The never-so-named German Revolution put an end to these plans of the old elites; no Baltic Duchy, no German royals implanted to Poland and Finland. The natives were just left to do what they wanted, which at that time was republic without foreign meddling.
A Shift in Priorities - Sequel
- Thread starter rast
- Start date
The never-so-named German Revolution put an end to these plans of the old elites; no Baltic Duchy, no German royals implanted to Poland and Finland. The natives were just left to do what they wanted, which at that time was republic without foreign meddling.
Russia
The Russian Empire is – by far – the largest country on earth; even the substantial territorial losses at the end of the Great War haven’t changed that fact. With a population of approximately 110 million people, Russia is capable of covering all aspects attributable to a great power. She was the first to develop and field nuclear weapons and she entertains very large and modern armed forces. In science and technology, she is jousting with Germany across the complete board. In terms of industrial capacity and capability, her more recent and advanced facilities may already have surpassed some older German plants. Russian TV clearly is most the sophisticated broadcasting system word wide and Russian motor cars are exemplary in quality and performance. The Russian invention of avtomagistrali (high speed motor roads without junctions) has no match in other countries.
Whether Russia is a true democracy or a disguised single-party dictatorship is an issue hotly debated in-country and abroad. Fact is that the Krestyanina Pártiya (short: KP – the farmers’ party) rules uncontested since more than twenty-five years – and that the other political parties (Socialists, Progressives, Liberal Democrats and National-Democrats) have been worn to shadows. There are countless conspiracy theories circulating, but no one has ever proven vote rigging beyond doubt. Russian investigative journalism is evidently unfettered, but the Okhrana are well known for their deviousness in buying the right people at the right time. Fact is also that the current prime minister, Nikolay F. Vatutin, is immensely popular and that vast crowds rally to cheer him wherever he appears.
The peace movement has swapped over from Germany to Russia, where most notably veterans of the Far East War have raised the flag. The Russian peaceniks are less chaotic than their German counterparts – and usually do really know what they are talking about. That has gained them some respect – and the Vatutin government has recently increased care for those maimed or mentally disturbed in the FEW. However, the Russian peace movement has not formed a political party, but has rather found refuge in the bohemian corner. The result is a flood of anti-war novels, plays, pictures and movies, currently swamping the national scene.
At the core of Russian identity is the village, where the farmers live, work and multiply. And farmers are – capitalists, slow going and cautious capitalists perhaps, but capitalists nevertheless. Because of this basic disposition, the Russian Empire has developed into the foremost capitalist country on earth. Groomed by Igor F. Matutin, the Bolshoi Vozhd (great leader), the ‘Wild East’ has been transformed to a landscape of industrial plants interconnected by efficient transport infrastructure. Whipped up to war effort under Boris V. Savinkov, the Gambler, these structures have been further enhanced. Groomed again under Mikhail I. Kalinin and now Vatutin, the system has reached maturity – and has, for example, enabled Russia to successfully stand her ground in the recent trade war with the Great Qing Empire and the US.
Tsar Vladimir IV does not play any role in politics, but is important as figure of national unity. The Tsar symbolises the spouse of Mother Russia, like the Russian orthodox church incarnates God’s favour for the country. Generally, Russians are devotedly religious; and the covenant between the KP and the Holy Synod is widely held responsible for the lasting success of the former. – The Great War, the Civil War and the constitution proposed by Germany have, however, abolished aristocracy and its privileges. Only the Tsar and his family remain, which is completely acceptable for most Russians.
The FEW has not only given Russia ice-free ports on the Pacific Ocean, it also has brought Mongolia under lasting Russian control. Prospectors have surveyed the realm – and found coal, uraniferous rocks, copper, oil, gold and many other natural resources in quantities worth mining. The Russian capitalists are rejoicing – and have begun to develop the country.
There are still former Russian territories under foreign rule, the most important one certainly being the Ukraine. Current Russian policy encompasses Vatutin’s ‘Ex-Oriente-Luxus’ strategy, which eschews violent conquest for the allurement of prosperity and profusion. As initial target, Finland – or rather Karelia – has been identified. It is considered the proving ground for the new approach.
The Russian Empire is – by far – the largest country on earth; even the substantial territorial losses at the end of the Great War haven’t changed that fact. With a population of approximately 110 million people, Russia is capable of covering all aspects attributable to a great power. She was the first to develop and field nuclear weapons and she entertains very large and modern armed forces. In science and technology, she is jousting with Germany across the complete board. In terms of industrial capacity and capability, her more recent and advanced facilities may already have surpassed some older German plants. Russian TV clearly is most the sophisticated broadcasting system word wide and Russian motor cars are exemplary in quality and performance. The Russian invention of avtomagistrali (high speed motor roads without junctions) has no match in other countries.
Whether Russia is a true democracy or a disguised single-party dictatorship is an issue hotly debated in-country and abroad. Fact is that the Krestyanina Pártiya (short: KP – the farmers’ party) rules uncontested since more than twenty-five years – and that the other political parties (Socialists, Progressives, Liberal Democrats and National-Democrats) have been worn to shadows. There are countless conspiracy theories circulating, but no one has ever proven vote rigging beyond doubt. Russian investigative journalism is evidently unfettered, but the Okhrana are well known for their deviousness in buying the right people at the right time. Fact is also that the current prime minister, Nikolay F. Vatutin, is immensely popular and that vast crowds rally to cheer him wherever he appears.
The peace movement has swapped over from Germany to Russia, where most notably veterans of the Far East War have raised the flag. The Russian peaceniks are less chaotic than their German counterparts – and usually do really know what they are talking about. That has gained them some respect – and the Vatutin government has recently increased care for those maimed or mentally disturbed in the FEW. However, the Russian peace movement has not formed a political party, but has rather found refuge in the bohemian corner. The result is a flood of anti-war novels, plays, pictures and movies, currently swamping the national scene.
