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[EMBASSY] The North Pacific

Fregerson

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TNS Issue XVI

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General Election Report

by , Deputy Minister of Communications and


The Candidates

  • Delegate: McMasterdonia, Nessuno, & Felis.
  • Vice Delegate: Artemis & Robespierre.
  • Speaker: Deropia & Dreadton.
  • Attorney General: Vivanco & Hopps

The Election for Delegate


Following a very successful term, incumbent Delegate McMasterdonia announced his plans to re-run for Delegate, on a campaign of increasing citizen participation, strengthening the executive government and the ministries, and furthering opportunities for newcomers and returners to get more involved in TNP government. Providing detailed reports about each of the ministries, and goals for the next term, the plans that McMasterdonia had made for Delegate were laid out from the beginning. His campaign received immense support from the general populace, praising his efforts and accomplishments in his previous term.


The second candidate, Nessuno, represented the Animal Party, one of the few political parties of the North Pacific. Having served as the Lead Gameside Advocate for the previous term, and advocated for a “Revolution” in the North Pacific. His campaign included plans for radical changes, including a merge and reform of all the current ministries into five brand new ministries, and incorporating the Gameside Advocates into them. His call for the widespread adoption of socialism and purge of counter-revolutionaries created outcry against his campaign, with many voters simply denouncing it as a “joke campaign.” Nevertheless, he did garner support among some of his fellow GAs, as well as other citizens who are primarily on the RMB.


Finally, the third candidate was Felis, an unexpected candidate who had nominated themselves close to the end of the nomination process. Having spent all of his time-constrained to Eras roleplay, Felis was notable as the only candidate for Delegate who lacked previous experience in the North Pacific government. While he did indeed run and managed to gain votes, Felis never made an official campaign thread and, therefore, never officially ran on any campaign promises. Nevertheless, Felis did manage to win votes in the election, although his support came mostly from his fellow Eras roleplayers.


In the end, Delegate McMasterdonia won 89.00% of the vote, the highest out of any candidate across all four races of the January 2020 Election. Nessuno and Felis racked in at 8.00% and 3.00% respectively, coming in 2nd and 3rd. With only five voters choosing to abstain, the Delegate election also had the highest amount of voter participation among the four elections. 8.57% of voters wanted to re-open nominations.


The Election for Vice Delegate


Unlike the race for Delegate, the Vice Delegate race was highly competitive from the start. The first candidate, incumbent Vice Delegate Artemis (Sundred), had previously faced no competition in the September 2019 elections. He campaigned on the success and growth that TNP experienced. At the same time, he was Vice Delegate under McMasterdonia, while also promising to increase cooperation with the Cards Guild and host a region-wide endorsement event with the Ministry of Culture. Most of the questions were regarding his membership within the Security Council, with some condemning it as an unelected group of “elites.” Artemis, however, argued against that notion, and his campaign received mostly positive reviews from the general public.


The other candidate, Robespierre, served as Minister of Defense before his election campaign. Although a relative newcomer to the community, Robespierre boasted an extensive repertoire of accomplishments and previous positions. He based his campaign on a commitment to activity and transparency, while also maintaining that members of the Security Council will be held accountable to those same standards. His campaign also received mostly positive reviews, with many citizens commending his efforts in other government offices, while also being excited to see a fresh new face in the running. He also managed to gain the support of most of the North Pacific Army, and his promises to increase the power of the RA were met with wide acclaim.


At the start of the election, it was expected that sitting Vice Delegate Artemis would win. However, in a surprising political upset, it was Robespierre that won, with 53.06% of the votes. Artemis was close behind, placing 2nd with 46.94% of the votes. The Vice Delegate race was the closest of all four elections, with Robespierre winning by a vote of 52-46, a margin of just six votes. Only 1.90% of voters wanted to re-open nominations, the lowest amount across all four elections. There were seven abstentions.


The Election for Speakerr


There were two candidates for the office of Speaker. This was a highly competitive matchup between Dreadton and Deropia, who both had their own beliefs to bring to the table.


Deropia, a former Deputy Speaker, came into the election with several things that he wanted to accomplish. Speakers Checks and updating the Citizenship Rolls as well as engaging the region as a whole in legislation passed by the RA was a big thing that he wanted to be accomplished.


Dreadton’s story was different when he ran. With some prior experience in running a campaign for Speaker. Coming into the election, he did not have any significant plans for projects. However, he ran with several goals of what he wanted to accomplish. Monthly Citizenship Reports, Adoption of Bill Tracking Indicators into the Regional Assembly Procedures, and the addition of Deputies.


Coming in with 73.33% of the votes, Deropia captured the office of Speaker with 66 votes under his belt. Dreadton won a mere 26.67% of the votes with 24 votings under him. 14 Nations abstained, which meant that Deropia was elected as Speaker.


The Election for Attorney General


Just like the speaker and delegate races, the election race of the Attorney General was also uncompetitive, and one nation came out in a landslide victory over their opponent.


Vivanco ran on three core covenants; justice, a new light, and the people. He also came in with substantial experience under his belt. He acted as an ambassador to the Democratic Socialist Assembly, as well as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also showed early on in his candidacy that he was knowledgable about the topic of law and that he is interested in pursuing it as far as he can.


Hopps, unlike other candidates, did not have a campaign, but he, just like everyone else, had his visions that he would follow if he were to win the position.


With 85.19% of the votes, Vivanco was elected Attorney General. Forty-six voted for Vivanco, a mere eight voted for Hopps, and 51 voted to Abstain, but with that, Vivanco was elected as the Attorney General.



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Regional Assembly Highlights

by , Minister of Communications



Regional Assembly Highlights, January 2020


Speaker:

Deputy Speakers: ,



Current Business


by


Summary: The Term Limit Removal Bill aims to do just as the title says. This constitutional amendment would amend Article 3 Section 12 to strike out a provision that limits the Delegate to being elected more than two consecutive terms. The bill has garnered a large amount of attention from a wide variety of members of the community. Opponents to the bill have indicated that this bill will not lead to an increase in competitive elections and will lead to a stagnation in our executive branch. Supporters of the bill have argued the opposite, citing that this bill will lead to an increase in competition and encourage members to run against incumbent Delegates.



Status: In Discussion


by


Summary: Originally drafted as an amendment to the Constitution and the Legal Code, the Military Modernisation Bill has been altered as an amendment to the Legal Code with the promise of discussion on a separate constitutional amendment. The MMB aims to replace from the Legal Code the chapter regarding the North Pacific Army and modernize the laws governing the NPA. This amendment aims to allow more flexibility to the operations of the NPA while still maintaining the Independent ideology and oversight from the Regional Assembly.



Status: In Discussion​



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NPA Report

by , War Correspondent

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Leadership


Minister of Defense:


Deputy Minister of Defense:



The North Pacific Army (NPA) had a very busy January, continuing to do a wide variety of operations. From doing fash bashes, tag runs, raiding regions to liberating regions, the NPA conducted several different types of operations throughout January.


To begin the month, the NPA, along with some of our friends, raided the region of Iran. A total of twenty-six (26) NPA soldiers participated in the operation, which lasted for a little over a week. This operation was considered to be a success as we were able to hold the delegacy despite several attempts made by defenders to liberate the region.


Another big operation that the NPA did in January was tagging regions that had an embassy with the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators (CCD). A total of nine regions that had embassies with CCD got tagged by the NPA between two different tag runs. These tag runs sent a strong message to regions that are considering relations with CCD that they have gained the attention of the NPA, and that we will tag your region if you wish to align yourself with CCD.


The NPA also participated in a couple of liberations in January. One of the first liberations we did this month was to liberate the region Christianity Union. This region was being held by Farkasfalka, a fascist region that also is allied with CCD. Later in January, the NPA, along with other defenders, liberated the region of Cheddar, a region that was being held by Lone Wolves United (LWU).
 

Fregerson

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WA Digest

by , Minister of Home Affairs



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General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a time


Data Protection Accord

Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 3,814 (26.2%); Against - 10,713 (73.8%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 91 (15.8%); Against - 484 (84.2%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 41.9%​

Forensics Accord is a poorly-written proposal that was submitted with virtually no drafting. Firstly, its title is misleading as it suggests the proposal is about forensics in general, when it exclusively covers "forensic genetics". Another major flaw of the proposal is that it does not mandate any action from nations, as its clauses only "encourage", "welcome" or "emphasize" certain things, meaning it is essentially useless and arguably has no area of effect. Its category of health is also arguably incorrect, as it does not fit the description. Furthermore, the proposal is ironically full of both vague undefined terms and unnecessary definitions. It defines the word "forensics", which is not used at all in the rest of the text, while its other definition is for "impunity", a word used only once. The vague term "forensic genetics", which is used multiple times, is undefined, while other terms such as "international sentient law" or "sentient rights international law" are unclear and/or grammatically incorrect.


For the above reasons, the ministry urges a vote Against this proposal.




Ensuring Safe Syringe Use

Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For - 13,592 (86.9%); Against - 2,041 (13.1%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 552 (94.4%); Against - 33 (5.6%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 41.9%​

Ensuring the use of safe, sterilized syringes is a worthwhile goal for the World Assembly even if it does not seem like an obvious issue, as it will contribute to the overall reduction in the transmission of bloodborne illnesses. The current proposal does this in such a way that it does not place undue strain on medical systems in less developed member nations.


For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the proposal.





