Alternate Societies and Cultures

I don't think this has been done before, and I thought I would put it in this forum to go with the Alt Weapons, Alt Uniforms, and like.

Ever wonder what life is like in the Kingdom of Albion? Where a particular culture fits in in the Central Galactic Union? What drives an Ottoman Airship pilot?

Post articles on the society and culture in alternate/future histories.

From the Journal of Benjamin O'Connor

7 July, 1969

Today was a run-of-the-mill day. That is, until I got on the Underground. A service announcement said that the Park Street station was closed. That seemed strange to me, as the renovations in that station had just been completed. The announcement didn't say anything about what was going on. In any case, I had to figure out a way to get to the Province House, and do it by 9:00. I had to get off at the City Centre Cross station, but I still had no idea what it was that had shut down Park Street. Still, I wasn't going to complain. The weather was nice, and I saved 10p on my ride in. Little did I know what I was going to find.

As soon as I came out of the Underground station, I was met with a great din. I had no idea what it was, but I could tell that it wouldn't be good, for me, or any other commuters. I rounded the corner to come into Park Street, and was met with a giant throng. Already, at 8:45 in the morning, there must have been 20,000 people on the Common already. They were all shouting so many different chants, and shaking signs in my direction. I was very frightened, but I comforted myself in the fact that they were not shaking their signs at me, but at Parliament behind me. Unfortunately, Park Street was part of the throng, and I was caught.

A representative of the Parliament came out of the building, and addressed the crowd. I could barely hear him, but I was able to hear a couple of words. He said something about the Spanish language, and something about an individual named José Ortiz. The name sounded familiar, but I wasn't sure exactly why he was important. Whatever the man said, though, the crowd didn't like it. They surged forward, as to storm Parliament. I tried my hardest to stay where I was, but it was to no avail. I don't remember what happened next.

I woke up in Massachusetts General Hospital. From what the nurses had told me, I had been unconscious for nearly 12 hours, and that I had sustained a mild concussion. They told me that I had been lucky, and that I could have easily been trampled to death. They handed me today's edition of the Globe, with the front page devoted to the riots that have siezed Boston. Apparently a large portion of Hispanic New Englanders wanted Spanish to be declared an official language after the arrest of one José Ortiz refusing to learn English or French in order to work at a store in his own neighbourhood, a largely Hispanic area of Lawrence. As of yet, the police have been unable to quell the rioters, but they have contained it to a small area between Government Centre and the Waterfront.

A journal entry recording the beginning of the Boston Race Riots that unseated JFK's government and brought equal rights to ethnic minorities living in New England.

Arch-Angel said:

Where a particular culture fits in in the Central Galactic Union?

Click to expand...

lol my FH got mentioned.

Anywho-
Well, in regards to this, it's quite a complex thing. Galactic society, shaped over about 3000 years, was a frequently changing community.
And the CGU, though dominated by Terran culture and ruled by a clique of former Terran politicians and officers, there are many other human cultures that exist, usually localised and concentrated in certain spiral arms that developed their own national character before they joined to form the CGU.

For example, the Orion Arm was heavily settled by Irish-American and Chinese colonists early on; the local languages and religious affiliations reflect this: English and Mandarin are the most common in the region thanks to a strong network of private education institutions that stress bilingualism, and the political elite are almost universally Catholics due to the former Empire of Orion's leadership positions being held largely by immigrants of Anglo-Irish descent.

Duplicate posting from the main Ethelred the Pious thread, but it seems relevant here.

CULTURE OF ENGLAND IN 930

Overview:

It is approximately 50 years after the Danes and Norse consluded their conquest of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms (except northern Northumbria, which is under the suzerainty of Alba). Norse England remains divided into two kingdoms, Jorvik (York) and Ostangeln (Eastanglia). Both kingdoms had been established before the conquest of the 870s, but both came to be dominated by the leaders of the "Great Heathen Army."

Politics:

The leaders of the conquest formed a new class of nobility. Members of this new class dominate the government of both kingdoms and have maintained the power to choose the kings. Here as in mainland Scandinavia, becoming king is an act of personal power that requires a large number of heavily armed supporters, an act that can be undone with the appearance of a rival with more supporters or heavier arms.

At this moment, neither kingdom is ruled by a direct descendant of Halfdan or Ivar, the brothers who led the Great Army. However, their families have grown into large and powerful houses that weild great influence in both kingdoms. Halfdan's granddaughter Raghild is married to Eirik, the king of Eastanglia.

Land patterns:

In Ostangeln, the region that attracted the greatest density of Scandinavian immigrants, the village system predominates in agriculture. The largest class of society consists of free peasants of Scandinavian extraction. Much of the land is communally controlled, but most peasants also have individual plots.

Jorvik's settlement patterns follow a continuum from north to south. In the northern core lands of the kingdom, the mainly Norse population lives in villages with fields clustered around.

In Mercia, the former "Five Boroughs" region, small landholdings predominate. This region was parceled out to Viking warriors following the conquest of England, and later arrivals were also able to obtain farms. The population is divided into a Norse nobility, a class of free Dano-Norse peasant farmers, and a class of Anglo-Saxon tenants.

Southern Jorvik is the least "Nordified". A Danish/Norwegian nobility was simply superimposed on the existing Saxon system, with several shires and earldoms continuing intact from the previous era. This was the region of the "English Law" established in the late 800s. The preservation of Saxon laws and administration prevented large-scale commandeering of the land by Vikings.

Being the magnate over a territory has not yet been equated with owning a territory. As feudal ideas ceep in from France, the magnates of the south will begin to demand more direct rule of their territories.

