Proposing A Third PathThroughout the long arc of history we have seen cycles, many of which have been dominated by alliances locked in opposition, all of which held within their remit the ability to impact events on a global scale. Even the mere hint of their involvement in any scenario would compel another to act or, in some cases, doom a nation to the prospect of most certain military action occurring within their sovereign borders without objection or recourse. To address these (and other) concerns the international community came together first in the formation of the Covenant of Nations and, later, the Commonwealth Treaty Organisation. We also witnessed the creation of the Cross Mundus Agency, with each institution professing similar aims and motives in their formation.
Even with the formation of the Covenant, and later the Commonwealth, we have seen the continued existence of vast accumulations of military might. Whereas we once saw an era dominated by the CSTO/CIS, whom both shared several key founding principles, aligned against the Warsaw Powers, today we have many of these same nations, including new additions amongst their ranks, constituted in the CNN and, now fading, LISA alliances. In this modern era, however, neither has a clear adversary in sight nor an immediate threat to their security; there is no Warsaw, nor is there an alliance or other such grouping of nations which could realistically pose a threat to either of these alliances other than their counterparts. Despite any proclaimed reason, the mere existence of these levels of military might under a single banner presents a real and lasting threat to the peace, prosperity and overall stability of Mundus.
The First Empire recognizes the role it has played throughout these eras, first as a leading power of the CSTO and, later, as a founding member of LISA. Our collective approach to maintaining international peace and stability, while rooted in good cause, has precipitated a vicious cycle which sees the outbreak of war and conflict most often the inevitable conclusion to the crises facing Mundus. Instead of alleviating the fertile soil which gives rise to conflict and addressing those issues which often cause nations to reach a point where armed conflict is indeed inevitable, we have placed our focus upon that inevitable spectre of conflict. Another issue of contention, one which this First Empire has had an equal hand in perpetuating, is conflict along cultural grounds, resulting in an atmosphere where one set of cultural expectations and norms are held as a standard above all others.
Should we wish to truly break this cycle and promote a Mundus which is that much more peaceful and just a new approach is demanded. One which sees a principle of mutualism amongst all nations transplant a paradigm which sees competing self interests and ego drive international affairs. A community of sovereigns which sees value in respecting all cultures, assisting each other through mutual aid and a spirit of common defense against undue foreign aggression, is one capable of tackling the crises which often are the mother of wars and conflicts. Those nations, which come together at times of great need and assist according to their ability, may see not only increased standards of living but also a transformative movement which sees not competition in every pursuit but opportunities for us to remember, ultimately, we are all common inhabitants of one small dot in the universe; through assisting each other we ultimately ensure our national interests in providing for a more stable Mundus.
As the prospect for conflict is one which may always linger, especially for those states who maintain minimal relations or forgo those with certain powers, the First Empire thus proposes an
International Collective Association (ICA). The ICA shall not function as a contemporary military alliance, itself being based solely upon the principle of optional defence with no mechanisms possible for aggressive military actions being undertaken by the Association. Furthermore, there shall be no requirements beyond an agreement for members of the Association to, according to their means, give due consideration for those requests for assistance from fellow members of the Association.
The First Empire shall henceforth be reviewing all international treaties to which it is a party to and shall determine whether or not they support such a shift in paradigms while at the same time conducting a review of present Rokkenjiman military policy in addition to ongoing Rokkenjiman military operations or deployments with the same objective in mind. In the coming days we shall propose an association of nations, one which builds itself on a foundation of mutual assistance, collective self-defense and disavows the collective use of aggressive force. With vast accumulations of military might already existing a network of nations dedicated to the common self-defense is necessary to ensure not one further intrusion upon a sovereign nation. In this pursuit I hope that this First Empire may work towards creating a better Mundus for all of our children, and making up for her contributions to this present untenable state of affairs.
The First Empire has, at times, been guilty of applying its influence in situations which did not warrant it, a fact which has moved me beyond any doubt as to whether or not the ICA is worth pursuing or not. If one is incapable of recognizing when they are wrong and not willing to act to correct such behaviour, their words are empty and without due significance. Ultimately, by combating directly the root causes of conflict we may ensure they do not arise before the threat of military action is a bygone conclusion. Let us remember that between all of us we share one blue marble in the vastness of the universe; let us join together in a spirit of assistance and concern for our fellow neighbours, helping to the best of our ability and leaving the common heritage of Mundus in a better position for those who shall come after us.
Those who wish to join with us on this endeavour are cordially invited to Pyrena Castle for what shall be the first Summit of the International Collective Association, to be hosted on the 4th of May. I look forward to what our collective efforts shall bring into fruition.
Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook
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