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Security Council

Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary



Commend Benevolent Thomas

Status: Passed | Delegate's Vote: For*

Final Vote (World): For - 11,930 (81.5%); Against - 2,710 (18.5%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 445 (90.4%); Against - 47 (9.6%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 38.0%​


While previously The North Pacific had voted against commendations for the same individual, we no longer believe that a small incident over a miscommunication should prevent the commendation of a notable individual. Since the previous attempts, The Order of the Grey Wardens, founded by Benevolent Thomas, has cemented its place as a premier defender organization, and Benevolent Thomas has been recognized internationally for dedication to defending. Along with his service in developing several regions, including many prominent duties in European Union, working to revive 00000 A World Power (a prominent defender region) and significant roles in 10000 Islands as delegate, and all achievements highlighted in the proposal, Benevolent Thomas is most deserving of a commendation.


For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the proposal.



Condemn Norlands

Status: Failed | Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For - 1,741 (12.8%); Against - 11,878 (87.2%)

Final Vote (TNP): For - 57 (10.8%); Against - 467 (89.2%)

Percentage of TNP WA nations voting: 37.5%​


A roleplay proposal, which not frequently seen in the Security Council, is one that addresses the roleplay activity of a nation, rather than gameplay actions such as raiding/defending or regional politics. A roleplay condemnation is viewed as a badge of honour for playing a good villain IC while contributing to the roleplay community OOC. On the surface, this appears to be a perfectly fine proposal of this category. However, upon closer examination, many actions by the subject, Norrlands, such as launching unprovoked nuclear strikes, or pushing another nation to launch 14 nuclear warheads, is indicative of unrealistic and excessively militaristic roleplay. Furthermore, the subject roleplays solely in the Discord server of Sonindia, and has not made any contributions to the general NationStates roleplay community.


For the above reasons, the ministry recommends a vote Against this resolution.



The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

Publisher: :: Executive Editor: :: Managing Editors: and


The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.


 

Fregerson

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The North Star XVII

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Regional Assembly Highlights
by Bobberino, Minister of Communications
Speaker:
Deputy Speakers: , , ,


Current Business

by

Summary: This bill writes into law the recent common practice of Ministers providing reports as per their administration's requests, following the precedent established by El Fiji Grande in his Delegacy.

Status: In Discussion

by

Summary: An election law based bill, this addresses the addition of preferential voting into our judicial elections, eliminates restarting elections, which also permits candidates withdrawing during voting. In addition, it provides yet more power to the oligarchy by stating that after backwards tie-breaking a tie remains, the longest-standing citizen is declared the winner, in a clear bone thrown to the oligarchy to get this passed.

Status: In Discussion

by

Summary: A bill that makes some common sense changes regarding the court rules and presents them to the RA. These include the court seeking out government officials for R4Rs relevant to them, a statement re: how to submit and withdraw R4Rs, an extension for opinion drafting and submission from 7 to 14 days, and introducing rules re: Freedom of Information and an insurance plan for vexatious appeals and/or relevant reviews are vexatious.

Status: In Discussion
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NPA Bulletin
by Pierce, Communications Staffer, NPA Soldier
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Leadership

Minister of Defense: Trondstorm
Deputy Minister of Defense: Colonel Rom

The North Pacific Army (NPA) participated in a few operations, consisting mainly of refounds.

From the 29th of February to the 9th of March, a strong force of 20 NPA soldiers participated in a joint operation with The Black Hawks (TBH) on the region of Opstan to prevent a refound by removing the Delegate and all Regional Officers. The operation ended by the Minor update on the 9th of March, by which the region was passworded.

On the 7th of March, Colonel BluieGamer of the NPA refounded Itaque Sanctus Defensus after it had ceased to exist. The region was previously protected by Chapter 7.6 Section 32 and 33, which protects regions and its natives from permanent harm and excessive force through altering the embassy list, password protecting the region, forcibly removing natives, and refounding the region. The section states that exceptions can be made upon authorization of the Delegate and majority approval of the Regional Assembly. Since the region had formerly been an embassy partner with the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, Delegate McMasterdonia proposed the exception for ISD alongside other regions to the RA on the 15th of February and the exception was approved with a 30-3 vote. The region had ceased to exist during the vote, and it was refounded following the passage of the exception and passworded.

On the 24th of March, the NPA took note during a training operation that the Hitlers Alliance had been abandoned by its natives, and was refounded by Corporal Nimarya and Colonel BluieGamer to prevent the region from being a site for fascists.

Finally, the NPA captured and refounded the region Nessuno (named after Lead Gameside Advocate Territorio Di Nessuno) to prevent its use from outside individuals.
[h][/h]
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March 2020 Judicial Election
by Haven

With four months since November now behind us, it's time for another judicial election. March's vote comes as the Court in recent months has faced criticisms over a series of seemingly over-punitive decisions, including in cases featuring guilty pleas and requests for commutation. It also follows the abolition of the office of the Attorney General with the passing of the AGORA Act, leading to questions of the Court's standing to decide on legal ambiguities in a trial format, among other issues. The field was exceptionally large this month, with six candidates eventually making it to the final ballot. This including respected veterans and a few fresh faces looking to make a name for themselves on the bench.

The Candidates:

Vivanco
Zyvetskistaahn
Wonderess
Lady Raven Wing
Eluvatar
Alamei
MintChocoIC13 (Disqualified)

Vivanco

Vivanco's campaign emphasised his experience as Attorney General, and his record of upholding the independence of the judiciary. Vivanco responded to the issue of harsh sentencing by implying punishments may seem "more harsh [sic]" due to their final nature. Though they seemed to support the idea that the Court should always be open to rehabilitation, they indicated that past good deeds should not negate a bad act in the eyes of the law.

Notably, they supported establishing a civil procedure for the Court, as a forum outside of moderation for the resolution of conflicts among individuals. They stated that the administration would assume the duty of enforcing these decisions, though they did not indicate what penal actions may be incurred upon violation.

Vivanco received 18.31% of the vote and was not elected.

Zyvetskistaahn

Having served as the previous Chief Justice, Zyvetskistaahn's reelection campaign had an air of inevitability surrounding it, heightened by a highly thorough, issue-based campaign. On procedures, Zyvetskistaahn laid out a plan for much-needed reforms following the AGORA Act, including alteration of the requests for review form, the introduction of a form for indictments, and rule amendments to reflect the inevitable delay that will come from appointing a prosecutor after charges are accepted. Other amendments he endorsed included clarifying of indictments and requests for approval for bans, the introduction of requirements that changes to indictments be approved by the Court, and changes to the guilty plea process.

Zyvetskistaahn received 49.30% of the vote and was elected.

Lady Raven Wing

Lady Raven Wing, running a concise but thoughtful campaign, was a clear favourite for reelection as Justice, having received several high-profile endorsements early on. Her time as Justice launched them from a relative unknown in TNP politics to a highly respected and experienced member of the bench.

In the wake of the AGORA Act, she indicated that the Court should, going forward, not be resolving ambiguities of law in the criminal trial process, if at all. She qualified that this pertains only to ambiguities that do not result in "Constitutional conflict". Speaking on penal restrain, she stated that she did not feel any particular cases in recent years were decided improperly or that the Court handed down any unreasonable punishments.

Lady Raven Wing received 50.70% of the vote and was elected.

Wonderess

This was Wonderess' second campaign for Justice, having run unsuccessfully last July in a comparatively bare-bones effort. This time around, he emphasised his conservative approach to interpreting and applying the statute, declaring that it was not the Court's role to innovate on the law but instead to act as a "respectful referee" of the trial process.

On the issue of retribution, Wonderess pointed to The North Pacific v Bobberino as a case in which the Court could have pursued more leniency. He made it clear, however, that he did not see it as his place to criticise the Court for its previous decisions, especially considering we the public may not have all the "pieces of the puzzle". He offered a reasonable position on heavy-handed rulings, emphasising that punishment should be, first and foremost, about the rehabilitation of the defendant and that the Court should use only such legal force as necessary to affect this outcome. He indicated that, especially with as sparse a body of case law as the North Pacific has, precedent should not be the final word, and that each case encompasses unique circumstances that require a unique approach to resolution, even if the charges are the same.

Wonderess received 50.70% of the vote and was elected.

Eluvatar

Eluvatar, the renowned former Delegate and elder statesman who has previously served in the now-defunct position of Attorney General, only tentatively accepted his nomination for Justice. He failed to post a campaign thread, and seemed to have relied on name recognition and a robust record.

Eluvatar received 32.39% of the vote and was not elected.

Alamei

Though a TNP native for some time, Alamei has only recently begun to actively engage in regional government. An experienced legal official for the Versutian Federation, Alamei hopes to bring their philosophy of transparency and impartiality to the North Pacific. They supported the recent reforms under the AGORA Act, stating that it made the Court more accessible to the "common citizen". They also proposed a rule change that would allow Justices other than the Moderating Justice to ask questions of trial participants, suggesting this would allow Justices an opportunity to make a more 'fully informed' decision.

Alamei received 35.21% of the vote and was not elected.

MintChocoIC13

MintChocoIC13 did not post a campaign, and they lost their citizenship during the initial vote. They were struck from the ballot, and a new vote was triggered automatically.
 

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World Assembly Digest
by El Fiji Grande
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General Assembly
Improving the world one resolution at a time.

Oceanic Waste Disposal Ban
Status: Discarded
Delegate's Vote: No vote
Final Vote (World): For: 13,550 Against: 2,693
Final Vote (TNP): For: 533 Against: 50 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.3%

No Recommendation

Repeal: "Promotion of Recycling"

Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 3,028 Against: 12,850
Final Vote (TNP): For: 46 Against: 547 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.8%

Recommendation:
This repeal ironically uses rather ambiguous reasoning to argue that clause 3 of GAR #483 is ambiguous, stating that it creates for possible loopholes and abusive regulations for member nations and large corporations, without providing prove or examples as to how the by the author predicted negative consequences might come to pass. It is also rather contradictory, in claiming firstly that clause 3 was ambiguous, but then stating that clause 3 specifically creates abusive regulations while in fact the resolution itself does not create those regulations, but requires member nations to create regulations or subsidizations and tailor them according to their needs and requirements. Although it is possible for environmental regulations such as those on recycling to impact small businesses more than big businesses, it is up to national governments to craft regulations that do not disadvantage small businesses unfairly.