One recent social change that has been noted by the landowning classes (magnates and free peasants) is the absence of free land. Viking England in the years after 876 acquired a culture of upward mobility and opportunism made possible by the continued seizure of Saxon estates. As society becomes more stable, many young men are looking elsewhere for personal fortune.

Religion:

The English Church was impoverished by the conquest, with most of its treasures taken and looted. Many of the artifacts of Anglo-Saxon Christianity were smuggled abroad, to unconquered parts of Wales, Scotland, or Ireland. Many monks and priests similarly fled the country. Those that remained had to make do with bare buildings and meager possessions. Several bishoprics have not been restored, but archbishops continue to sit at their ancient seats in Canterbury and York, the latter of which is also a royal capital.

The indiginous Saxons have not discarded their faith, but monks and priests have actively sought to convert their conquerors, with varying success. Already the distinction is blurring between Saxon Christians who speak Norse, and Scandinavians who have converted to Christianity. With such a fertile mission field at home, English missionaries no longer travel to mainland Scandinavia - slowing the spread of the Faith there.

Paganism remains the religion of the majority of Dano-Norse of all classes. Predicatably, those that have more daily contact with Saxons, such as those in the South or far North, are converting in greater numbers. The family of the Jarl of Kent are all believers and have become key patrons of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

This is a very good idea.



The Culture and Politics of the Nov-Khano Respublika in the year 2009, 138 years after the end of the Great Death.


Overview:
The Great Death lead to the complete geopolitical, sociopolitical and religious upheaval of most of the world, most especially Central Eurasia where the Great Death had been born.
In the early years of the 20th century, following the founding of the Europa Republic and Novo-Rus Republik the Nov-Khano Guld (New Golden Khanate) was formed by the union of the various tribes, villages and towns that were descended from the survivors in Central Eurasia, late in the century with the formal adoption of a full Constitution the nation would become the Nov-Khano Respublika (New Republican Khanate).

Politics;
With the establishment of the united state politics began to form, however the politics of the NKR are very different from the politics of most every other nation.
While the NKR has the word Republic in its name, it is more a hybrid of a Commonwealth (IE does'nt believe direct democracy is bad) and an elective constitutional monarchy. The Monarchy originated from a new religion that sprang up in the early 20th century in the region. While the Empress is limited in what she can do legally, she commands a great deal of respect. The Monarch must be a female (males are strictly forbidden from the post) and biologically descended from the first Empress, as a result while it is preferred that the first daughter become the Empress elected by the Order of the Celestium their's a national vote on the candidates.
Unlike other countries their are no political parties in the NKR, following a constitutional law (a law that requires 3/4 to pass or repeal) that prohibited them early on, rather people are elected on merit and individual beliefs.
Another notable aspect of the NKR is what has gained it the description as a 'Closed Open Society', that is to say while society is vibrant, open and free, outside of the border cities and a few further-in areas the vast majority of the NKR is forbidden to non-citizens and their are even still some parts that are off limits to its own citizens.

Religion;
While Christianity, Islam and Native beliefs had been the original religions in the area following the Great Death these were mostly wiped out in Central Asia with only various native religions surviving.
By the beginning of the 20th century a new religion had come to be, the 'Order of the Celestium', a non-deist religion based on the idea that the Great Death had been stopped by a Divine Female Child born from the will of the Universe itself to save Humanity (this was based on an early idea that the first person born with an immunity to the GD was a female somewhere in Central Eurasia). According to both religious and civil/secular records fro the time following the Order 'finding' the 'Celestial Daughter' she (and her subsequent female offspring) was chosen as the Empress of the People 'ad aeternum', thus starting the current Dynasty.

Social Issues;
The NKR has been viewed historically as a very progressive nation, as it was the second to grant women th right to vote, never practiced discrimination (indeed the government strives to eliminate discrimination), was the first country to abolish capital punishment (through its constitution) and respects the liberties of the people.
In recent years, while still being considered a Progressive country it has lost its spot as being the most, especially given that, while it will recognize same-sex marriages from other countries where they are performed, they are still not aloud to be performed in the NKR, though unions with some, but not all the benefits of Marriage are allowed.

(OOC: going with the Orion thing, I guess I can type up an article. Date is...let's go with 6285.)


"On Orionese Culture and Geopolitics As A Part Of The Union.
By Michael Eamon Qingdao, contributor to The Orion Belt Magazine. 20 May 6285.

History:
The Orion Arm was the first settled by humanity outside of the Local Spur. As human colonisation spread out beyond a few dozen colonies, many began yearning for autonomy. Orion was the first to declare independence, in 2499, and achieved it in 2502 after a brief war. It soon expanded and became a major trading partner with Terra, and after 2573, with alien nation in contact with humanity. Eventually, it adopted a constitutional monarchy; as the Orion Empire, it lasted until the 6270's, when it voluntarily dissolved to join the Central Galactic Union.

Demographics:
Like many areas of human settlement, the Orion Arm was initially colonised by migrants of Anglo-Irish descent. However, an even larger wave of Chinese immigrants came over to seek new lives outside of the Local Spur shortly after independence. A routine settled where the political elite were mostly Anglo-Irish, with several prominent Chinese families involved at all levels, and a large majority populace of Chinese.
Due to this, the majority of the political and landowning elite are United Catholic, and speak English and Mandarin with fluency. While the majority populace are Chinese, Taoist, and speak Mandarin in most situations. However, due to the political elite and to the Orion Arm's trade relations, English is the de facto language of government and commerce.

Culture and Politics:
Influenced by their mixed demographics, the Orionese have developed a unique culture that disregards ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences in order to promote a unified and functioning society. A mix of Irish and Chinese customs blended, and many Chinese colonists adopted Catholic rites to Buddhist and Taoist modes of practice. The education system was built as a mix of public and private institutions; due to the private schools being mostly Catholic schools, the Church has cultivated a reputation for education and civic duty in the Orion Arm. All schools, private and public, have stressed academic and cultural learning, with Mandarin and English mandatory classes, and Latin a popular elective; mathematics and music programs were often funded with large private grants and public spending, making Orchestral, Monastic, and Teaching careers some of the most esteemed and respected in Orionese culture.