At the core of Russian identity is the village, where the farmers live, work and multiply. And farmers are – capitalists, slow going and cautious capitalists perhaps, but capitalists nevertheless. Because of this basic disposition, the Russian Empire has developed into the foremost capitalist country on earth. Groomed by Igor F. Matutin, the Bolshoi Vozhd (great leader), the ‘Wild East’ has been transformed to a landscape of industrial plants interconnected by efficient transport infrastructure. Whipped up to war effort under Boris V. Savinkov, the Gambler, these structures have been further enhanced. Groomed again under Mikhail I. Kalinin and now Vatutin, the system has reached maturity – and has, for example, enabled Russia to successfully stand her ground in the recent trade war with the Great Qing Empire and the US.
Tsar Vladimir IV does not play any role in politics, but is important as figure of national unity. The Tsar symbolises the spouse of Mother Russia, like the Russian orthodox church incarnates God’s favour for the country. Generally, Russians are devotedly religious; and the covenant between the KP and the Holy Synod is widely held responsible for the lasting success of the former. – The Great War, the Civil War and the constitution proposed by Germany have, however, abolished aristocracy and its privileges. Only the Tsar and his family remain, which is completely acceptable for most Russians.
The FEW has not only given Russia ice-free ports on the Pacific Ocean, it also has brought Mongolia under lasting Russian control. Prospectors have surveyed the realm – and found coal, uraniferous rocks, copper, oil, gold and many other natural resources in quantities worth mining. The Russian capitalists are rejoicing – and have begun to develop the country.
There are still former Russian territories under foreign rule, the most important one certainly being the Ukraine. Current Russian policy encompasses Vatutin’s ‘Ex-Oriente-Luxus’ strategy, which eschews violent conquest for the allurement of prosperity and profusion. As initial target, Finland – or rather Karelia – has been identified. It is considered the proving ground for the new approach.
Trying to cause secession in neighboring countries, making other countries nervous, and a peace movement still in the intellectual phase (but which make spread into the rest of the population if a war arises), are going to be painful to Russia.
What happened to French Guiana?
Thanks, Expat!
What happened to French Guiana?
ComradeHuxley
Donor
Congratulation on your second thread rast. Your's was the first timeline I completely read at this site. It is still always nice to return and binge read from time to time. So much new material to cover.
Thanks, Expat!
What happened to French Guiana?
I guess that's another one the original map missed.
It's still French.
The phrasing may be wrong, if the Russians fail about Karelia, which has no value and very few "compatriots" (and the only place of real value in the area would be Murmansk and that's not in Karelia), they will give up about the Ukraine (which is far more relevant, with more russians, resources, access to the Black Sea, even if only for commercial shipping to the Mediterranean and Africa)?
If not Karelia seems to me a simple matter of honor, the Ukraine is far more fragile.
Agreed. And of course if Murmansk exists, that's the one place the Finns would certainly have moved into. Murmansk was only 2-3 years old when the Finns took over, and most of the residents were military. It's doubtful these would remain while the Civil War was going on. And if Murmansk is the best port on the coast, the Finns would certainly settle there. Especially with Svalbard under Finnish control- this is their port to their territory.
The most important question is how many times the Russians can expand in this way without provoking Europe into action. I'm guessing once, but then that's certainly colored by current events.
China
The Great Qing Empire is – by far – the most populous country on earth. 565 million citizens, thereof about ninety percent Han Chinese, represent an enormous potential – and a fabulous market, like some believe. Right now, however, too many of these citizens are still grinding poor, which proves to be a significant stumbling block for economic growth.
In addition, the empire has suffered two dire setbacks. The first one, the loss of factual control over Xinjiang, at least led to the downfall of dictatorial prime minister Chiang Zhongzheng and transit to full democracy. The second one, the Far East War, has been truly devastating: numerous large cities were destroyed, two of them by nuclear fire; twenty-four million citizens were killed; the whole northern industrial zone was devastated; Altai, Tannu, Uliastai and Outer Mongolia (known simply as Mongolia to the rest of the world) have been lost; as have major parts of Heilongjiang and Jilin and the island of Kùyé (what the Russians call the Primorskaya Oblast).
However, the empire had been about to win the FEW, continuously pushing back the Russian lines with human wave attack after human wave attack – until the desperate Russians scorched Shanghai and Harbin with atomic bombs. Therefore, the overall impression was one of elemental strength, only mitigated by new-fangled super weapons, and the empire has not lost face. The Middle Kingdom is standing strong and proud – the centre of the world. Only the development of the Chinese nuclear bomb is still ongoing, which is embarrassing, because the despised Japanese ally has already mastered fission of the uranium core.
The trade war unfettered against Russia, on the other hand, has ended in a draw, if not an outright failure. Yet, one has considerably improved relations with the United States of America, which in itself is important and opens up new possibilities. And it allows to elegantly sidestep the Japanese special adventure in Mesoamerica, which upsets the Americans.
Democracy seems to be confidently implanted, even if voter turnout is continually decreasing ever since the first national elections in 1933. The liberal-socialist coalition with Chén Gōngbó as prime minister, ruling since 1940, has again been confirmed in the 1948 elections. Foreign minister Deng Xixian, the architect of rapprochement to the US, is said to be very happy about China’s democratic stability, because it provides him a strong bargaining position opposite his allies and friends.
The Xuantong Emperor, opium addicted and gay, does only play the figurative role required of him. At least he has been coaxed to produce the necessary offspring. Crown Prince Zaixun is a bright lad and said to be the joy of the court.
Currently, the empire follows a policy of reconstruction and recovery. Nánjīng has been confirmed as new capital. Běijīng, totally destroyed in the FEW, is being rebuilt, but is considered too close to Russia to become capital again. Observers often describe China as a sleeping Vulcan. The territorial losses of the FEW have not been accepted, even if there is little open talk about revenge. And once the country has joined the nuclear club, she is expected to revisit the Treaty of Lahore.
The Great Qing Empire is – by far – the most populous country on earth. 565 million citizens, thereof about ninety percent Han Chinese, represent an enormous potential – and a fabulous market, like some believe. Right now, however, too many of these citizens are still grinding poor, which proves to be a significant stumbling block for economic growth.