Considering further that the author of the target resolution is currently working together with other members of the World Assembly to properly repeal GAR #483 and replace it in order to correct actual deficiencies, of which none where mentioned in this repeal, the Ministry advises to vote Against this proposal.

Disease Naming Compact
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 8,490 Against: 7,203
Final Vote (TNP): For: 210 Against: 379 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.5%

Recommendation:
This proposal appears to be written opportunistically based on current real-life events. Unfortunately its provisions appear unnecessary as a common name for a novel disease would be adopted by most nations through communications between government authorities, and medical professionals would be aware of different names if they exist. In addition, the large variation in the languages of WA nations will make the task of creating a name suitable for all languages functionally impossible, and nations need flexibility to adopt a name that suits their language.

For the above reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal.

Interference Causing Equipment Act
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against
Final Vote (World): For: 3,511 Against: 11,040
Final Vote (TNP): For: 51 Against: 500 Percentage of WA nations voting: 38.4%

Recommendation:
While a well-intentioned proposal, it unfortunately falls victim to wording problems, which are at times overly complex while also creating loopholes. For example, clause 2i includes technical vocabulary that is not properly defined. Clause 3 prohibits distribution of non-compliant devices between member states while allowing member states to import and export from non-member states. Clauses 3 and 4 together ensure only member states capable of developing non-compliant devices are able to use them for government purposes such as security and defence, while those not as technologically advanced cannot purchase them, and are left without a vital line of defence.

For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal, in hopes of a better resolution in the future.

On the Health and Financial Well-Being of Workers
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: For
Final Vote (World): For: 6,815 Against: 8,326
Final Vote (TNP): For: 463 Against: 101 Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.4%

Recommendation:
This proposal aims to establish leave for workers in the event they become sick, have a family medical emergency, or if they have children. These types of events in a person's life are important for them to attend to, regardless of work obligations. On top of that, in the event they are sick, it would be wise to provide some sort of program that allows them to stay home and prevent the spread of the disease. Further, workers will receive identical compensation as they would have had they been at work, easing financial stress undertaken by not attending work. Creating an umbrella program for each of these, allowing greater flexibility for workers, is the best course of action.

For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For this proposal.

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Security Council
Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.

Liberate The East Pacific
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For: 6,708 Against: 8,799
Final Vote (TNP): For: 211 Against: 365 Percentage of WA nations voting: 39.7%

Recommendation:
In an event that can only be described as confusing, the Delegate of the East Pacific themselves has called for an end of their tyranny and wishes for a liberation of their region. While The North Pacific is always glad to help the weak and oppressed, we believe in this case it is sufficient to point out all the wonderfull options available to end ones own tyranny and political career, like self-impeachement or a good old donation affair.

While we advise a vote Against this proposal, we sincerely wish The East Pacific all the best in ending its Delegate's reign of tyranny.

Commend Kindjal
Status: Passed
Delegate's Vote: For

Final Vote (World): For: 10,818 Against: 4,208
Final Vote (TNP): For: 519 Against: 72 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.6%

Recommendation:
While we have our reservations, Kindjal has demonstrated a determination in a popular field of the game that is not usually discussed in the Security Council. Although they intended to dedicate to roleplay, they struggled with writing as English is not their first language. Instead, they chose a path that led to them becoming the best in their field of NS issues. Kindjal, in adjudicating right from wrong, has topped every other nation in 10 different censuses in the game, all of which are highly competitive. We hope that this well-written commendation demonstrates that nations in all fields of the game can be commended, and serve as an inspiration to dedicated issue answerers.

For the above reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For this commendation.

Commend Cormactopia Prime
Status: Failed
Delegate's Vote: Against

Final Vote (World): For: 4,255 Against: 8,936
Final Vote (TNP): For: 63 Against: 459 Percentage of WA nations voting: 36.4%

Recommendation:
Cormactopia Prime, commonly known as Cormac, despite being a potentially deserving nominee, is the subject of a rather stale proposal that doesn't paint an accurate picture. Cormac is known for being capricious but still dedicated and charismatic in any role (defender, invader, imperialist, journalist, etc) they decide to take. The proposal doesn't argue that, rather that Cormac has great recognition among their peers for a collection of accomplishments. The proposal is jumpy and doesn't flow well throughout the clauses, each of which is shakily written and barely supports the the initial argument. Several of the clauses, such as the "Affirming" clause on developing stability in Osiris, contradict further evidence on Cormac's history with Osiris.

For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote of Against "Commend Cormactopia Prime", hoping for a better proposal down the line.

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Spotlight - with 9003
by McMasterdonia, Delegate

McMasterdonia: Today I am joined by 9003, a relatively new member of The North Pacific who is already a prominent member of our community and in the Cards Guild specifically. Welcome and thank you for joining me!

9003: Thanks for having me!

McMasterdonia: Firstly, can you tell me a little about your background in NationStates? When did you join and which region did you first call home?

9003: I've played for 7 years now. Pretty much after founding my nation I got a lovely simple telegram from Sauron recruiting for Mordor. It said “one does not simply walk into Mordor” so I did the only logical thing and simply walked in. I helped develop the then fledgling region into a hotspot of a player region after out posting the RMB bot, I joined the force of Mordor and held a warzone for a couple of months.

McMasterdonia: What did you enjoy most about your time in Mordor? During your time of supporting regional development in that region, what did you learn?

9003: I learned a lot about developing the region including that the founder and in turn dark lord can be put on trial and serve as the sitting judge on said trial. In a mess of legal debate. My favorite activity in Mordor was spamming on the forum I played every one of the games to a crazy level reaching several thousand posts a week. Raising in the ranks in the forces of Mordor was also fun and fits well with me joining the NPA now.

McMasterdonia: Excellent! We will get to your NPA service in a moment, but before that What made you decide to join The North Pacific?

9003: What made me join tnp was the card lotto after seeing all the legendaries going about I knew I had to get in on the action for some of those!

McMasterdonia: How did you hear about the card lottery? Always interested to know how our outreach is going!

9003: I heard about the lottery from the marketplace discord after The Northern Lights posted some winners. The chance to win a soops or mindless contempt while collecting Ex flags was a huge draw. They are the peak ex flag card, after that I knew I couldn’t sit it out any longer.

McMasterdonia: Did this create any conflict for you? In terms of deciding to leave Mordor for The North Pacific?

9003: Well all in all I still haven't "left" Mordor my main has due to a small snafoo with NS breeze. Blowing my 7 years of residency. So I switched a puppet in but for the most part the Mordor government has fallen aside and is quite and a shadow of its former glory

McMasterdonia: And ever since, you have been very involved in The Cards Guild! What is it about Cards that you find enjoyable within the context of NationStates?

9003: I love cards because they give nationstates more of an active game rather than logging on once in a while to answer issues.

McMasterdonia: Regarding the NPA, it has been great seeing you get involved there. What made you decide to participate in our Army and how have you found it to be?

9003: After serving in the forces of Mordor and reaching the rank of general there I partook in the UDL for a while before hanging my hat up on r/d for a good while. However, once I saw the NPA was an active army I knew I had to join and give it another shot.

McMasterdonia: Would you say that before joining the NPA you would have identified as a defender?

9003: I would say I identified mostly defender. After some espionage missions among den (pre-predator days) I jumped for a mission or two of tags and always enjoyed it but until now didn't have an army that supported the view. I very much like the NPAs method to preserve the wfe and flag. As the big part of raiding I didn't like was destroying random regions when they didn't do anything warranting destruction.

McMasterdonia: Wow! So you were involved in espionage ops against DEN?

9003: I was mostly just there to muck things up and see if they were up to any large scale raids. The level of opsec was next to zero during that time.

McMasterdonia: So joining the NPA could be another espionage operation? :p

9003: For who! The now defunct forces of Mordor lol. And nah I wouldn't move my main nation into the region if I was, I would have far too much to lose.

McMasterdonia: Naturally I am just teasing! How has your experience differed to your prior military experience?

9003: The npa has a larger occupational force and a larger active force. Most operations of Mordor’s forces were missions with 5 nations. Therefore seeing the NPA show up to a joint op or even just a regular op with 7+ jumpers is impressive and having the Generals here to help out new folks is awesome.

McMasterdonia: You also mentioned earlier that you like that the NPA does not (as a general rule) do destructive raids. Are there any circumstances where you think a destructive raid is desirable and necessary?

9003: Well in the case of anyone The North Pacific is at war with would be a very justified cause or any region that is causing distress to the greater nationstates community.

McMasterdonia: Do you see yourself getting involved in other areas of The North Pacific? Are you interested in pursuing higher office?

9003: I'm trying to. Truth be told when I first moved here it was during the delegate election and I tried to run to only be shot down by just a few days short on the residency requirement. Now, I have learned that it would be far better to learn more about the position before I try and run for it. But I would love to run for more at some point. For now, I am enjoying serving as a Deputy Guildmaster. It is great fun!

McMasterdonia: What about the executive staff? Have you considered getting involved in other Ministries?

9003: I have been considering joining the culture Ministry. It fits quite well with Cards and I would be interested to get involved in their other activities.

McMasterdonia: That concludes our interview! Thank you once more for your time 9003. We look forward to seeing your future contributions to The North Pacific.

9003: My pleasure, thank you for having me![h][/h]
The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth
Publisher: McMasterdonia :: Executive Editor: Bobberino :: Managing Editor: Robespierre and Cosmosplosion

The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.