This heterogeneous homogeneity is also reflected in their architecture. Rather than the Neo-Deco and Neo-Gothic architectural styles popular in the former Terran Empire, the core settlement worlds were awash in Chinese architecture, but built on a scale to rival classic cathedrals on Earth. However, such early settlement worlds are rare; these pristine worlds contrast the industrial colonies that make up 65% of the inhabited worlds in the Orion Arm. These industrial planets have a towering, utilitarian architecture defining the skyline and smog-choked cities sprawling across the planet with few agricultural or suburban regions.

Due to this industrial society in most of the worlds, a strong labour movement quickly developed; the so-called "iron basket" of the human community in the Galaxy, Orion once produced a large amount of vehicles, electronics, and other finished goods for human nations. Communism was not an uncommon ideology before the rise of National Humanism; even so, the monarchy was well-supported even by the Communist Party, as a constitutional institution that protected the rights of the workers. This was not too dissimilar from Lunarianism, a 23rd-century ideology that advocated Marxist Monarchism.
However, constant confrontation with the Union of Soviet Solar Republics led to Communism being viewed with distaste by the political elite; socialist monarchism supplanted it in the mainstream, before National Humanism came along and united human civilization into the Central Galactic Union.

Current issues:
The main issue facing Orionese culture now is integration into general human society. The Union, dominated by the Prussian culture of the former Terran Empire, stills has lingering traces of cultural discrimination; most of the higher-ups in government are from the former Terran regions. However, as the Union presses on and reforms society across human-settled space, Orion will surely become a vital sprocket in the machinery of mankind. "

The Culture and Politics of the Japanese Empire in the year 2009, 138 years after the Great Death.


Overview;
Japan is a semi-constitutional Monarchy located in East Asia comprised of the traditional Home islands as well as the Autonomous Prefecture of Taihoku and the Prefecture of Hainan.
Japan is one of the worlds four (five if Anzac is considered one) Superpowers. Japan is also a nuclear state and has the worlds largest Navy.

History:
Japan is considered to be the sole country to have actually benefited from the Great Death. Japan was the country to suffer the least from the Great Death, with only seven people having died from it according to records (though many hundreds died from quarantine measures), do to its geography as a set of islands and its previous program of isolationism.
After the Great Death vanished the colonial powers in Asia had either gone extinct, were severely weakened or, as was the case of America, no longer interested in Asia, this allowed Japan to develop on its own and expand its own ties in Asia. At the beginning of the 20th century Japan began a program of colonization. While this was primarily in North-East Asia in the Manchuria region of China and the open spaces of the former Russian Empire their were a few missions further South, which lead to the founding of the Taihoku, Hainan and Mariku colonies.
By the time of the Great World War Japan had become a Great Power in its own right and one of the major military actors in the war.
Over the course of the 20th century Japan implemented many reforms and was the only country to give independence to its colonies without prior fighting or uprisings against Colonial rule.

Politics:
Japanese politics are unique in that in several instances traditional ideas of ideology do not always apply, however the major political ideologies in Japan are Liberal Conservatism, represented by the Liberal Party of Japan, Social Democracy, represented by the Japanese Socialist Party and Communism, represented by the Japanese Communist Party. While the parties are diverse all of them share several common traits; The promotion of a large and strong military, pro-Monarchy and a slight hint of Nationalism.
Japan is also home to a variety of other ideologies, however these groups are either minority parties or not represented at all in the Japanese legislature.
The current Monarch of Japan is
Her Imperial Majesty Toshiko, Queen of Korea and Empress of the Japanese Empire. Japan is one of two countries in which the Monarch is more than a figurehead (the other being Oman), however, while the Monarch has several powers, including the ability to dissolve the legislature and call for elections, end arguments and force the legislature to the vote and appoint the cabinet it is rare for them to be used.
Japan has historically made pan-Asian relations a priority in its foreign relations.
In recent years their have been talks for Kamchuko to cease being an independent republic and re-join Japan as either an autonomous prefecture or an entirely new administrative unit, including one plan for the formation of a system similar to the UK's system of 'home nations'.

Religion;
Japan has been described by some as a 'naturally Atheistic country' do to the major belief systems not having deities.
The major religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shinto, however a good size minority worship the Goddess Amatarasu.

Social Issues;
Japan has generally had few social problems, however starting in the mid 90's several militant extremist groups from various ideologies have formed.