In addition, the empire has suffered two dire setbacks. The first one, the loss of factual control over Xinjiang, at least led to the downfall of dictatorial prime minister Chiang Zhongzheng and transit to full democracy. The second one, the Far East War, has been truly devastating: numerous large cities were destroyed, two of them by nuclear fire; twenty-four million citizens were killed; the whole northern industrial zone was devastated; Altai, Tannu, Uliastai and Outer Mongolia (known simply as Mongolia to the rest of the world) have been lost; as have major parts of Heilongjiang and Jilin and the island of Kùyé (what the Russians call the Primorskaya Oblast).
However, the empire had been about to win the FEW, continuously pushing back the Russian lines with human wave attack after human wave attack – until the desperate Russians scorched Shanghai and Harbin with atomic bombs. Therefore, the overall impression was one of elemental strength, only mitigated by new-fangled super weapons, and the empire has not lost face. The Middle Kingdom is standing strong and proud – the centre of the world. Only the development of the Chinese nuclear bomb is still ongoing, which is embarrassing, because the despised Japanese ally has already mastered fission of the uranium core.
The trade war unfettered against Russia, on the other hand, has ended in a draw, if not an outright failure. Yet, one has considerably improved relations with the United States of America, which in itself is important and opens up new possibilities. And it allows to elegantly sidestep the Japanese special adventure in Mesoamerica, which upsets the Americans.
Democracy seems to be confidently implanted, even if voter turnout is continually decreasing ever since the first national elections in 1933. The liberal-socialist coalition with Chén Gōngbó as prime minister, ruling since 1940, has again been confirmed in the 1948 elections. Foreign minister Deng Xixian, the architect of rapprochement to the US, is said to be very happy about China’s democratic stability, because it provides him a strong bargaining position opposite his allies and friends.
The Xuantong Emperor, opium addicted and gay, does only play the figurative role required of him. At least he has been coaxed to produce the necessary offspring. Crown Prince Zaixun is a bright lad and said to be the joy of the court.
Currently, the empire follows a policy of reconstruction and recovery. Nánjīng has been confirmed as new capital. Běijīng, totally destroyed in the FEW, is being rebuilt, but is considered too close to Russia to become capital again. Observers often describe China as a sleeping Vulcan. The territorial losses of the FEW have not been accepted, even if there is little open talk about revenge. And once the country has joined the nuclear club, she is expected to revisit the Treaty of Lahore.
Oh my! I hope that doesn't end in a nuclear war. If there is one, I think China would get off worse. Even armed with nuclear bombs they can't reach the part of russia where most of the industry and population is, while russian rockets can reach every chinese city.
Japan
The Japanese Empire is technically and scientifically the most advanced East Asian nation. It is a nuclear power and operates strong and modern armed forces. Traditionally, emphasis has been put on the Imperial Japanese Navy, but since the FEW, all three service branches are receiving the same amount of attention and funding. Learning lessons from the devastating Russian bombing raids on Japanese cities, a potent civil defence organisation has been added. All damage incurred in the FEW has been fixed, but – in order not to retard reconstruction – the government has allowed the old structures to be rebuilt without waiting for alternative designs. Thus, a singular opportunity to modernise Japanese infrastructure has been missed.
The Japanese overseas possessions comprise the former German protectorates: Mariana, Caroline and Marshal Islands, Palau, Nauru, Bougainville, Buka, Nissan. But the most important piece is Korea, which lies close enough near the home islands to form a geographical unity with them. Unfortunately, Korea is situated on the Asian mainland – and that makes Japan dependent on Chinese goodwill. As long as Japan holds fast to Korea, she will be susceptible to Nánjīng’s pressure. And currently, there not the shadow of an intention to let Korea go.
At the same time, the Japanese insist on treating the Koreans as colonial subjects, who are not on par – and never can be – with the Japanese master race. With assimilation out of question, there remains oppression. To their surprise, the Japanese increasingly find the Koreans cooperative. The latter had an impression of Russian and – first of all – Chinese conduct in the FEW – and have decided to prefer to be ruled by the Sons of Nippon. Actually, the Koreans profit greatly from this procedure. Most Japanese zaibatsus have built their newest and most modern facilities in Korea, and – almost incredibly – all Japanese nuclear installations have been placed in Korea. And even if the directors and leading figures come from the islands beyond the Tsushima Strait, most qualified and other workers are Koreans – and almost all suppliers and caterers too.
With Japanese endorsement, Korean entrepreneurs are supplying workers also to Canada – and are managing the despatch of Filipinos to the Japanese ventures in Mesoamerica. This happens in reaction to the utter insult served to Nippon by the US. – When The Troubles had paralysed the US, Japanese zaibatsus – always looking for natural resources at a reasonable price – had helped to stabilise the faltering US economy. But in response, the US has smiled sweetly into Madame Soong May-ling’s painted Chinese face – and has ousted the Japanese relievers! This could not be borne!
The Mesoamerican Operation, for good reasons, was left to the secret services – and the zaibatsus, who only strive to secure natural resources and agricultural products. But the Japanese being the Japanese, they would not match with socialists or communists – or simple natives, but would find their partners in the authoritarian quarter. – Ultimately, the ancient Spanish-rooted elite and the Catholic Church would join ranks with the Sons of Nippon, while on the opposing side, the US and Mexico would end up in support of unsavoury anarchists, socialists and communists.
Official Nippon isn’t even interested in Mesoamerica. And actually, the empire has been declared saturated; one does not strive to acquire new colonies. Developing Borneo has been left to the Vietnamese allies, who are also active on the Philippines. Of course, Hokushinkai is extracting Bornean oil and Philippine resources, but they are doing so with Vietnamese and Siamese staff. – Also the mess that the Dutch have left has been given to the Vietnamese and Siamese friends to exploit. That they are on Hokushinkai’s – or any other zaibatsu’s – payroll is something the natives do not need to know.
The friends in Hué and Krung Thep, also known as Bangkok, agree that is important to form a counterweight against Chinese domination of the East Asian League. They profit greatly from cooperation with Nippon – and are, of course, stealing knowhow and knowledge, but that can’t be helped. – In that sense, the empire also plays ball with the Indian Federation and the Realm of the Aryans. Hokushinkai, who flow the Persian oil, are also investing in Persia and developing the country, a procedure closely coordinated with Lahore.