 

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May 2020 General Election Report

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In May 2020, The North Pacific underwent its general elections for the Delegate, Vice Delegate, and Speaker positions. It marks the first General Election since the AGORA Act was passed, abolishing the position of Attorney General. This election was one of the most competitive in recent memory, with six candidates vying for Delegate and four running for Vice Delegate. Voter turnout was markedly higher than the January General Election, as well. The Delegate election entered into an instant runoff and consisted of two rounds, with the candidates with the least number of votes in the first round being eliminated before the second. No nominations were re-opened.


May 2020 Election Results:


The Candidates

For Delegate: Prydania, Praetor, Gorundu, Yuno, Rocketdog, and Mall.
For Vice Delegate: Artemis, Lady Raven Wing, Filiposgov, and Tinfect.
For Speaker: St George and Highton.



The Results


Delegate: Prydania
Vice Delegate: Artemis
Speaker: St George


The Election for Delegate

Due to previous Delegate McMasterdonia hitting term limits, the position of Delegate was open to new candidates, each of whom brought their own ideas to the table.


Our first candidate, Prydania, served in a number of appointed positions within TNP, such as Minister of Culture (under Delegates Ghost, Fiji, and McMasterdonia), Lead RP Mod (since late 2019), and Deputy Speaker (under Wonderess). Though he never held an elected position, Prydania expressed his belief that he had "the experience in government necessary to make an honest go of it." Prydania built his campaign around community and integrity. Referring to the ongoing pandemic, he expressed his intent "to use the vast resources our region has to foster a sense of TNP community to make this hard time for us all just a bit more manageable." Prydania outlined his belief in "a measured approach" and bringing transparency and integrity to the office of Delegate, promising to "always be upfront and honest about what [he believes], and what [his] intentions are on any given matter." His proposed agenda focused on strengthening the region both at home and abroad, with special emphasis on increasing the activity and visibility of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Culture, Communications, and Radio, as well as the Cards Guild. Prydania also emphasized his desire to strengthen the region's ties with its allies through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and World Assembly Affairs.

Prydania received 48.92% of the vote in the first round and 50.36% of the vote in the second round, becoming our new Delegate.

The details of Prydania's platform can be found here:


Our second candidate, Praetor, built his platform around revitalizing the region through bold new initiatives. Speaking on the matter of transparency, he asserted that he would "openly accept applications" to the executive staff and "continue the tradition of meritocracy in our democracy." He also promised to "provide an update every week to the region on the progress of the government: what have we accomplished, what are we planning to do, and what did we fail to do." Praetor articulated several new ideas he wished to implement in the various Ministries, such as "a format for players to bring ideas that they have for the region to the Home Affairs" and having the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs "maintain a list of potential resolutions for new authors to work with."

Praetor received 30.94% of the vote in both the first and second rounds, and was not elected.

The details of Praetor's platform can be found here:


Gorundu, our third candidate, pitched his potential Delegacy as a natural extension of his time in TNP's government, which included serving as Minister of World Assembly Affairs and Speaker. Rather than making grand promises, Gorundu vocalized a desire "to be a representative for all TNPers." In short, his campaign focused on "presenting solid, realistic and insightful plans that can take the region above and beyond." Gorundu elaborated on policy objectives such as expanding hiring for the executive staff through "specific advertisements for each ministry," and being "more active on the Regional Message Board." His proposed agenda for specific ministries included continuing to expand upon the mission of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, and improving the frequency of content creation by Culture, Communication, and Radio through increasing available staff pools.

Gorundu received 9.35% of the vote in both the first and second rounds, and was not elected.

The details of Gorundu's platform can be found here:


Our fourth candidate, Yuno, ran a simple and straightforward campaign, promising to "send daily telegrams advertising ministries, games (especially free games)," distribute "lesson resources... and tell more people to vote." As the former Delegate of The East Pacific, Yuno possessed a level of experience above that of other candidates. She expressed her wish to make government recruitment less traditional, with "regional TGs [being used] more often for accessories stuff that 'regular RMBers' might be interested in" and more personal telegrams and citizen applications.

Yuno received 6.47% of the vote in the first round and 9.35% of the vote in the second round, and was not elected.

The details of Yuno's platform can be found here:


Rocketdog, our fifth candidate, pledged to focus "on consolidation and collaboration" within the region's government. "Having served as Minister of Home Affairs, Communications and Foreign Affairs, some multiple times, over the past few years, [he articulated his desire] to use that experience to foster more cooperation between ministries, other entities and resources." Rocketdog's proposed agenda was built around fostering collaboration between individual Ministries. Specific policy proposals included modernizing the region's handbook dispatches, promoting recruitment, releasing more tutorials, and increasing the frequency of The Northern Light's publications.

Rocketdog received 2.16% of the vote in the first round (tied lowest with Mall), and was therefore eliminated as a candidate.

The details of Rocketdog's platform can be found here:


Mall, our sixth candidate, ran on a platform of "Let's Make Things Worse". Mall promised to "burn this region to the ground" by calling "upon every major raider org to endorse" him and purging TNP. Mall stated that, towards the conclusion of his term, he would ban as many nations as he could before conquering The Rejected Realms. Additionally, he expressed a desire "to continue the fine tradition of the NPA raiding Nazis."

Mall received 2.16% of the vote in the first round (tied lowest with Rocketdog), and was therefore eliminated as a candidate.

The details of Mall's platform can be found here:



The Election for Vice Delegate

Our first and incumbent candidate, Artemis, pitched his potential additional term as a continuation of his existing agenda. Artemis' platform was very straightforward, with a focus on active endotarting, "working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to work on retention of the recent surge of nations," continuing the tradition of Weekly Vice Delegate Updates, and attempting to make TNP the number one region in average World Assembly endorsements.

Artemis received 87.69% of the vote, and was elected Vice Delegate in a landslide victory.

The details of Artemis' platform can be found here:


Our second candidate, Lady Raven Wing, built her campaign on a promise of "Security for None". Pledging to work alongside Mall should he become Delegate, Lady Raven Wing's platform included denying citizenship applications, extending all Security Council votes indefinitely, and granting any citizens deemed worthy access to the SC forums.

Lady Raven Wing received 7.69% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.

The details of Lady Raven Wing's platform can be found here:


Our third candidate, Filiposgov, ran as a relative newcomer to the region. His campaign focused on improving the retention of new nations and assisting the Delegate in strengthening the region overall. On 11 May 2020, Filiposgov conceded the election for Vice Delegate.

Filiposgov received 3.08% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.

The details of Filiposgov's campaign can be found here:


Our final candidate, Tinfect, accepted a nomination for Vice Delegate, but did not outline a campaign platform.

Tinfect received 1.54% of the vote, and was not elected Vice Delegate.



The Election for Speaker

St George
, who previously served as Acting Speaker, applied a frank tone to his candidacy and announced his intention to not engage in "overly ambitious campaign promises." St George pledged to make "sure the work gets done, [increase] the speed of the checks and [ensure] the team around the Speaker is at its best at all times." The particulars of St George's platform included increasing the speed of Speaker's checks for citizenship, using the Speaker's Staff to rotate into the role of Deputy Speaker, and working to continuously hold the region's government accountable.

St George received 82.31% of the vote, and was elected Speaker in a landslide victory.

The particulars of St George's platform can be found here:


Our second candidate for Speaker, Highton, addressed his lack of experience in the position of Speaker, but expressed his belief that "it ain't an election if there's only one candidate" (that being St George). Highton cited what experience he did possess, including serving in the positions of Deputy Minister of Culture and Gameside Advocate.

Highton received 17.69% of the vote, and was not elected as Speaker.

The particulars of Highton's platform can be found here:



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The Spotlight - Interview with Rom

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Pierce: Good evening! Tonight we sit with Rom, current Minister of Defence and General for the North Pacific Army. How are you this evening, General?


Rom: I'm doing good. Little tired but glad to be doing this.


Pierce: I’m happy to have you here. Down to business. It’s been a few weeks since you were appointed as Defense Minister by Delegate Prydania. What has the Army achieved thus far, and what are some of your goals in the near future as Minister?


Rom: I've liked what we have been able to do in terms of our joint OP's that we have done so far, and another thing is that we have worked with a wide variety of orgs so far, some of which it had been a while since we had previously done stuff with. Take that fash bash we did not that long ago ~ we worked with Legio, a org that we really hadn't worked with for a long time, and hopefully the next time a fash bash comes up we can continue to work with them. I've also really liked our soldier participation so far as well, as we have been averaging over 8 NPA soldiers participating in an OP this term, and I only expect that number to increase as the term goes on as hopefully sometime in the next couple weeks the delegacy transition is complete and we can start doing more holds and other types of operations that are more than just tagging and detagging.


Pierce: What other military organizations might we see NPA work with on future operations in its endeavor to beat the fascists across NationStates?


Rom: Off the top of my head, obviously Legio, and I do know that TGW has done a great job and is more than willing to do fash bashes. Really there is a lot of orgs out there that do fash bashes, and it is great to see that because obviously they have no place on NS.


Pierce: Thank you. Now, I’m sure some people like myself who aren’t aware of your history are curious to know more about how you became involved into military gameplay. Tell us about that history”


Rom: I made my first nation in 2011 as me and some of my RL friends had made a RP region, so I made a nation to join that region. I did some things in that RP region, like we did some fash bashes with MT Army and Vippertooth33. However that was the extent of what our region did in terms of Gameplay, but by 2014 we were wanting to get more involved in Gameplay, specifically defending. So, considering that the FRA was the biggest defending org of the time, our region decided to reach out to the FRA to apply to become a member region of the FRA, and I got sent to represent our region on our behalf. Now, our region never became a FRA region member, but I found defending and the FRA to be quite interesting, so I ended up joining a couple regions that were FRA members at the time - The Rejected Realms and Global Right Alliance.