Spartan Culture and Society

Motto: God, Clan, Family, Self

Genus Species: Homo Sapien Bellator

History

In the early days of colonization by the UEE the Arcturas Star System was scouted and determined it was rich in resources. However, the only terrestrial world had an extreme environment of dense jungles, dry deserts, and arctic tundra. The Imperial Colonization Advisory Committee studied a number of different alternatives before Emil Abbot, a retired General in the Imperial Marines offered a solution. He sought out volunteers to be genetically altered, to be stronger, hardier, individuals that would colonize Arcturas. He didn’t stop there however; he shaped the culture of the volunteers. He named the planet Sparta, and organized the volunteers into Clans, and endorsed the ideas of martial courage, and communal support. The Spartan clans grew quickly and soon represented a disproportionate amount of the Imperial Army and Imperial Marines. In combat they had no equal and participated valiantly in the conquest of Sigma Draconis IV, the subsequent pacification of the Durg, and the putting down of all the colonial rebellions. As the Empire expanded, Spartans were frequently saw action against alien life and as such became vehemently xenophobic.
During the Commonwealth Period, the Imperial family and government took refuge on Sparta and used Sparta as a base to liberate Earth. However, all was not well on Sparta. The clans demanded greater autonomy for their world following there assistance in liberating Earth. They claimed they had a promise from Emperor Andrew IV, father of new young Emperor, when Andrew V denied knowledge of the promise and refused autonomy, the Spartans rebelled. The Spartan Rebellion was like no rebellion the Empire had encountered and went on for three years. At the end of the second year, Earth unleashed its ultimate weapon, psionics. Though few in number, psionic soldiers were the only ones capable of fighting Spartans in large numbers and would frequently lead normal troops into battle. Even then, the war went on for another year.
At the end of the battle a number of Clans, lead by the Firebat Clan, urged the Spartan Council to continue the war. When their proposal was defeated the Firebats and another eight Clans fled the Empire for unknown space (later to be discovered as the Leonidian Hegemony).
Even after the Spartans surrender, they were still revered as peerless soldiers of the Empire and continue to serve this day, composing a large proportion of the Imperial Marines and Imperial Army. They still maintain a mutual hatred with psionics, who they view as dishonorable and untrustworthy.

Demographics

Spartans are a genetic sub-species of humanity and came mostly from North America and Australia. As such the predominant language of Sparta is English, though racially they range from African to Caucasian to Asian to Hispanic.
Spartans are devoutly religious, with nearly the entire society being members of the First Warrior Church of God, a Christian religion monopolized by Spartan culture.
Spartan culture encourages large families of strong children. As such, they quickly burst onto the galactic scene and today represent 10% of the UEE’s population.

Culture and Politics

Spartan culture values conformity, uniformity, and communalism. The survival of the society, clan, and family comes before the survival of the self. The members of the clans are constantly proving themselves where every obstacle or adversity is viewed as a battle to be won and overcome.
All Spartan youth attend boarding schools where they train their minds and bodies, encouraged to do whatever they have to survive and excel, including cheat and deceive. At the age of 18, Spartan youth enter adulthood and choose their own paths, with the majority choosing service in the military or a private defense contractor.
The Spartan Clans are composed of a number of related families that share resources and land. The Clans are lead by a single member, chosen by each of the family heads who serves until the leader is no longer able.
Spartan culture values age and wisdom, as such the leaders of the families and clans are usually older members of the clan and family who have served the clan well in the past and know what it takes to succeed and thrive.
To the outsider Spartan culture may seem patriarchal; however, this is not the case. Women are equal to men in all respects and several women lead families, clans, and have been High Queen in the past. Indeed, gender is virtually disregarded in Spartan culture, where the view is that the best should lead no matter what.
The politics of Sparta, on the surface are similar to all other Earth colonies; a native popularly legislator and an Imperial appointed Governor. However, in all practical circumstances it is the Spartan Council and High King that run Sparta. The Council is composed of the leader of each clan who meat to consulate and decide on matters. The High King (or Queen) is elected to serve until no longer able from among the clan leaders by the other clan leaders. The Colonial Legislature is composed of popularly “elected” regional representatives; however the Council almost always determines who will be elected and how the legislature will vote. The Imperial Government tacitly supports this as they know they stand no chance of breaking the power of the High King or Council.

Current Issues

Despite nearly seventy five years since the end of the Spartan Rebellion, Spartans still are leery of Earth and utterly hate psionics. Spartans continue to have racialist attitudes against alien life and face discrimination by normal humans who blame Spartans for the ravages of the Spartan Rebellion. Finally, some Clans openly favor leaving the Empire for the Leonidian Hegemony, saying the Leonidians are more their people than the normals of the Empire.

Famous Sayings and Popular Words or Phrases

Clan brother/sister – fellow from the same clan
Psycho – derogatory nickname for psionics
Xeno – derogatory name for aliens


Strength through unity – Motto of the Spartan people

Non pro nobis laboramus – we labor not for ourselves – Saying of the Clans that hangs in the hall where the Spartan Council meets

Semper Paratus – Always Ready – motto of every Spartan

Victory is the ultimate honor – saying that denotes it is ultimately better to win the battle by dishonorable means than to lose and fight honorably

Virtute et armis – By Virtue and Arms – motto of Spartan soldiers

In battle crush the enemy. Defeat him, his family, and all his friends so that none may seek vengeance. Beat him so thoroughly that 1000 generations later any relative that is still alive quakes in fear at the mere whisper of your name. – General Justin Peel, Patriarch of Silent Leopard Clan, Imperial Marines, Leader of the Spartan Insurrection – Excerpted from his book Vita Est Bellum

We never broke with the Empire. We only sought what was honorably ours. We were promised autonomy and when that promise was broken, we did what honor demand. We fought to avenge that dishonor. – Andrea Hunt, Matriarch of Griffin Clan – Excerpted from her book The Unshattered Allegiance

We are not bloodthirsty monsters. We are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters. When we are cut, we bleed. When our loved ones die, we mourn. We believe in honor, in duty, in courage. We would sooner see our family, our clan go on without us, than us without them. – Andrea Hunt, Matriarch of Griffin Clan – Excerpted from her book The Unshattered Allegiance

“If we enter the city, I will level it to the ground.

If.” – Message from General Ali Sistani, Imperial Army to General Timothy Carter, Spartan Army and reply from Carter to Sistani during the Battle of Agis City

Society and Culture of the Earth Sphere, Part I

Due to its large geographical size and its massive population, there is no set culture or society of the Earth Sphere and it is impossible to describe a single unitary Earther culture or society. Instead, I will speak in general terms. For the most part, the Earth Sphere is a very conservative nation and has been since the rise of the National Democratic Front in 4362. Slavery of non-human species is legal--slavery had been legal at various times throughout the long history of the Earth Sphere. But no single person has had more influence on the Earth Sphere than Siegfried Laguille, the Premier of the Earth Sphere from 4362 - 3370 and President from 4370 - 4391.