Only with Russia, who would form the most effective counterweight against Chinese predominance, Nippon cannot cooperate. Too many Japanese armies have been gutted by the savage Russians, too many towns have burnt to the ground, too many ships have been sunk – to reconcile with Russia, even if the Russians were interested in it, which they aren’t. In the past, one has fomented China against Russia by feeding them false information. That has backfired, because the Russian onslaught also hit the home islands and Korea. In future, one better exercises restraint in this matter. Although Nippon is a nuclear power, Russia wouldn’t need too many nukes to make the home islands uninhabitable.
Yes, there are many reasons to steer a course of peace. Japanese standard of living is high – and the industry is getting all the resources required to further economic growth. There really is no need to jeopardise all these achievements.
The Japanese Empire is technically and scientifically the most advanced East Asian nation. It is a nuclear power and operates strong and modern armed forces. Traditionally, emphasis has been put on the Imperial Japanese Navy, but since the FEW, all three service branches are receiving the same amount of attention and funding. Learning lessons from the devastating Russian bombing raids on Japanese cities, a potent civil defence organisation has been added. All damage incurred in the FEW has been fixed, but – in order not to retard reconstruction – the government has allowed the old structures to be rebuilt without waiting for alternative designs. Thus, a singular opportunity to modernise Japanese infrastructure has been missed.
The Japanese overseas possessions comprise the former German protectorates: Mariana, Caroline and Marshal Islands, Palau, Nauru, Bougainville, Buka, Nissan. But the most important piece is Korea, which lies close enough near the home islands to form a geographical unity with them. Unfortunately, Korea is situated on the Asian mainland – and that makes Japan dependent on Chinese goodwill. As long as Japan holds fast to Korea, she will be susceptible to Nánjīng’s pressure. And currently, there not the shadow of an intention to let Korea go.
At the same time, the Japanese insist on treating the Koreans as colonial subjects, who are not on par – and never can be – with the Japanese master race. With assimilation out of question, there remains oppression. To their surprise, the Japanese increasingly find the Koreans cooperative. The latter had an impression of Russian and – first of all – Chinese conduct in the FEW – and have decided to prefer to be ruled by the Sons of Nippon. Actually, the Koreans profit greatly from this procedure. Most Japanese zaibatsus have built their newest and most modern facilities in Korea, and – almost incredibly – all Japanese nuclear installations have been placed in Korea. And even if the directors and leading figures come from the islands beyond the Tsushima Strait, most qualified and other workers are Koreans – and almost all suppliers and caterers too.
With Japanese endorsement, Korean entrepreneurs are supplying workers also to Canada – and are managing the despatch of Filipinos to the Japanese ventures in Mesoamerica. This happens in reaction to the utter insult served to Nippon by the US. – When The Troubles had paralysed the US, Japanese zaibatsus – always looking for natural resources at a reasonable price – had helped to stabilise the faltering US economy. But in response, the US has smiled sweetly into Madame Soong May-ling’s painted Chinese face – and has ousted the Japanese relievers! This could not be borne!
The Mesoamerican Operation, for good reasons, was left to the secret services – and the zaibatsus, who only strive to secure natural resources and agricultural products. But the Japanese being the Japanese, they would not match with socialists or communists – or simple natives, but would find their partners in the authoritarian quarter. – Ultimately, the ancient Spanish-rooted elite and the Catholic Church would join ranks with the Sons of Nippon, while on the opposing side, the US and Mexico would end up in support of unsavoury anarchists, socialists and communists.
Official Nippon isn’t even interested in Mesoamerica. And actually, the empire has been declared saturated; one does not strive to acquire new colonies. Developing Borneo has been left to the Vietnamese allies, who are also active on the Philippines. Of course, Hokushinkai is extracting Bornean oil and Philippine resources, but they are doing so with Vietnamese and Siamese staff. – Also the mess that the Dutch have left has been given to the Vietnamese and Siamese friends to exploit. That they are on Hokushinkai’s – or any other zaibatsu’s – payroll is something the natives do not need to know.
The friends in Hué and Krung Thep, also known as Bangkok, agree that is important to form a counterweight against Chinese domination of the East Asian League. They profit greatly from cooperation with Nippon – and are, of course, stealing knowhow and knowledge, but that can’t be helped. – In that sense, the empire also plays ball with the Indian Federation and the Realm of the Aryans. Hokushinkai, who flow the Persian oil, are also investing in Persia and developing the country, a procedure closely coordinated with Lahore.
Only with Russia, who would form the most effective counterweight against Chinese predominance, Nippon cannot cooperate. Too many Japanese armies have been gutted by the savage Russians, too many towns have burnt to the ground, too many ships have been sunk – to reconcile with Russia, even if the Russians were interested in it, which they aren’t. In the past, one has fomented China against Russia by feeding them false information. That has backfired, because the Russian onslaught also hit the home islands and Korea. In future, one better exercises restraint in this matter. Although Nippon is a nuclear power, Russia wouldn’t need too many nukes to make the home islands uninhabitable.
Yes, there are many reasons to steer a course of peace. Japanese standard of living is high – and the industry is getting all the resources required to further economic growth. There really is no need to jeopardise all these achievements.
Yeah, the whole Mesoamerican adventure seemed like an ill-fated expedition to begin with and probably should have stayed away. Its a drain on money that could be better off spent elsewhere while continually antagonizing the United States. There's also the irony of the last statement of how the Japanese could not possibly support the leftist types in Central America, but have to cooperate with socialist Canada in order to cause trouble in Central America.
Sure, the Japanese did provide goods and services to the US in places like Alaska, but I sincerely doubt that the Japanese did this out of a sense of charity but to gain economic influence over US territories, which the US understandably doesn't appreciate. Lets also not forget Japanese interference with Hawaii during the times of troubles in supporting their short lived rebellion and nearly started a war as well.
Japan's big problem seems to be that none of her 3 big neighbors of global importance - China, Russia or the United States, have a particularly favorable view of Japan; and countries like Vietnam, Burma or Indonesia aren't enough to counter that imbalance.