So I ended up joining the RRA and and also the GRADF, and I've been involved in GP ever since.


Bormiar: What has been your general impact and history with any of those groups (FRA, TRR, GRA)?


Rom: I never really did a whole lot with the FRA. GRA and TRR is where I did more things during this time ~ like in GRA I as I mentioned earlier was in their regional military, and also I believe did some ambassador things with them. RRA one of the first things I remember doing was doing a TBR infil. Not a whole lot came out of my infil, but I would remain involved in TRR to this day. As for RRA, I left them in 2015 I believe to join the first version of TGW. That was also um interesting. Wouldn't be until 2018 I believe until I rejoined RRA again, and I'd stick around in there until I went and joined NPA. Actually had just received a promotion from Fratt a couple weeks before I left lol.


Bormiar: Why did you decide to leave defending for the NPA?


Rom: I had kinda gotten bored of GP around the time I left the RRA, so I considered the following ~ either retiring from GP and focus on getting endorsements or whatever, join a new defending org (I really thought about going to SPSF), or trying something new and join a org that does raiding. From there I decided to give NPA a try mostly because I was friends with Bob, and I figured it could be fun to do some more GP stuff with him. I'd say I've had some fun in the NPA.


Bormiar: What has been your favorite part?


Rom: My favorite part? I'd say some of the raids that we have done since I joined have been very enjoyable. Iran in particular. It was a lot of fun holding that region, and successfully defending that region from all the liberation attempts that libcord had made towards the region. I think there was over 50 defenders that jumped one time? And they came really close to liberating it, but we did a good job in having people on ready to banject defenders before the region updated. I'd love to do more holds like that in the future as well too.


Bormiar: How did you rank up so fast in the NPA?


Rom: I participated in a lot of OP's from when I joined the NPA, and now I've participated in over 100. Also I really haven't ranked up that much, since I'm still technically a Lieutenant :p


Bormiar: What would you say to a prospective NPA soldier on how to get involved?


Rom: I would say that there is several ways to get involved within the NPA ~ whether you are simply piling or you are active during updates. Also there is plenty of things to do when we are not doing operations, like graphics for example. And the NPA is also very much a rewarding and enjoyable thing to do, because GP is honestly a lot of fun, and there is so much to do.


Bormiar: Going off of the point on "plenty of things to do when we are not doing operations", is it possible to assist the NPA casually and without updating?


Rom: Absolutely! We love our pilers, and they are a crucial part of the NPA's success. Pilers are essential to a mission's success after we initially get our target after the jump, and the NPA has one of the best piling forces on NS. We can usually provide 20+ pilers into a region after the jump when needed, and very few orgs can say the same.


Bormiar: Thanks for the interview! Is there anything else you want to say for your plans for the NPA?


Rom: I want us to continue to diversify our OP's. We just did a joint detag run with RRA, SPSF, and EPSA, and I plan on continuing to do more detags and do more defenses and liberations as well. I think we have been doing a solid job at doing a wide variety of OP's, and it is something I hope to continue throughout my term.


Bormiar: Thanks for participating!


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North Pacific Army Bulletin - April to May 2020

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Lieutenant Nimarya successfully refounds a region



The North Pacific Army has had one of its most eventful months yet from April to May, trying out a bunch of new tricks and finding new partners to work with.

In April, the North Pacific Army conducted 23 operations, with many successful blockade runs, a plethora of tag raids, and several refounds of fascist regions. This continued the use of exceptions to refound fascist and fascist-sympathizing regions with the authorization of the Regional Assembly under Chapter 7.6 sections 32 and 33 in our Legal Code.

Over several days in April, the NPA, in coordination with The West Pacific Armed Forces, the Legio Pacifica, the East Pacific Sovereign Army and the Balder Jomsvikings, conducted blockade runs against a Security Council proposal by the fascist Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, which ultimately failed to reach quorum due to our efforts. Afterwards, we took a pit stop to refound Republican Army, which was one of the aforementioned exemptions, after a 6 update hold in which 25 soldiers participated.

Going into May, the North Pacific Army participated in Pacific-Con and joined in wargames alongside the 4 other Pacifics. These wargames were a fun way to bring the armies of the 5 regions together, and an opportunity to recruit newer players curious about R/D. This was an all-around fun event, and we look forward to participating in similar events in the future.

The dictatorship delegacy of McMasterdonia ended in mid-may with the election of Prydania as our new delegate, marking the start of the new term. With this new term, we said goodbye to Trondstorm as our Minister of Defense and Rom was appointed as our new MoD. General Rom selected BMWSurfer and Robespierre as his Deputy Ministers of Defense. This new term has so far brought us much success, with many joint operations conducted and several important refounds.


Lieutenant Nimarya successfully refounded The Spartan Empire, another region on our exempt list. We also conducted a joint raid alongside the Legio Pacifica and The Grey Wardens against The Third Coalition. The NPA also conducted a joint hold of SECFanatics alongside The Black Hawks and several other militaries, to close the over 2000 embassies that have been spammed over the years, and successfully defended Warzones Airspace and Australia against raiders associated with Opstan. So far, we have conducted operations with soldiers from with The Black Hawks, the Europeian Republican Navy, the East Pacific Sovereign Army, Lone Wolves United, the Land of Kings and Emperors, Balder, the Grey Wardens, Lily, and the Legio Pacifica.


The North Pacific Army continues to have tremendous involvement from our soldiers, with an average of 8 soldiers present in each of our non-joint operations. We hope to continue this into the next month, and look forward to another month of successful operations.
 

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Regional Assembly Highlights - April to May 2020

by , Deputy Speaker



Speaker:

Deputy Speakers: , , , and





Current Business



The current business for the Regional Assembly for the months of April and May is the Security Council Application of Wonderess.







Summary: After applying to the Security Council on the first of May, Wonderess failed to be recommended for admission. The Regional Assembly then began a discussion to examine the proposition of upholding or overturning the Security Council's decision.



Status: Motioned for Vote



Passed



The proposals that have passed through the Regional Assembly in the months of April and May include the Incorporated Rum Pact treaty with Lazarus, the Delegate's Report Act, exceptions to the NPA doctrine under Sections 32 & 33 of Chapter 7.6 of the Legal Code, and confirmations of Holdac, Siwale and Artemis to the Election Commission.



-~-







Summary: These batch of exemptions were presented to the Regional Assembly by McMasterdonia in an effort to permit the North Pacific Army to target fascist regions in addition to regions that maintain embassies with region's previously exempted for their nazi ideologies. With little opposition, all five exemptions were passed by the Regional Assembly.



Results:



The Union of Dictators -
34 Ayes | 6 Nays | 10 Abstentions

Jon - 33 Ayes | 7 Nays | 10 Abstentions

People are Worthless - 34 Ayes | 6 Nays | 10 Abstentions

Pax Britannia - 38 Ayes | 5 Nays | 7 Abstentions

Fifth Empire - 39 Ayes | 4 Nays | 7 Abstentions





Status: All Exemptions Passed as of 3 May 2020







Summary: Holdac was nominated to the Election Commission by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in mid-April of 2020. Due to their almost exclusive activity in the North Pacific's roleplay community, Holdac received many questions from their fellow citizens. After answering the questions proposed to them, Holdac's knowledge and understanding of the electoral procedure was sufficiently tested and they were later confirmed, by a majority, to take their seat and be admitted to the Election Commission.



Results: 29 Ayes | 5 Nays | 19 Abstentions



Status: Confirmed as of 4 May 2020



by



Summary: The Delegate's Report Act was originally introduced to the Regional Assembly a year ago during El Fiji Grande's term as Delegate as a way to clarify when the executive administration was to give reports on its activities. After a period of dormancy for many months, discussion surfaced again in late March of 2020 and after a few revisions the bill later passed.



Results: 24 Ayes | 20 Nays | 10 Abstentions



Status: Passed as of 11 May 2020







Summary: As a constantly active and notably consistent member for two terms prior, Siwale was nominated by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in early May of 2020 to continue their service on the Election Commission. In light of their invaluable experience in the role, Siwale was successfully confirmed as an Election Commissioner once again after little debate.



Results: 50 Ayes | 1 Nay | 1 Abstention



Status: Confirmed as of 15 May 2020*



*Bill was subsequently vetoed by the Delegate after passage







Summary: After answering a few standard questions that North Pacifican citizens typically ask nominees to the Election Commission, Artemis was successfully confirmed as an Election Commissioner following their nomination by then-Delegate McMasterdonia in late April of 2020.



Results: 53 Ayes | 1 Nay | 3 Abstentions



Status: Confirmed as of 20 May 2020







Summary: The Incorporated Rum Pact is a non-aggression and communications agreement between the North Pacific and Lazarus. Although a last-minute situation emerged in which the Director of Public Relations of Lazarus publicly posted questionable comments regarding the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators, the treaty nevertheless passed, with said Director later resigning.



Results: 38 Ayes | 5 Nays | 8 Abstentions



Status: Passed as of 29 May 2020​
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World Assembly Digest

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General Assembly

Improving the world one resolution at a time.





Prevention Of Forced Sterilisation

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 10088 Against: 2172

Final Vote (TNP): For: 826 Against: 110 with percentage of WA nations voting: 50

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 111 Against: 27 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 207 Against: 40 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 291 Against: 44 with percentage of WA nations voting: 61

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




"Prevention Of Forced Sterilisation" is a proposal that seeks to put an end to involuntary sterilisation (that is, the involuntary "removal of an individual's reproductive ability"), an immoral and inhumane act often used to oppress the rights of people and groups, as well as an ineffective punishment. It accomplishes this goal in an effective and concise manner. It is a necessary and adequate extension to the extant resolution Ban On Sterilisation Of Minors Etc, especially through clause four of the proposal. The proposal demonstrates the sophisticated handling of the subject at hand and would make an excellent addition to international legislation.