Politics
The Earth Sphere is a de facto single-party state ruled by the National Democratic Front, a pan-humanist and neo-fascist party who first rose to power in the late 44th century. Between 3844 - 4309, the Earth Sphere was a monarchy under the constitution of the Second Empire. The Second Empire was a constitutional monarchy that replaced the corrupt absolutist First Empire following the Age of Spring and Autumn. The Earth Sphere was a constitutional monarchy under the House of Vasa (a cadet branch now sits on the throne of Alpha Centauri), and was very liberal. Slavery of xeno-humans was banned in 3876 and all slavery was banned in 4056.

Following a series of economic crisis, disastrous wars and foreign adventures, and internal revolt, the Vasa Dynasty and the Second Empire was overthrown and replaced with the Third Republic in 4340. The Third Republic is often considered one of the most democratic nations in history, with referendum necessary on all tax hikes and declarations of war. Politics during this era was characterized by radicalism on both sides (Objectivism on the left and neo-fascism on the right). The Third Republic was replaced with the Nationalist Fourth Republic in 4371 following the death of President Gilbert Abrams.

The FND was elected on the promise that it would restore the deposed Vasa Dynasty, but it so far as failed to do so. They met the monarchists and republicans half-way and restored a version of the previous Earther aristocracy. Still, monarchism is still a very powerful political force within the Earth Sphere. A token Communist Party exists, but it has come under a heavy cloud in the past couple of years since several members have been arrested and executed because of suspected Objectivist-leanings.

The Fourth Republic is a semi-presidential system, with power delegated as the President sees fit. The head of state if the Executive President, who is elected for a six-year term. The Executive President is advised by the First Presidency, which is comprised of the First Consul and Second Consul (both elected by the General Assembly for staggered two-year terms). As a whole, the First Presidency has a power of veto. The Vice President of the Earth Sphere is elected along with the Executive President and has now power other than being the President of the General Assembly and succeeding the President in case he/she is incapacitated. The President appoints all Cabinet ministers.

The Premier is the head of government, and is elected by the General Assembly ever legislative session (every two-years). The Premier is in charge of the civil bureaucracy of the Earth Sphere and chairs the Earth Sphere's State Council. The State Council is comprised of the Deputy Premiers, Cabinet ministers, heads of various government agencies, and representatives from the autonomous members of the Earth Sphere. The State Council approves all budgets and appropriations bills and declarations of war. The Premier appoints four Deputy Premiers, each with broad portfolios.

Slavery
Under the First Empire and short-lived Second Republic, slavery of xeno-humans, human mods, and non-humans was legal. In 4056, all forms of slavery was officially banned by Emperor Gustav II. The National Democratic Front under President Laguille reinstated the institution of slavery in 4380, but never once in official Earther government documents is the word "slavery" or "slave" mentioned.

Instead, with the Fourth Anaheim Protocols of 4380, the Earther government placed a "head tax" on all non-human aliens. The Fourth Anaheim Protocols also limited the types of jobs non-humans could hold, only males (or a species' equivalent) could have a job, and pay was limited for non-humans. These factors forced most non-humans to accept employment as indentured servants for an undefined term. Salaries weren't enough to pay off the head tax, effectively making the non-human a slave for life. Head taxes were hereditary, and only the contracts made between a non-human and an employer could be sold, not the person. The same theory was applied to rebelling xeno-humans in 4384.

All Earther government officials call slaves "bondservants" and slavery "servitude". Despite this, the Earth Sphere has been highly criticized by the League of Nations for its continued sanctioning of slavery--it is the only nation in the known Galaxy to have any form of indentured servitude legal. Despite these criticisms, slavery has fueled the Earther economic expansion of the late 44th century and early 45th century. Slave labor was relatively cheap, so many foreign corporations have started up factories in the Earth Sphere, providing the known Galaxy with cheap consumer goods.

Slaves were personal property of the owner (usually, a member of the aristocracy, mandarin elite, and military hidalgos), and their personal contracts could be bought or sold as individuals or as part of an economic unit such as a factory or mine (there are restrictions on separating mothers from small children). All children born to slave mothers were slaves; freedom could only be gained by paying off the contract (practically impossible) or manumission by the owner, wherein the owner pays off his slaves' contracts (a rare occasion, but often enough that there is a small freeman population).

There are certain restrictions that the Earth Sphere government has placed on the ownership of slaves. The Bondservant Bureau was originally in the Labor Ministry, but was moved to the Office of Homeland Security in 4411 and placed under the Alien Directorate. The Alien Directorate places certain minimums on the care and upkeep of slaves, along with other regulations for the care, treatment, and punishment of slaves. If the Alien Directorate found an owner in violation of their regulations, the slaves would be removed and auctioned off, while the previous owner would be punished (either through a prison sentence or fine) and unable to own slaves for up to ten years.

According to the Third Anaheim Protocols, non-humans weren't sentient beings, and were therefore they did not have many of the same rights humans and xeno-humans (to an extent) enjoyed. Slaves could own no property, and their marriages were not recognized by the state. The education of slaves was forbidden except what was necessary for their jobs--and training was very specific. Slaves were not taught to read and write, and they were not allowed to leave their place of residence or work without a permit from their owner and the Alien Directorate.

Social class and nobility
Social class in the Earth Sphere is very important, and it is a very complicated and complex hierarchy. At the very bottom of the social ladder are the slaves. Immediately above them are the xeno-humans and mods, who, through the various Anaheim Protocols, have been relegated as second-class citizens. While they cannot become bondservants, rebellious elements of xeno-human or modded races have been enslaved as punishment.