Sure, the Japanese did provide goods and services to the US in places like Alaska, but I sincerely doubt that the Japanese did this out of a sense of charity but to gain economic influence over US territories, which the US understandably doesn't appreciate. Lets also not forget Japanese interference with Hawaii during the times of troubles in supporting their short lived rebellion and nearly started a war as well.
Japan's big problem seems to be that none of her 3 big neighbors of global importance - China, Russia or the United States, have a particularly favorable view of Japan; and countries like Vietnam, Burma or Indonesia aren't enough to counter that imbalance.
Yes, though I hadn't much considered their relationship with India for a while. There might be a future in that. Still not as strong as the US and China together, but the Aryans plus the East Asian nations together are likely a match for China. Anyway, the more important takeaway is that Japan at least knows they've taken things as far as they possibly can.
There's only the Central American affair- idiotic all around, let's be honest- keeping them seemingly foolish.
Oh, and Korea, of course.
The Realm of the Aryans
The alliance between the Indian Federation, Afghanistan and Persia is strictly defensive and deals more with creating common infrastructure than common defence. The basic rail connections have been put in place, but the construction of branch lines is still ongoing. At the bottom, the ROTA is the combination of a strong power, the Indian Federation, with two weak allies, who provide the glacis. Greater Mysore is, for want of Aryans, not part of the realm, but tied to India by a series of bilateral treaties. In fact, preparations for common defence between the two latter countries are much tighter than the ones between India and her Aryan allies.
With 260 million citizens the Indian Federation is the second most populous country on earth, followed by Greater Mysore’s population of 130 millions. The IF is a nuclear power, but her armed forces are a potpourri of modern and antiquated means. The navy still operates the ancient ex-Japanese battle wagons Ashoka and Babar (built as Hiei and Kirishima) besides modern aircraft carriers of the Kurma class. The army fields strong cavalry elements, culminating in the four cavalry divisions that form the cavalry corps, besides regiments made up of state-of-art Tata-built Kavacha tanks. Even the air force still flies biplanes besides powerful jet fighters. The strategic bomber command use Hindustan-built medium range heavy bombers, while long range aircraft are known to be under development. Experiments to create carrier missiles have just started.
While Persia and Afghanistan form an acceptable glacis towards the Pan-Turan Commonwealth, it is known that the responsible men in Lahore are not happy about the status of Tibet. One would prefer a neutral Tibet to one dominated by the Great Qing Empire. However, the Pan-Turans had to fight a bloody war over the control of Uyghurstan, and China still retains formal suzerainty, and Russia had to start the terrible Far East War to pry loose Mongolia and the Primorskaya Oblast. In Lahore, there never has been a downright desire to start a war – over an impassable territory inhabited by people who very much look like Chinese. As long as the Great Qing Empire doesn’t develop Tibet, one is ready to live with the situation. Should the Chinese start constructing rail lines or motorways into Tibet, though, one would be inclined to reconsider that attitude.
Burma, on the other hand, has become a decent buffer state. They take money and any other bestowments from both sides, but carefully and shrewdly steer a course of independence. True, they have ousted many Indians, who had migrated into country during British rule, but they are also keeping citizens of the East Asian League from immigrating in droves. One can meet in Mandalay or Rangoon on neutral ground and discuss things with the East Asians; it is a kind of Asian Ireland or Curaçao. Again, one has to keep an eye on the transport infrastructure, but currently, there are no signs that any major rail lines or roads are being built. The Burmese are happy to rely on their rivers for transport, and these form major barriers for any movement from east to west.
With the African nations, one is on a generally friendly footing. The Union of South Africa accepts many foreign workers from the IF and GM – and has the grace to treat and pay them reasonably. They are a joy to deal with, true gentlemen in the best sense. – The xenophobic Middle Africans are more difficult to treat, but port calls of the IFN usually do the trick. These militarists are best impressed by the big guns of the Chakram class fast battleships or the Kurma class aircraft carriers. That helps them to keep perspective – and to be forthcoming further on.
There are, it is true, problems inside the alliance and inside the IF. These are of a religious nature. The Dar al-Uloom at Devband, the foremost Islamic school of India, is propagating a message of intolerance. The Hindoos are not a people of the book, they are howling pagans – and decent Muslims cannot live together with them – are, in fact, liable to either proselytise or slay them. Fortunately, most Muslims are placid and do not care for such disturbing messages, but there are hotheads who are receptive to such insinuation. And on the other side, among the Hindoos, there also are elements eager to take up the quarrel. Until now, violence could be kept on a low level – but the situation might escalate any time.
The alliance between the Indian Federation, Afghanistan and Persia is strictly defensive and deals more with creating common infrastructure than common defence. The basic rail connections have been put in place, but the construction of branch lines is still ongoing. At the bottom, the ROTA is the combination of a strong power, the Indian Federation, with two weak allies, who provide the glacis. Greater Mysore is, for want of Aryans, not part of the realm, but tied to India by a series of bilateral treaties. In fact, preparations for common defence between the two latter countries are much tighter than the ones between India and her Aryan allies.
With 260 million citizens the Indian Federation is the second most populous country on earth, followed by Greater Mysore’s population of 130 millions. The IF is a nuclear power, but her armed forces are a potpourri of modern and antiquated means. The navy still operates the ancient ex-Japanese battle wagons Ashoka and Babar (built as Hiei and Kirishima) besides modern aircraft carriers of the Kurma class. The army fields strong cavalry elements, culminating in the four cavalry divisions that form the cavalry corps, besides regiments made up of state-of-art Tata-built Kavacha tanks. Even the air force still flies biplanes besides powerful jet fighters. The strategic bomber command use Hindustan-built medium range heavy bombers, while long range aircraft are known to be under development. Experiments to create carrier missiles have just started.