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For this proposal.



On Marijuana

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 4253 Against: 7060

Final Vote (TNP): For: 192 Against: 636 with percentage of WA nations voting: 43

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 35 Against: 102 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 83 Against: 170 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 100 Against: 181 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




While On Marijuana is well-intentioned, those intentions are not sufficient enough to make a well-written proposal. First of all, considering the vast variety present in World Assembly nations, it is almost nonsensical to write a proposal on such a narrow category of drugs - it would've made more sense to write a proposal on a wider category of drugs. Beyond the topic, the proposal text is equally flawed. For one, in the Mandates clause, the phrase "incarcerated for marijuana and marijuana related paraphernalia" simply makes no sense because people can only be incarcerates for crimes related to the drug. If we were to interpret is this way, the proposal becomes extremely problematic as it would require dealers and even violent offenders to be released, whose crimes are not victimless, unlike possession. In the Ensures clause, without a proper specification of the percentage for reparations, the clause is meaningless as nations can set any percentage they want, including almost zero.



For the reasons above, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Repeal Reproductive Freedoms

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 3333 Against: 8792

Final Vote (TNP): For: 159 Against: 770 with percentage of WA nations voting: 45

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 33 Against: 108 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 41 Against: 204 with percentage of WA nations voting: 45

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 67 Against: 234 with percentage of WA nations voting: 46

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The proposal at vote, "Repeal: Reproductive Freedoms", attempts to repeal a resolution that is known for its longstanding protection of women's rights, and namely the right to have bodily autonomy in regards to the termination of pregnancy. The author wishes to repeal the target solely for the fact that he has a natural dislike of abortion.



While there are some concerns that are not completely without merit, these are mostly able to be overlooked, given the fact that Reproductive Freedoms does actually supply more societal good than the moral outrage that some may have over it causes. The author attempts to claim to be concerned with the flaws they believe are present in the resolution, ignoring the fact that none of the "flaws" are unobjective, and are rather moral concerns, which, in most cases, is not grounds for repeal. Even in the case that these claims were factually accurate, the author is intentionally misleading with them, given the fact that they have no intention to actually have a replacement go into effect.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Ban On The Administration Of Unwanted Substances

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 6902 Against: 4645

Final Vote (TNP): For: 704 Against: 190 with percentage of WA nations voting: 42

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 53 Against: 77 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 112 Against: 117 with percentage of WA nations voting: 43

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 209 Against: 55 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




"Ban on the Administration of Unwanted Substances" is a well-written proposal that is the natural continuation of previous proposals to ensure the right to bodily autonomy. Giving reasonable exceptions to its mandate, it adequately prevents nations or any other entities from applying substances to most individual that would not want that substance applied to them. Additionally, it allows a pathway towards future legislation further covering information in the proposal, including adding more exceptions to the proposal if need be.



While there has been some criticism over the proposal allowing "anti-vaxxers" to put the public at risk of being infected with preventable diseases, these are unfounded concerns. There is a clause that specifically allows the administration of substances deemed necessary "for the widespread public health of either the nation or the large." Furthermore, due to the phrasing in clause two that says "Subject to other World Assembly Legislation...", this resolution, "Public Health And Vaccinations Act", would be in effect and negate any concerns of public health in regards to vaccines.



For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry for World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal.



Standards For International Road Freight

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 3256 Against: 7393

Final Vote (TNP): For: 143 Against: 691 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 29 Against: 113 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 54 Against: 147 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 63 Against: 191 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




This proposal attempts to create a comprehensive set of laws for international cargo transport by road vehicles, but fails to do so reasonably. In clause IV, member states are required to enforce a fee on all road cargo transport entering their nation, which prevents free movement of goods. Clause II mandates that all said transport must be planned beforehand between the foriegn transporters and the domestic national services, a useless and bureaucratic procedure that will rarely be beneficial in practice. Clause VI bans the formation of preferential trade agreements by mandating all nations of origin to be charged the same fee. Lastly, Clause III takes away member states' control of their own borders, requiring entry points to be open at all times except under "compelling purposes".



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Repeal Data Protection Accord

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 1809 Against: 8761

Final Vote (TNP): For: 102 Against: 703 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 25 Against: 105 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 15 Against: 199 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 23 Against: 211 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




Repeal "Data Protection Accord" is a highly flawed proposal that doesn't identify any legitimate issues in the target resolution. A majority of the arguments are based on the premise of national sovereignty, which are not grounds for repeal, and those arguments which are not based on national sovereignty are generally non-issues or nonexistent in the first place. For example, the proposed repeal claims that allowing individuals to see data collected on them is "impractical" - when it should not be impractical to simply allow the viewing of collected data.



Furthermore, there are several points where the proposed repeal claims the target to be vague or otherwise nonviable, which is simply untrue. In all instances where this is mentioned, the issue is not present if good faith compliance is occurring - which all compliance must be - making these issues practically entirely fictitious. It would be one thing if these issues were addressed with an adequate replacement proposal, but no such replacement exists.



For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry on World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of Against the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly.



Requiring Promulgation Of National Laws

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 4955 Against: 5004

Final Vote (TNP): For: 191 Against: 543 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 34 Against: 89 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 80 Against: 119 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 63 Against: 180 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The current proposal at vote, Requiring Promulgation Of National Laws, is flawed in an assortment of ways. Primarily, this legislation is ripe for abuse on multiple levels. There is concern of a potential loophole allowing nations to abuse the period of vacatio legis to indefinitely delay the application of legislation they do not wish to comply with. Regardless of a good faith issue, the proposal does little to outline any restrictions on how vacatio legis may be used. Additionally, this mandated waiting period adds unnecessary bloat to member states' domestic legislative systems, and restricts their ability to quickly deal with any issues that demand haste. Furthermore, there is a gross overreach in empowering the Judicial Committee of the Compliance Commission to shut down emergency legislative functions during a State Of Emergency if they feel you are not in enough "danger" to justify it. Not only should that be a power held only in the hands of each nation's sovereign government, it should not be able to be reviewed by a party that does so only to evaluate the legislative processes of a government in its more dire time of action.



In accordance with the reasoning displayed above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Repeal Ensuring Safe Syringe Use

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 8004 Against: 1474

Final Vote (TNP): For: 687 Against: 64 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 123 Against: 13 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 167 Against: 22 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 196 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




The repeal at vote is well-written and outlines a few major reasons that the target should be repealed. These points were actually pointed out near the beginning of the voting period for the target resolution, but it wasn't enough for a lot of people to vote against without replacement legislation. Now, replacement legislation has been drafted and is simply waiting on "Ensuring Safe Syringe Use" to be repealed. Both the repeal and the replacement adequately address the issues that are in the initial proposal, without being too over-the-top about it. While the repeal is rather short and you can read the issues there, a brief synopsis of them is that some of the wording is overly ambiguous, to the point where the meaning is muddled, and that it constantly refers to "syringes" despite the author meaning to address needles, not syringes. The replacement proposal has neither of these issues.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly



Ethical Treatment Of Animals In Research

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 7553 Against: 1763

Final Vote (TNP): For: 654 Against: 84 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 101 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 180 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 202 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




This proposal serves as a well-written answer to the current dearth of animal rights legislation in the World Assembly. The legislation effectively restricts excessively cruel animal testing, while allowing member nations enough flexibility to engage in testing when it is justified. Additionally, several key clauses ensure that animals are humanely treated both before and after testing, along with prohibiting experimentation on species at risk of extinction unless it will aid in conservation efforts. The establishment of an Animal Experimentation Board is handled well, and allows member nations to receive the necessary funding to comply with the act's provisions.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the resolution, "Ethical Treatment of Animals in Research".



Military Identification Tag Act

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 8036 Against: 1194

Final Vote (TNP): For: 697 Against: 47 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 122 Against: 11 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 142 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 204 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




This resolution clearly from the beginning defines a purpose; which is to install military identification tags for the militaries of WA-member states and it reminds all voters that the absence of medical treatment to recovered, but unresponsive soldiers due to lack of identification on their person is a problem that needs to be fixed. This resolution clearly states the reasons of why such a move would be beneficiary. These include the identification to return fallen soldiers to families and to seek missing or killed soldiers. The steps needed to be taken are also very simple steps to take and the information needed per soldier is not too outrageous. Not only this, but this resolution also protects the soldiers identification from destruction from the opposing sides. This means that under this act, soldiers killed-in-combat will be able to have their remains brought home to their loved ones relatively easily, in theory.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the resolution, "Military Identification Tag Act".





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Security Council

Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.



Condemn This Game

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 5212 Against: 2195

Final Vote (TNP): For: 232 Against: 378 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 148 Against: 28 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 88 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The Ministry acknowledges the humorous intent of this proposal, and as it has completed its purpose of coming to vote on April Fool's Day, the Ministry sees no benefit to passing a joke proposal. Therefore, we recommend a vote Against.



Commend Kuriko

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 5259 Against: 1302

Final Vote (TNP): For: 407 Against: 123 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 48 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 135 Against: 24 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 74 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




"Commend Kuriko" hits all the points to be made for why Kuriko has had an exemplary impact on NationStates. The first predominant reasoning is that Kuriko is a consummate Security Council player, having written the most SC resolutions by any one player, many of which being liberations to protect invaded regions. Kuriko has also been elected Delegate of 10000 Islands three times, a position she served with distinction as her World Assembly experience allows her to spur rational discussion. In the same role, which also gives her responsibility for Foreign Affairs, Kuriko led a notable shift in a region which has been isolationist for the majority of its 17 year history, towards increased cooperation (including with The South Pacific, the Rejected Realms, and Yggdrasil). This has helped to solidify 10000 Islands as a member of the worldwide community, particularly in defending. Kuriko is also the founder of The Hole to Hide In, an impressive role-play region.



