View from Benacia/Issue 33: The Status of Protectorate Status

This imported article was originally posted at http://viewfrombenacia.blogspot.com/2004/11/issue-33-status-of-protectorate-status.html at 11/20/04.

Is a new class of association for other nations to be enacted? Emperor Jacobus of the Restored Commonwealth of Ciberia (RCC) presented his nation's Organic Law to the Kaiser in an attempt to join it to Shireroth, but it was quickly realized that many of the nation's citizens would not qualify for Shirerithian citizenship. It was proposed that the RCC instead become associated with Shireroth as a Protectorate, remaining effectively independent domestically but handing over matters of foreign affairs and defense to Shireroth.

The main problem with this is that there is no place for the relationship in Shirerithian Law, which deals mainly with Duchies, Baronies, and Territories... all of which are considered an integral part of Shireroth. A law defining the new relationship would have to be passed through the Landsraad. The prospects for this are unclear, given recent problems with foreign affairs issues in the legislature; and given the historically expansionist stance of the government, it may be that Nobles would see no value in protecting a nation that could not, or would not, join Shireroth. On the other hand, it could be argued that establishing Protectorates over weaker nations could prove an encouragement to nations associating with Shireroth and becoming comfortable with it, which in turn could lead to future unifications with those countries.

We Want Scott! Due to a recent lack of Malarbor updates on the forums, a small group has been picketing outside the offices of the Ministry of the Interior demanding to have MiniEx Scott granted admin again so he can keep the old tree-god in line. All those who are tired of seeing Malarbor saying the same damned thing over and over again, go bug MiniInt! Or the Kaiser, come to think of it.