While Persia and Afghanistan form an acceptable glacis towards the Pan-Turan Commonwealth, it is known that the responsible men in Lahore are not happy about the status of Tibet. One would prefer a neutral Tibet to one dominated by the Great Qing Empire. However, the Pan-Turans had to fight a bloody war over the control of Uyghurstan, and China still retains formal suzerainty, and Russia had to start the terrible Far East War to pry loose Mongolia and the Primorskaya Oblast. In Lahore, there never has been a downright desire to start a war – over an impassable territory inhabited by people who very much look like Chinese. As long as the Great Qing Empire doesn’t develop Tibet, one is ready to live with the situation. Should the Chinese start constructing rail lines or motorways into Tibet, though, one would be inclined to reconsider that attitude.
Burma, on the other hand, has become a decent buffer state. They take money and any other bestowments from both sides, but carefully and shrewdly steer a course of independence. True, they have ousted many Indians, who had migrated into country during British rule, but they are also keeping citizens of the East Asian League from immigrating in droves. One can meet in Mandalay or Rangoon on neutral ground and discuss things with the East Asians; it is a kind of Asian Ireland or Curaçao. Again, one has to keep an eye on the transport infrastructure, but currently, there are no signs that any major rail lines or roads are being built. The Burmese are happy to rely on their rivers for transport, and these form major barriers for any movement from east to west.
With the African nations, one is on a generally friendly footing. The Union of South Africa accepts many foreign workers from the IF and GM – and has the grace to treat and pay them reasonably. They are a joy to deal with, true gentlemen in the best sense. – The xenophobic Middle Africans are more difficult to treat, but port calls of the IFN usually do the trick. These militarists are best impressed by the big guns of the Chakram class fast battleships or the Kurma class aircraft carriers. That helps them to keep perspective – and to be forthcoming further on.
There are, it is true, problems inside the alliance and inside the IF. These are of a religious nature. The Dar al-Uloom at Devband, the foremost Islamic school of India, is propagating a message of intolerance. The Hindoos are not a people of the book, they are howling pagans – and decent Muslims cannot live together with them – are, in fact, liable to either proselytise or slay them. Fortunately, most Muslims are placid and do not care for such disturbing messages, but there are hotheads who are receptive to such insinuation. And on the other side, among the Hindoos, there also are elements eager to take up the quarrel. Until now, violence could be kept on a low level – but the situation might escalate any time.
Africa
For all practical purposes, the Sahara Desert divides the continent into two inhabitable zones – with the notable anomaly of the Nile River, which connects both zones and provides a well watered – though narrow and sparsely occupied – band through the wasteland. In North Africa, there are five countries: Morocco, Al Zayer, France d’outre mer (the FOM), Tunisia and the Emirate of Egypt. The FOM bars Al Zayer from access to the Mediterranean and usage of the fertile northern slopes of the Tell Atlas mountains. Morocco, Tunisia and the Egyptian Emirate support Al Zayer in her struggle to oust France from North Africa, but the French are tenacious and militarily superior. The battle to capture and dominate French public opinion is still ongoing. The conflict is smouldering with low intensity, as there is no general insurgency, yet frequent bombings spread instability and alarmism.
With approximately 25 million citizens the Emirate of Egypt houses more inhabitants than the three other emirates of the Ottoman Empire together. This is the main reason why the Sublime Porte has abandoned the idea of fully incorporating the country into the empire: there are too many Egyptians for the liking of the Turks ruling in İstanbul. The emirate extends southwards along the Nile into the inhabitable zone south of the Sahara. Until recently, the emirate was dependent on agricultural products for export; now, the discovery of oil in the Libyan desert has raised hopes of prosperity. However, haggling about exploitation rights has just started – with EVEG in the lead, because it was an EVEG prospector who has found the oil.
The emirate also accommodates the rail link to Middle Africa, which the Germans have built. It is operated by a joint venture of Reichsbahn, Osmanlı Demyrolu Şirketi and Middle African Reichsbahn. There are voices who demand nationalisation of the rail line – quite analogous to the Suez Canal, but the responsible men in Cairo do not even think of it. They know any such step would trigger an immediate Middle African invasion, most probably followed by German troops landing in Alexandria and Port Said – without that İstanbul would stir a finger.
Ethiopia is the most ancient of all African states, never conquered by Europeans – because of her remoteness. It’s a poor and under-developed country and is generally secluded from daily political business. However, after the Italians have released their colonies of Eritrea and Somalia to independence, the area suddenly is receiving a lot more of attention.
Ala Ka Kuma is the land of the Sahel nomads. She is even poorer than Ethiopia – and always looking for new sources of income. The Reichsbahn offer to construct a branch rail line to Groß Togoland and the Protectorate thus had been welcomed with exaltation. Since that time, the country is at least connected to the inhabited world.
The Protectorate is the strangest of all African countries. It is an unbelievable mixture of everything, coerced together by the iron will of General von Bauer. A large number of former US citizens, most of them black, has been attracted by the possibilities offered in this melting pot. Yet, von Bauer has provided asylum to many Middle African putschists as well – and he has called EVEG to aid earlier. Because von Bauer is 80 years old and known to have suffered a severe stroke already, people are wondering what will happen when the Old Man dies.
Middle Africa has profited from a massive uplift provided by the Germans. That has catapulted the country into the middle of the twentieth century and created a German speaking and thinking environment. The Kaiser in Berlin is formal head of state. But the show is run in Daressalam, where a strong socialist-religious government has weathered a major putsch and a major secession attempt. In terms of economic power and military means, Middle Africa is the predominant power on the continent. Yet, the Middle Africans are xenophobes and evidently unwilling to expand. They have started to nose into nuclear fission, however.
The Union of South Africa is the counter project to Middle Africa. The indigene people rule and live in their traditional ways, while the work is done with the help of countless foreigners, many of them from the Indian Federation and Greater Mysore. The country is rich in gold, diamonds, chrome, platinum, manganese, vanadium – and coal. Actually, Middle Africa is the Union’s greatest customer for coal. Therefore, the rulers in eThekwini (once known as Durban) are not happy about Daressalam’s decision to invest in nuclear power.
Rhodesia is situated between the Union and Middle Africa. Landlocked, the country has been abandoned by London long ago – and the inhabitants have stricken out on their own. As the rail lines bringing the Union’s coal to Middle Africa pass through, both big neighbours have an interest in keeping the situation stable. The social model at work is rather close to the one operated in the Union, and eThekwini certainly is more influential in Harare (once known as Salisbury) than Daressalam.