TNPers may recall a campaign by Kuriko against a commendation for prominent TNPer Crushing Our Enemies based on his past raiding activities. The ministry recognizes that this came from a strong ideological position which she is obligated to uphold and does not reflect ill on her person or negate her abilities or achievements.



Therefore, the Ministry has come to a conclusion to recommend a vote For this commendation.



Condemn Nations Creating Regions For SC Props

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 1214 Against: 6177

Final Vote (TNP): For: 51 Against: 545 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 8 Against: 107 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 19 Against: 155 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 19 Against: 99 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




Condemn Nations Creating Regions For SC Props' must be the last proposal of its kind to reach the voting floor of the Security Council. As this proposal correctly points out, creating regions as props to commend or condemn them is an awful trend. It is one that began as a joke, admittedly a bit funny as well, yet it has become an annoying bit that must be quashed. There is no effort put into these proposals, no research conducted, and nothing positive is ultimately contributed to the Assembly by them being voted on and potentially passed. It is imperative for us to euthanize this cancerous trend once and for all.



For these reasons, the ministry highly recommends a vote Against this proposal.



Repeal Condemn This Game

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 5968 Against: 4347

Final Vote (TNP): For: 664 Against: 167 with percentage of WA nations voting: 47

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 79 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 156 Against: 42 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 194 Against: 71 with percentage of WA nations voting: 54

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




"Condemn This Game" was a resolution intended to be a joke for April Fools' Day, which the Ministry had opposed due to its lack of purpose. The repeal currently at vote recognizes this, and exemplifies the arguments that jokes shouldn't be made simply for the sake of being made in the Security Council. The repeal also satirises comments from other attempted repeals, taking the assertions and taking it to the extreme, stating that the intent to bring traits such as "good-will", "joy", and "humor" into the Security Council is an overall bad thing and "should be eradicated."



All in all, the author has gone above and beyond to provide a fitting repeal to a light-hearted proposal that wasn't meant to stay. Thus, the Ministry recommends a vote For the proposal.



Commend The Holy Principality Of Saint Mark

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 7672 Against: 2854

Final Vote (TNP): For: 370 Against: 431 with percentage of WA nations voting: 42

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 92 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 181 Against: 41 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 196 Against: 89 with percentage of WA nations voting: 50

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The North Pacific Ministry World Assembly Affairs appreciates the idea of commending the Holy Principality of Saint Mark (commonly known as Halo), but feels that this resolution lacks effort or quality. Its opening clause, stating Halo is "a leader in many aspects of the world", is unsubstantiated throughout the proposal as it only describes their actions in specific regions or organizations. The resolution reads like a laundry list containing very little description of the nominee or proof that these actions are commendable. Examples include listing their former position of "Arbiter in the judicial system", but providing no details on their actions in that position; mentioning their creation of a religion in Albion, without explanation of its purpose or why it was desirable; and stating their role in creating Osiris' court system, without explanation of whether it has impacted the region positively, as court systems are known to be divisive at times. In the most substantive part of this resolution is on their tenure as WA Delegate of [region]the West Pacific[/region], we are left with no understanding of the "Imperial Culture", the "Manners of Governance", or what events Halo responded to "in a thoughtful, reasoned way". On the many treaties negotiated, it fails to state any positive impacts. The resolution also vaguely references "[encouraging] internal reforms in The Pacific" without explanation of what internal reforms or what work was done by Halo to cause them. The mention of NSToday's News Partnership Framework is bewildering as there is no evidence of whether the organization has become a positive force, or whether there are any benefits to the regions themselves, of which Halo is a leader (as stated throughout the proposal).



In hopes of a proposal which will more clearly demonstrate the commendability of the nominee, the Ministry recommends a vote Against the proposal.



Condemn Deruuu

Status: Failed

Final Vote (World): For: 1564 Against: 8987

Final Vote (TNP): For: 82 Against: 733 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41

Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against

Final Vote (Balder): For: 11 Against: 118 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 31 Against: 184 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40

Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 38 Against: 213 with percentage of WA nations voting: 42

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




The Security Council is polluted by an excessively-large series of joke proposals, each one more tiresome than the last, and many players are fed up with it. "Condemn Deruuu" is yet another one of these resolutions; one which should've been posted on the forums to entertain without being submitted. The resolution is centered around a single, 20 minute YouTube video around NS by Drew Durnil, who owns Deruuu and recruited players to NationStates with the video. He only did things any new player would do: answered issues, read telegrams, voted on WA resolutions, made fun of Marrabuk, etc. This objectively makes Deruuu no better as a NationStates player than anyone else. The above-average quality about Deruuu is that they run a popular YouTube channel, something which is irrelevant to a NationStates World Assembly. If that weren't enough, the resolution claims that a temporary site outage was caused by the influx of nations from Drew Durnil's YouTube channel, when in reality there was . This inaccuracy unravels the claim made in "Condemn Deruuu".



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote Against "Condemn Deruuu".



Commend Destructive Government Economic System

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 9529 Against: 1720

Final Vote (TNP): For: 812 Against: 86 with percentage of WA nations voting: 43

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 189 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 40

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 246 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 41

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




Early on after trading cards were introduced, Destructive Government Economic System (DGES) discovered the essential value behind cards with ex-nation flags: they realized "ex-flags" wouldn't exist in later seasons. DGES argued for the special recognition and collection of these cards (inspiring many members of the community), and paid enormous markup for these ex-flags. The card community has dedicated itself to collecting ex-flags is normal and, with the discovery that ex-nation's cards only spawn while at auction, a culture (which DGES has greatly assisted in) of paying a high amount of bank for some ex nation cards has sprung up. DGES has paid a massive markup to collect and display thousands of ex-nations, and has collected virtually every major ex-nation card. In addition, DGES has also helped the community in their role as a Deputy Guildmaster of the Cards Guilds of The North Pacific, the largest region-based cards community that has benefitted countless TNPers, and by authoring a comprehensive guide to cards for all nations to use.



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For the proposal.



Commend Almonaster Nuevo

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 9659 Against: 978

Final Vote (TNP): For: 771 Against: 60 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 13 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 182 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 236 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




The flag of one's choice is often difficult for them to obtain, but some players devote their time to making them for other players. Almonaster Nuevo has spent a half a decade selflessly making flags for hundreds of strangers, notably in . They're respectful, prolific, and serviceable in their work, making them extremely well-known for flag making. Additionally, Almonaster Nuevo has been a wonderful inclusion to the communities they have participated in, including consummate ambassador work and NationStates World Fair maintainence. We find the sheer abundance of this unrewarding work to be enough to commend Almonaster Nuevo.



The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of For "Commend Almonaster Nuevo".



Condemn Psychotic Dictatorships

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 8011 Against: 2454

Final Vote (TNP): For: 697 Against: 115 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 95 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 175 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 183 Against: 46 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




"Condemn Psychotic Dictatorships" is an entertaining (and well-written) proposal, but nonetheless recognizes the region as an example of how dictatorships should be played. Psychotic Dictatorships reflects their name well. The region strictly , and enforce silly rules characteristic of a stereotypical tyranny, which provides a great example of how to roleplay a tyranny without disturbing others. Ironically, this unique and vibrant dictatorship is worth emulation to any prospective and current dictators on NationStates.



For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For "Condemn Psychotic Dictatorships.



Commend Audioslavia

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 8869 Against: 1010

Final Vote (TNP): For: 735 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 103 Against: 11 with percentage of WA nations voting: 24

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 188 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 210 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




Roleplay resolutions are quite uncommon, so it's always pleasing to see one appear. On top of this, "Commend Audioslavia" is an excellent resolution. The proposal is written by an experienced roleplayer who clearly went though adequate research and drafting to document Audioslavia's history in NationStates. Audioslavia has contributed to the NationStates community in roleplaying consummately in sports competitions. This is made evident by their achievements in winning football (aka soccer) competitions, amalgams of randomness and roleplay skill. They have also given back to the community as demonstrated in clause 2, where Audioslavia is cited as running competitions, teaching new players, and providing football assistance through "kits".



The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of For "Commend Audioslavia".



Condemn Auphelia

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 5789 Against: 3172

Final Vote (TNP): For: 594 Against: 143 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 38 Against: 79 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against

Final Vote (Europe): For: 122 Against: 55 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 119 Against: 80 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against



Recommendation:




This is a well written, highly creative, and humorous RP condemn of Auphelia, a prominent member of the TSP community. We believe that the proposal fulfils its main objective, to jokingly condemn Auphelia for RP actions. While some were put off by the graphic descriptions of torture within the proposal, they mirror the style of Auphelia and are a creative addition to the proposal. We believe proposals that are well constructed and employ humour tastefully should be supported, this being a great example of such.



For these reasons The North Pacific's Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote of For "Condemn Auphelia".



Commend Candensia

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 7408 Against: 1184

Final Vote (TNP): For: 656 Against: 62 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 92 Against: 22 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 156 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 194 Against: 7 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




Commend Candensia is a well-written, unique take on a unique nation who has applied themselves to the admirable but under-appreciated cause of music education, as well as some other niche but similarly important topics such as last meals for criminals on death row, and several takes on environmental issues among several others. In addition, Candensia has applied themselves to protecting and serving the region of The Hole to Hide In - in their offices as WA Delegate and Chief Moderator, has contributed to the Security Council by authoring SC#275 "Commend Jutsa" and co-authoring SC#291 "Commend Duxburian Union", the latter of which is notable for commending a defender and member of European Union.



