insist they are free, and prove it by going from one master to another. The ugly secret about treaties is that they do not keep you safe. A treaty is an aggressive act, not a defensive one. A treaty is essentially a declaration of war in a bottle, which you hand to someone else for them to make use of in an emergency. It is less like a shield and more like a daisy chain of grenades. Because of the nature of defensive treaties, having a treaty with the target of a war can mean that due to the sick logic of treaty chess, you are the one attacked, as was seen most recently with the war against Rose where Mensa HQ attacked Vanguard instead of Rose, knowing that Rose will have no choice but to counterattack. Did Vanguard joining a bloc with VE and Rose keep them safe? No, it made them a target. The giant blobs of treaties which have amalgamated into three vague blocs of paper essentially view each other as a threat, and so have made enemies out of each others constituent alliances who had few and isolated prior arguments, purely due to the fact that they exist as rival power structures. Rather than disengage from these power structures and maintain their own foreign policy, the answer to this hostility and looming warfare is MORE TREATIES. Yes, always more treaties with more power blocs, every important alliance must be connected directly to you! This leads to the final absurdity of treaties in that in the end it's a promise, and not everyone keeps their promises. After all the downsides of hostility and partisanship, alienating alliances due to your connections, loss of sovereignty, loss of independence and increased risk to yourself for signing so many treaties, in the end when your alliance is attacked by your various enemies and rivals, half those treaties are worthless because those allies also have treaties with your enemies and the half that don't will find any excuse not to defend you. So put the pen down, stop being such a !@#$ and have some self control, for !@#$ sake.
    1 point
  8. My fellow comrades and listeners alike, here is a bulletin of our glorious campaigns in the name of socialism! The Fascist state of "Priyam" at its knees! A final wave in 6 hours will be enough for another victory to be claimed by our illustrious Socialist Union! The land of "Tropico" on the brink of surrender as well! "Madimatur","Pinklipas", and "The Great Dalek Empire" to surrender within 6 hours, as said by Aidan, "Or they will fall like all the others before them!" As always, our well-trained comrades meet no losses, and do not require any heavy weaponry! The sappers took care of the plundered treasuries! Long live Lenin!
    0 points
  9. Because I am trying to make this as real as possible please review United Cities of Saint Rain Constitution and By-Laws. BYLAWS.docx
    0 points
  10. BREAKING NEWS: NORSIF INVADES NEIGHBORING NATION August 30th, 2046 ORBIS DATE The Great Nation of Norsif invades neighboring nation of Aurellia for a massive land grab; as the medium sized nation entered into the borders; breaking the Non-Aggression Pact the two nations have enjoyed for several decades; after a blatant disrespectful tone by the President of Aurellia whom during his presidency has been anti-Norsif and has enacted tariffs on Norsifian goods that were unbearable. Due to the anger caused by this. The Kommandant ordered the mobilisiation of the 11th Division to march into the borders. Norsif has been angered beyond measure in this and from our Kommandant.
    -1 points
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