Next up on the hierarchy are the humans of the Earth Sphere. The theory of "four occupations" has become the de facto social hierarchy of human society in the Earth Sphere. At the very bottom are the peasants, who are laborers in factories or tenant farmers. Most of the human population of the Earth Sphere fit into this part of the hierarchy. Most of them live below or near the poverty line, and receive at least some form of compensation from the government. A small portion of them actually own their own land or their own businesses, which usually places them in the third tier.

Above the laborers and farmers are the artisans. This is a small section of society, and were generally better well of than the peasants beneath them. While they did not grow their own food or make their own goods, they did create impressive pieces of artwork. This section of society also included writers, sculptors, actors, and other forms of artists. Unlike the other classes, there was often a great degree of mobility both within the class but also in and out of it. There was also a great disparity in terms of earnings--some artisans were as poor as peasants, while some were as rich as salarymen.

Like artisans, salarymen are, for the most part, found only within the Solar Autonomous Zone
and Central Administrative Region. Along with the artisans, they form the small middle and professional class of the Earth Sphere. This class includes office workers, land owners, businessmen, merchants, doctors, engineers, and other sorts of careers that involve some form of professional degree. In the military, salarymen make up a good chunk of the officer corps not filled by members of the nobility.

At the very top is the nobility, and this is where things begin to get complicated. There are three basic types of nobility in the Earth Sphere-the aristocracy, the military hidalgos, and the mandarins. The aristocracy is a throwback to the days of the First Empire and Second Empire. In those days, the aristocracy was divided into several ranks. However, since the re-establishment of the aristocracy in 4372, there have only been three classes of aristocrats--marquess/marchioness, viscount/viscountess, and baron/baroness. There are some exceptions, such as Alpha Centauri and East Asia, but it remains mostly rigid. Peerages are hereditary through absolute primogeniture, and the Executive President can create new peerages or promote existing peerages.

The next group within the nobility are the hidalgos. Hidalgos are a military aristocracy that has developed over several centuries. Many of them are descended from great aristocratic families who often rejected new titles when the Third Peerage was created in 4372. Instead, most hidalgos hold the hereditary title of esquire or a form of grave. They were often some of the first settlers on a planet or region and hold lots of land or important positions within corporations. hidalgos makes up the bulk of the officer corps of the Earth Sphere military.

The third group within the nobility are the mandarins--the bureaucracy and civil servants of the Earth Sphere. They are a relatively recent development, and they only came around following the rise of the FND. This is because the mandarins were the earliest members of the National Democratic Front. Mandarins also own lots of land and corporations--they are to civilian government what hidalgos are to the military. They attend large and prestigious political academies before joining the civil service. They were also renowned scholars and academics, and are often known as scholar-bureaucrats.

Each individual social class are not homogeneous groups. They were very diverse in terms of members and in terms of wealth. For example, there are artisans and salarymen who are as poor as peasants--in fact, there are some salarymen positions that are low-paying with no little chance for advancement and are filled by peasants. There are some rather poor nobles, but for the most part, nobles and the wealthier salarymen are the richest of the rich. There is a large gap between the peasants and nobility, with a small middle class comprised of the artisans and salarymen.

The Culture and Politics of the Aegyptian Empire in the year 2009, 138 years after the Great Death.


Overview;
The former Egypt was the hardest hit North African country/colony and indeed considered to be the single hardest hit country/colony/territory in all of Africa, which lead to a great cultural and political change.
Over time the survivors in Egypt would rebuild the country as the Aegytian Empire, a secular constitutional monarchy.


History:
Egypt had always had a moderately large minority Coptic community, of which most modern Aegyptians can trace some part, if not all of their lineage back to. Egypt had received warnings of the Great Death, being a major economic, transport and cultural hub, connecting various regions, many months before the first cases arrived, however the government and most of society did little to prepare for it, however a small group of Copts, Muslims, Jews and a pair of visiting Buddhist monks founded the Society of Protection* and began preparing for the inevitable.
By the time the Great Death finally reached Egypt the a fair number of Copts had joined along with a good size group of what would fit the modern description of 'Universalist Muslims' as well as a peculiar group of exiles who professed a belief in the old pagan religions of Egypt's past.
When the disease started to spread across Egypt the Society of Protection implemented its plan, with two dozen groups all hiding in little known ruins or, in the case of the Cairo group, within the great pyramids themselves, and isolating themselves from the rest of the world.
The modern Aegyptian Empire was built by the survivors and descendants of these survivalist groups.

Politics:
The Aegyptian Empire is a constitutional monarchy, headed by His Serene Majesty, Child of Origin, Fares Gamil, Emperor of Aegypt. The selection of the monarch is a complex process that was not fully understood until the mid twentieth century. The basic process is based on a mixture of meritocracy and physio-genetic trait inheritance.
Like the Nov-Khano Respublika the Aegyptian Empire has no political parties, having been explicitly banned at the founding of the state, however the political ideologies in the AE can be split into three major ideologies, Social Liberalism, Social Democracy and Traditionalism and several minority groups of various size, including Fascii, Communists and several other groups. The AE as a nation has been very conscience of the environment, as a result of both it's overall sociocultural mindset and the fragility of the Aegyptian ecosystem.

Religion:
Most Aegyptians follow the 'Teachings of Origin', a syncretic religion that has aspects of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and ancient Egyptian paganism.

Social Issues:
The Aegyptian Empire, do to the cultural emphasis on social and economic justice has had few major societal issues in its history, however at the the present the question of same-sex unions is being argued, with a small minority opposed to it at all, a sizable minority supporting some sort of recognition, slightly less supporting Civil Unions and a minority supporting full gay marriage. It is unlikely that the debate will be over quickly, though a compromise is the most likely situation.