The Cape Republic has started life as a refuge for the Boers. But many Boers have quit and moved to other countries – and Greeks have moved in by the number. The country is still inhabited mainly by Whites, but nowadays one rather speaks Greek than Boer.
Great Britain and Portugal still hold tight to their remaining African colonies, but are more interested in extracting than in investing. Britain has recently experienced two painful defeats in Sierra Leone and The Gambia, but still clings stubbornly to the small remnants of both colonies. The British economy is painfully dependent on natural resources supplied by the colonies. Fortunately for the Brits, the indigenes fear the Middle Africans as much as the latter fear the indigenes, whose large numbers would ruin the Middle African system. – The Portuguese, on the other hand, have been incredibly lucky to keep their colonies through the disturbing recent events. – A small Spanish colony remains as well, which has a special status with the Middle Africans – as a kind of exterritorial entertainment district.
For all practical purposes, the Sahara Desert divides the continent into two inhabitable zones – with the notable anomaly of the Nile River, which connects both zones and provides a well watered – though narrow and sparsely occupied – band through the wasteland. In North Africa, there are five countries: Morocco, Al Zayer, France d’outre mer (the FOM), Tunisia and the Emirate of Egypt. The FOM bars Al Zayer from access to the Mediterranean and usage of the fertile northern slopes of the Tell Atlas mountains. Morocco, Tunisia and the Egyptian Emirate support Al Zayer in her struggle to oust France from North Africa, but the French are tenacious and militarily superior. The battle to capture and dominate French public opinion is still ongoing. The conflict is smouldering with low intensity, as there is no general insurgency, yet frequent bombings spread instability and alarmism.
With approximately 25 million citizens the Emirate of Egypt houses more inhabitants than the three other emirates of the Ottoman Empire together. This is the main reason why the Sublime Porte has abandoned the idea of fully incorporating the country into the empire: there are too many Egyptians for the liking of the Turks ruling in İstanbul. The emirate extends southwards along the Nile into the inhabitable zone south of the Sahara. Until recently, the emirate was dependent on agricultural products for export; now, the discovery of oil in the Libyan desert has raised hopes of prosperity. However, haggling about exploitation rights has just started – with EVEG in the lead, because it was an EVEG prospector who has found the oil.
The emirate also accommodates the rail link to Middle Africa, which the Germans have built. It is operated by a joint venture of Reichsbahn, Osmanlı Demyrolu Şirketi and Middle African Reichsbahn. There are voices who demand nationalisation of the rail line – quite analogous to the Suez Canal, but the responsible men in Cairo do not even think of it. They know any such step would trigger an immediate Middle African invasion, most probably followed by German troops landing in Alexandria and Port Said – without that İstanbul would stir a finger.
Ethiopia is the most ancient of all African states, never conquered by Europeans – because of her remoteness. It’s a poor and under-developed country and is generally secluded from daily political business. However, after the Italians have released their colonies of Eritrea and Somalia to independence, the area suddenly is receiving a lot more of attention.
Ala Ka Kuma is the land of the Sahel nomads. She is even poorer than Ethiopia – and always looking for new sources of income. The Reichsbahn offer to construct a branch rail line to Groß Togoland and the Protectorate thus had been welcomed with exaltation. Since that time, the country is at least connected to the inhabited world.
The Protectorate is the strangest of all African countries. It is an unbelievable mixture of everything, coerced together by the iron will of General von Bauer. A large number of former US citizens, most of them black, has been attracted by the possibilities offered in this melting pot. Yet, von Bauer has provided asylum to many Middle African putschists as well – and he has called EVEG to aid earlier. Because von Bauer is 80 years old and known to have suffered a severe stroke already, people are wondering what will happen when the Old Man dies.
Middle Africa has profited from a massive uplift provided by the Germans. That has catapulted the country into the middle of the twentieth century and created a German speaking and thinking environment. The Kaiser in Berlin is formal head of state. But the show is run in Daressalam, where a strong socialist-religious government has weathered a major putsch and a major secession attempt. In terms of economic power and military means, Middle Africa is the predominant power on the continent. Yet, the Middle Africans are xenophobes and evidently unwilling to expand. They have started to nose into nuclear fission, however.
The Union of South Africa is the counter project to Middle Africa. The indigene people rule and live in their traditional ways, while the work is done with the help of countless foreigners, many of them from the Indian Federation and Greater Mysore. The country is rich in gold, diamonds, chrome, platinum, manganese, vanadium – and coal. Actually, Middle Africa is the Union’s greatest customer for coal. Therefore, the rulers in eThekwini (once known as Durban) are not happy about Daressalam’s decision to invest in nuclear power.
Rhodesia is situated between the Union and Middle Africa. Landlocked, the country has been abandoned by London long ago – and the inhabitants have stricken out on their own. As the rail lines bringing the Union’s coal to Middle Africa pass through, both big neighbours have an interest in keeping the situation stable. The social model at work is rather close to the one operated in the Union, and eThekwini certainly is more influential in Harare (once known as Salisbury) than Daressalam.
The Cape Republic has started life as a refuge for the Boers. But many Boers have quit and moved to other countries – and Greeks have moved in by the number. The country is still inhabited mainly by Whites, but nowadays one rather speaks Greek than Boer.
Great Britain and Portugal still hold tight to their remaining African colonies, but are more interested in extracting than in investing. Britain has recently experienced two painful defeats in Sierra Leone and The Gambia, but still clings stubbornly to the small remnants of both colonies. The British economy is painfully dependent on natural resources supplied by the colonies. Fortunately for the Brits, the indigenes fear the Middle Africans as much as the latter fear the indigenes, whose large numbers would ruin the Middle African system. – The Portuguese, on the other hand, have been incredibly lucky to keep their colonies through the disturbing recent events. – A small Spanish colony remains as well, which has a special status with the Middle Africans – as a kind of exterritorial entertainment district.