NOTE;
The term Society of Protection is the commonly used term, however as many records were lost to time, and of those remaining their are instances of it being referred to by other names, it is not known if this was it's true name, a commonly used name or simply an erroneous translation.

Fine idea for a thread. I hope it becomes one of the staples of this board.

The Culture and Politics of the Chinese Federal Republic in the year 2009, 138 years after the Great Death.


Overview;
The Federal Republic of China (also known as the FRC) is a nation in Asia, comprised of the territory that has generally considered the 'Core of China'. China is a Federal state, comprised of several states and the People's Autonomous Region, which can be thought of as a Federation within a Federation.

History:
China, bordering Central Eurasia, was one of the countries to suffer a significant impact from the Great Death, however it did not suffer anywhere as badly as Europe did, having only lost an estimated 30% of its population, compared to the 85%+ in Europe.
The Qing Empire, for many reasons, including outside pressure, corruption, and antiquated system of government, fell in the early years of the 20th century, plunging a large swath of Asia into chaos. During this period, commonly referred to as the 'Three Decades Era', do to the thirty years in which China was ruled by warlords and generally in a state of anarchy, their were many changes in Asia, particularly Japans annexation of the island of Hainan and several small islands in the South China sea, the effective independence of Tibet and the establishment of the Japanese backed state of Manshūko.
By the late twenties however Japan, the UK, the New Dutch Republic and the Anzac Federation had become increasingly concerned over the state of mainland China, both out of Humanitarian concerns (admittedly a small minority) and security of their own countries, this would result in the China Conference, a meeting of officials from the nations involved as well as the Republic of China forces, the single largest group within mainland China that resulted in the pacification of China and the establishment of the First Chinese Federal Republic in 1932.
The FRC managed to fair well for the next thirty-four years, however this was brought to an end by the beginning of the Civil War.
The Chinese Civil War, fought between the Federal Republic of China and the Daoist Revolutionaries began in 1966, lasted twenty years, ending in the mid 80's when a peace agreement was signed between the two sides and a new Constitution created.

Politics:
The political climate of China is diverse, with many different ideologies present, however overall China is considered to be a Leftist nation when compared to global politics.
The FRC is a Federal semi-presidential Republic, comprised of several states and the People's Autonomous Region, a region comprising roughly 35% of the countries overall territory that itself acts as a Federation, and has a high degree of economic, and to a much lesser degree, political autonomy.
The major ideologies in China are Socialism, represented by the Chinese Socialist Party, Communism, represented by the Communist Party of China, Daoism/Huaism, represented by the People's Party of China and Liberalism, represented by the Liberal Party of China. Apart from the major ideologies many other ideologies are present, the three largest being Libertianism, represented by the Free Democrats of China, Chinese Neo-Traditionalism, represented by the Chinese Empire Coalition and Deep Environmentalism, represented by the Forest Greens of China.

Religion:
China has generally never been what could be considered a religious country throughout history, indeed most Chinese religions either are non-deistic, like Buddhism, or more akin to philosophies than religion, such as Confucianism.
Overall 40% of Chinese are Buddhist, 30% Atheist, 20% Taoist, 5% Chinese Islam and 5% follow one of many various other religions.

Social Issues:
China, surprising to many, has only a few major social issues (most of its problems are economic and political), primarily the result of water and other resources being funneled to the more populace East, the rift between the Western more traditionalist and Islamic west and the more progressive, non-religious East and the issue of LGBT rights.

Now for an ASB moment (1/2)

THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE GREATER HAUDESONNEE REPUBLICS AS OF THE REFORMATIONS OF TSAEWA TEIORHESERE AVOUET

The society of contemporary Haudesonnee culture can be represented in the form of a pyramid, divided into three classes, and parallel to the military and paramilitary forces of the Republics, being a completely different society in its entirety. At the bottom rest the Criminals of the State and the Unfree Citizens; in the middle, the Citizens and the Pious; and the Nobility or the Politicians rest at its peak. Social classification is hereditary. The cardinal difference between Tsaewa Avouet's system (therefore known as the "Tsaewa System")from the Adoradoh system lies in the abolishment of mob selection of the Republic's leaders. The Tsaewa System also lies out a specific procedure of the ascension and relegation of an individual between the different classes of society. Apart from the Haudesonnee Republics, the Tsaewa System is used in all the Self-Administration Fiefdoms and Neighbour Republics today, with only some wastelands under propriety of the Military following a more autocratic version of government.

The Criminals of the State and the Unfree Citizens, being those that have perpetrated crimes against the free people, are subject to hard labour in the Republics' mines, factories and other areas of danger. However, a large minority of these lower peoples are used as fodder in the military, mostly as garrison forces for rebellious areas at the present, though they were historically used as the frontline for the Haudesonnee Human Wave during the times of conquest.
Those that does not follow the Haudesonnee Culture as guided in the Culture Act by the age of 10 are considered "Unfree"'; they are still citizens during their childhood, taken away from their rebellious peers and subject to the Pious who wish to show them the true way. If they still cling to their inferior cultures by the first blooms of maturity, they will be immediately sent to a C-class manufactory. The working laws that protect citizens do not apply to the Unfree, and it is up to the local administrator of the manufactory their appropriate times of work. By the age of 14, they are allowed to ascend to citizenship if they profess belief in the Haudesonnee Culture. They are then allowed to join the military, and if the commanding Officers sees their work admirable an application for citizenship can be issued. Once the Minister of Cultures authorises the application, the Unfree Citizen can move to a B-class manufactory or a farmship whenever he/she pleases.
A Criminal of the State are the persons who were born citizen but have violated a Major Law in the Haudesonnee Constituion. Upon approval by the Minister of Constitution, the person will be sent to a C-class manufactory where he will be treated as an Unfree Citizen. Unlike normal Unfrees, Criminals are demanded to be celibate and cannot take paternal/maternal leave. Also unlike normal Unfrees, the State will not assist the Criminals in any way if they break celibacy, and are most likely to punish them. Enemies of the State (those who repeatedly violate Major Laws) will be sentenced to death upon evidence of said commitments, no exception.

Regular Citizens and the Pious constitute the majority of the population of the Republics with Unfree separatism on the downfall. These persons have the rights declared in the Haudesonnee Constituion, the Constitution of Labour and the Charter of Free Access. Some of the rights granted include the right to a fair trial, the right of candidacy, the right of joining the military, the right to safe labour, the right of habitat and the right to file complaints to the Administration.
The majority of Regular Citizens work in farmships and B-class manufactories, though the brightest work in A-class manufactories, and the ambitious officers in the military. The farmship is a region of arable land owned jointly by a Pious Governor and a Scout of the Administration, the B-class manufactory controlled by one of the Nobility and the A-class manufactory controlled directly by the Head Ministers of Technology and Parturiency. Unlike administration of the Unfree, the violation of the rights given by Citizens in the Constitution of Labour is considered a Major Crime and the criminal owner will be immediately penalized. With permission, Citizens can enter Centres of Trade and can even buy goods with money given by his/her highers-up.
The Pious, Citizens who have shown abnormal power caused by a profession of faith and confirmed by the Administration, have slightly higher social ranking than the average Citizen. The Pious have the right to become a candidate in regular farmship election, where the Scout will name a new Pious to administer the farmship for a regular period. The Pious also have the right to enter Centres of Trade at will, be alloted pay for his work, and pursue education through pay. The Pious can also choose to switch his or her career between farmships and manufactories; in a manufactory, a Pious has a smaller requirement of work time per week and limited health benefits, paired with the responsibility of healing his fellow men and women.

The Nobility constitute a small portion of the Haudesonnee population but has incredible power according to the edict of "Despotism brings Stability" decreed by the Tsaewa System. This is the highest class of society and possess all rights in the Haudesonnee Constituion, as well as the protection and demands of the Bureaucratic Despotism Act. A Noble is automatically a member of the Administration, no matter how minor his role. A Noble is paid a minimum wage or higher for his work, the value depending on the level of importance; higher levels forgo the wage completely and the Noble receive a fixed percentage of the Ministry's budget, called commission. Nobles also have access to purchases all luxuries, freedom of access to farmships and manufactories, freedom of movement across continents and the naming of the successor to his/her role upon death. Regardless, Nobles still have several responsibilities, such as the responsibility of fair reporting, the responsibility of attending Central Administration and (for Scouts) the responsibility of naming. As Nobility is hereditary, the class is made up of several dynasties of families, each given residences by the Minister of Allotment; living in another dynasty's residence is considered a breach of Major Law.

The Culture and Politics of the Europa Republic in the year 2009, 138 years after the Great Death.


Overview;
The Europa Republic (also known as the Europan Republic) is a large country comprised of nearly all of Europe.
The Europan Republic is one of the worlds four Super Powers, and the least secretive of the 'Eurasian Triangle' nations.

History:
The Great Death hit Europe harder than any other part of the world (mortality rates ranged from 76-94%), a result of a mixture of the virus having originated in far-East Europe, and Europe being one of the most densely packed, and connected regions in the world.
As a result the Western European powers fled their European homelands, taking much of their population with them as was possible, as a result nearly all of Europe, with the exception of the British isles and the Iberian nations were near totally depopulated, however, their were survivors throughout both 'Old Europe' and the European portions of the fleeing nations.
By the end of the 19th century the various survivors and their descendants from across Europe had banded together into various groups, the largest being centered in South-East Europe, and had managed to rebuild civilization to pre-virus levels, and, in some cases, surpassing it.
By the beginning years of the 20th century these groups began to coalesce, and in 1910 they came together in Political Union, forming the Europa Republic.
By the 1920's the old existing old European powers began to show renewed interest in the continent, reaching its highest point with France requesting all of it's continental lands back, a request which was bluntly rejected by the Europans, who saw all of the old European countries, save the Dutch, as traitors to humanity and generally evil.
In 1928 the Allied Nations (Britain, France, New Scandinavia, the Netherlands and the Ottomans) declared war on the Europa Republic (and by way of Treaty its ally Novo-Rus), leading to the Great World War. The war would end in a relative stalemate, and officially end in 1940.
The Europan Republic was the first country to establish the theory of nuclear weapons, but was the second to actually construct them.
The Europan Republic spent most of the rest of the 20th century focusing on rebuilding the remainder of civilization and the creation of a new society.

Politics:
The Europan Republic is unique in that their is no Executive Structure.
The Europan Republic is a highly decentralized Federal Democracy.
While the Federal and 'state' legislatures pass legislation, it is issues both locally and nationally to be decided through Direct Democracy via referendums and national votes.
The Europan Republic has no political parties, having them banned by constitutional law.
Europa is sometimes considered a paradox, as it is internally a highly open society, yet externally remains relatively secretive.

Religions:
The Europan Republic is considered both the most non-religious nation and the most religiously diverse nation in the world.
Following the Great Death many of the survivors and their descendants either lost faith in the existence of a god at all, or became convinced that the old Religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) were not the true path.
It's estimated that roughly 50% of Europans are Atheists, while a quarter are thought to be split between a myriad of new and restored old religious movements and another quarter to be generally spiritual, but non-religious.

Social Issues:
Do to the relatively secretive nature of Europa it is difficult to ascertain what issues exist, however from what is known the nation has no major social issues.