Even though it hasn't been written into canon, it should be pointed out that the Greek influx began well before the US ran into trouble, therefore the US was still a viable destination.
But for further speculation, there's also western New Guinea and North Celebes, which stayed in the Dutch sphere of influence and might also make particularly good destinations.
And there's always South America. One would imagine that the Boers would want to avoid more "English" destinations like Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
But for further speculation, there's also western New Guinea and North Celebes, which stayed in the Dutch sphere of influence and might also make particularly good destinations.
And there's always South America. One would imagine that the Boers would want to avoid more "English" destinations like Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
North America
At present, the situation in North America creates an impression of contemplative peacefulness. Canada, reduced to the status of a recipient of orders from London, is deliberately kept unobtrusive and inoffensive. The most important provider of raw materials for the British economy has to be protected from US intervention. Because the US have abjured imperialism and are committed to isolationism, this is considered the best method to secure the limitless flow of natural resources into the factory halls of Britain. To sedate the Canadians, they are supplied with commodities at top priority. In the US, this creates the impression – at least for the laymen – that communism is working and producing replete and content citizens. Thus, the British expatriate community in the US has a hard time to convince the public that the British system is bad. They certainly have President Patton’s ear, but that doesn’t help, because he is in his final term and has finally accepted to be trussed by Congress.
The US have recovered from the shock of The Troubles, but clearly have come out a different nation than before. Economic pick-up still is subdued and fragile, although there are large regional and sector-oriented disparities. But growth at a slow pace is growth nevertheless, and polls verify that the majority of the US citizens is seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel – which, they firmly believe, is not the opposite train. After all, they have social security and health care now; and even the unemployed – a shrinking group anyway – profit from the new system. Generally, one is happy to let the world do what the world does – without that the US must get involved. Neither the past trade war with Russia, nor the recent bush wars in Mesoamerica have yet cut through to the broad public as something the US are really embroiled in.
The US are a nuclear power and have commissioned several nuclear power stations for commercial use already. The armed forces are relatively small, but state-of-art equipped and well trained. A number of civil defence preparations have been implemented over the recent years since the Shanghai Shock – and more are in the backlog. The immigration laws have been modified, but influx is still very moderate. The world, evidently, does no longer view the US as the land of opportunity. Total population is at 110 millions and therefore fairly stagnant; at least population losses due to The Troubles and emigration to the Protectorate have smoothly been balanced by immigration starting again.
[FONT="]Mexico under President Lázaro Cárdenas del Río has redressed the devastations caused by civil war and US intervention. The subsequent war against the drug cartels has been fought with utter ruthlessness – and has ended in a draw. One has come to terms; growing drugs is an important part of the economy in several states, this is accepted – but empoisoning and addicting the own population cannot be tolerated except for certain marginalised social groups. Several cartels have been smashed, but others survived, are now cooperating with the national secret service. The economy as a whole is growing, but rather erratically. Some states prosper, others stagnate. Education still is an issue – and grows worse the more southwards one comes. The armed forces have been cut back drastically, the police services have been increased. Mexico is a prime participant in the ongoing bush wars in Mesoamerica. President Cárdenas has issued the slogan ‘America for the Americans’, denouncing Japanese meddling, but has refused to commit regular forces. Only the secret services and volunteers, these in substantial numbers however, support the anti-Japanese coalition; and Mexico is providing logistic support and deployment areas. [/FONT]
At present, the situation in North America creates an impression of contemplative peacefulness. Canada, reduced to the status of a recipient of orders from London, is deliberately kept unobtrusive and inoffensive. The most important provider of raw materials for the British economy has to be protected from US intervention. Because the US have abjured imperialism and are committed to isolationism, this is considered the best method to secure the limitless flow of natural resources into the factory halls of Britain. To sedate the Canadians, they are supplied with commodities at top priority. In the US, this creates the impression – at least for the laymen – that communism is working and producing replete and content citizens. Thus, the British expatriate community in the US has a hard time to convince the public that the British system is bad. They certainly have President Patton’s ear, but that doesn’t help, because he is in his final term and has finally accepted to be trussed by Congress.
The US have recovered from the shock of The Troubles, but clearly have come out a different nation than before. Economic pick-up still is subdued and fragile, although there are large regional and sector-oriented disparities. But growth at a slow pace is growth nevertheless, and polls verify that the majority of the US citizens is seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel – which, they firmly believe, is not the opposite train. After all, they have social security and health care now; and even the unemployed – a shrinking group anyway – profit from the new system. Generally, one is happy to let the world do what the world does – without that the US must get involved. Neither the past trade war with Russia, nor the recent bush wars in Mesoamerica have yet cut through to the broad public as something the US are really embroiled in.
The US are a nuclear power and have commissioned several nuclear power stations for commercial use already. The armed forces are relatively small, but state-of-art equipped and well trained. A number of civil defence preparations have been implemented over the recent years since the Shanghai Shock – and more are in the backlog. The immigration laws have been modified, but influx is still very moderate. The world, evidently, does no longer view the US as the land of opportunity. Total population is at 110 millions and therefore fairly stagnant; at least population losses due to The Troubles and emigration to the Protectorate have smoothly been balanced by immigration starting again.
[FONT="]Mexico under President Lázaro Cárdenas del Río has redressed the devastations caused by civil war and US intervention. The subsequent war against the drug cartels has been fought with utter ruthlessness – and has ended in a draw. One has come to terms; growing drugs is an important part of the economy in several states, this is accepted – but empoisoning and addicting the own population cannot be tolerated except for certain marginalised social groups. Several cartels have been smashed, but others survived, are now cooperating with the national secret service. The economy as a whole is growing, but rather erratically. Some states prosper, others stagnate. Education still is an issue – and grows worse the more southwards one comes. The armed forces have been cut back drastically, the police services have been increased. Mexico is a prime participant in the ongoing bush wars in Mesoamerica. President Cárdenas has issued the slogan ‘America for the Americans’, denouncing Japanese meddling, but has refused to commit regular forces. Only the secret services and volunteers, these in substantial numbers however, support the anti-Japanese coalition; and Mexico is providing logistic support and deployment areas. [/FONT]