All of these factors come together to form a well put-together, deserving case for Candensia's commendation and applause from this Security Council. For these reasons, the Ministry recommends a vote For this resolution.



Commend Vilita And Turori

Status: Passed

Final Vote (World): For: 6825 Against: 1228

Final Vote (TNP): For: 617 Against: 67 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33.56

Delegate's Vote (TNP): For

Final Vote (Balder): For: 92 Against: 24 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26.36

Delegate's Vote (Balder): For

Final Vote (Europe): For: 141 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30.55

Delegate's Vote (Europe): For

Final Vote (Europeia): For: 176 Against: 30 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32.14

Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For



Recommendation:




In the opinion of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, "Commend Vilita and Turori" is a shining example of what a well-done Security Council resolution should look like. The proposal rightly commends [nation]Vilita and Turori[/nation], a roleplayer of exceptional caliber and staunch contributor to the NationStates sports community. The proposal highlights their contributions and achievements in great detail, including creating [region]Atlantian Oceania[/region] (a core region in the NSSports community), spurring development of the Baptism of Fire (a tournament for new players), and hosting a remarkable number of competitions both big and small. Significant thought clearly went into writing this proposal, and it stands as a fitting way to commend such a deserving nation.



For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the resolution, Commend Vilita and Turori.



The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth

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The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.



 

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Editor's Note

by Gorundu, Minister of Communications



Issue XXXI of The Northern Lights is the first issue to be published in over half a year. This issue's focus is outside TNP, with events, people and relationships in the wider NationStates, and particularly Gameplay, community, being explored from a TNP perspective. It is our continued goal for The Northern Lights to be a recognized forum to discuss the things that affect NationStates communities and TNP's place in it. As always, no views espoused in this or future Issues represent the official TNP government stance unless otherwise stated.



Gorundu

TNP Minister of Communications

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A TEP Story: Interview with Libertanny, Delegate of TEP

by Gorundu, Minister of Communications

Today I'm joined by Libertanny, who was just recently elected Delegate of The East Pacific in an unusually a election. Welcome, Libertanny! How are you going?



Hello Gorundu! I would say that I am doing rather well. I wasn't sure what to expect after being elected, but it seems similar to being Vice-Delegate, you just have to sign papers more often and answer to more pings. I am, for sure, positively surprised how few little changes in Cabinet and election of new Delegate boosted Cabinet's and Executive's activity by few times.



Well, those pings are the price you have to pay :p

If you don't mind, let's wind back a bit. How did you make your start on NationStates?




Well, my start in NationStates is highly linked to another game I played - AtWar. I was one of founders of Bushido Order and one day, one of members pinged us on Discord saying that he found a cool game (NS). We joined it and became Got Issues Players. We did not care about the fact that half of us were in TWP and another half in TNP. All we cared about was bragging with stats. Almost a year after that, Bushido Order was disbanded and I joined NS (again). I started my journey from Roleplay - committing genocide on my streets. It worked, it brought a lot of attention (lol). I then RPed for a while, until I sent a long brief on RMB and RMB RP situation to the Delegate. They hired me to EPNS. 2 weeks after that I proposed repeal of EPNS Act, formation of the Ministry of Information and as it has succeeded, I was appointed Minister of Information. Soon after that, Fedele took over and I was appointed Minister of Propaganda (sick times), which then evolved into being one of two Second-in-Commands of The East Pacific. In the meantime I served in almost every executive body. I left TEP due to incident that happened on 16th of December 2018. I came back around June of 2019 and I have been here since then.



Wow, that's a colorful career in a short time! What made you decide to come back in 2019, and how different was it from when you left?



In The East Pacific we have a saying, which I would say is highly linked to Todd - "You are here forever". There is some kind of truth, that even if you leave, you are missing something in your life. It's an addiction that is hard to get rid of. Speaking of Todd McCloud, he played an important role. After incident in 2018, he was the one who contacted me and told me story about one of former Delegates. They got a second chance in TEP and became a Delegate one day. Maybe it was his story? Maybe not. (Editor's Note: We believe the story is referring to Der Fuhrer Dyzsel, a former member of Empire who participated in its coup of TEP, but later was legitimately elected Delegate) But I've always had that story somewhere in my mind. So why I came back was probably the motto and story Todd told me. I then stayed in TEP as Fedele and Co welcomed me warmly. Ironically, I then became one of biggest people in opposition to his administration. I took what he offered and used it against him.



I think the main difference was in me. That break changed me - I stopped being an annoying teenager and became a more stable person. Which had a huge impact on my career, people started trusting me more. Speaking of differences in TEP - everything seemed different. Executive was dead, Fedele had his people in Magisterium, they were already preparing for what's to come. Thankfully, there was more people than me who noticed it. I would say that I started building resistance against Fedele from first days since I came back, whilst at the same time actively VCing and 'making friends' with Fedele and his people.



Well, we all know what happened after that...when you made it back to the Executive under Marrabuk's Delegacy as MoFA, what were the first things you did?



I would say that the first steps was trying to find out what I am even supposed to do. I was appointed MoFA, as I had some experience with dealing with FA and I had contacts all around NS. But I had frankly no idea, what to do as MoFA. First contacts with other MoFAs were terrible - everything seemed so serious and so professional. But I managed to break the ice and start making 'friends' with other officials, to the point that sometimes talking FA stuff was the minor part of conversations. I think the first real steps were total reorganization of MoFA server and structure of Ministry - abolishment of Deputy Minister of FA, introduction of four-level hierarchy (Junior Diplomat, Diplomat, Senior Diplomat, Minister) alongside introduction of spheres (overseen by Seniors). In a longer run, I'd say it pretty much paid off. The idea has also evolved to the point where MoFA is not lead by just the Minister, but by "Inner Circle" - a Council of Seniors, Minister and Delegate.



Speaking of contacts around NS, did you build any relationships outside TEP before Fedele's coup and then becoming MoFA?



My main FA experiences during before coup were experiences before December 2018. Serving as Minister of Information, then Minister of Propaganda and then Chief Minister of Comms (second-in-command) I have been reaching out to people mostly regarding events, newspaper and other stuffs of that kind. There was a moment when we were even working on inter-Pacifican newspaper - the idea, however, died. I made a few contacts in the NPO, TNP and TRR mostly. During my journey after December 2018, I also met new people in TNP, Gay and TRR, as I have been in these regions for a moment. Most of contacts I made were mostly due to me actively talking on foreign Discords. I have then used these contacts before coup, whilst working on resistance. I was getting notifications from other regions on how they perceive TEP and Fedele's actions. After becoming the MoFA, it was a total boom. I rapidly got in touch with most of friends of TEP, but I have also started reaching our to new regions, meeting even more people. The list of "cool people I met" would probably make a long list. Just to list a few? Most of Senators in NPO; Kuramia, Dax, Pichto, Peeps from Europeia; Syr, Holdac from TNP or Andy, Appleberry, Helvetics from Thaecia. The list is really long, as there are many awesome people in NS.



I'm sure these people will all appreciate your shoutouts :p

If you have to pick however, who would be the one or two people that you would say have influenced you the most?




Frankly, I would say that people that influenced me the most are all former or current TEPers. I use to call Mecovy (former EPNS Editor) my "first and main Mentor", but there was also Queen Yuno and Aelitia Astor, that all played important roles. I cannot forget about Atlae and Tretrid, who helped be build my first Ministry. All these 5 people helped me a lot during my first steps in Gameplay, which I consider to be abolishment of EPNS and creation of Ministry of Information. There's also a loud shoutout to Xoriet, who serve with awesome advice and Grey, who tried to teach me R/D. Most recently, it was Bachtendekuppen, who influenced me a lot. So probably as I said, all of these people were or are TEPers.



What would you say were your proudest achievements in your roles as Minister of Information and MoFA?



My proudest achievement in all of my GP career is the Ministry of Information itself. I wasn't really sure what and why I am doing, but with advice from people mentioned above, I have managed to do a huge change. We had EPNS, which served as newspaper body. Taking advice and talking ideas with Yuno and Aelitia, I proposed the repeal of the EPNS Act (as I stated, it was too restricting); I built a new Ministry from scratch (with help from Atlae and Tretrid). During the best stage of this Ministry (when it was called Ministry of Propaganda), it had around 23 workers and several tasks: doing newspaper, doing informational dispatches, being a hut for coders and designers, doing text editing, preparing regional TGs and probably few more I'm forgetting. So that is my proudest achievement. Building "My Little Empire" from scratch. The fact that it was then successfully abolished and ruined by Fedele very rapidly is whole another story.



Speaking of MoFA, that is probably the creation of "My Second Little Empire". I reorganized the Discord server, introduced new liberalized FA Policies and most importantly, introduced a four-level hierarchy, which is still in place today. The hierarchy is split into 4 levels: Junior Diplomats (who serve as right hands of Diplomats), Diplomats (who oversee regions), Seniors (who oversee whole spheres) and Minister. This idea has also naturally evolved enough, to change the whole leadership of Ministry. It's no more the Minister's playground. Our FA is now lead by "Inner Circle" - a Council made of Seniors, Minister and Delegate. All leadership job is done by team as a whole and so are taken all decision. Ministry of FA is an example of perfect teamwork and how it pays off in a longer run.



Is there an article you're most proud of that was published during your time as Minister of Information? Or do you love all of them equally?



Haha. I would say that I love them all equally, as it was another example of teamwork. What is, however, worth noting is that there was a moment when we had an additional RMB Newspaper! That was for sure what we were all proud of, especially since it made RMB interact with Government (i.e. answering in polls for newspaper needs). Such interaction paid off, as RMBers started applying for Citizenship and joining Ministry of Information!



Alright then. Let's move on to the future now. What are you most excited about doing, now that you're Delegate?



That'd probably be introducing the "more original" ideas from my campaign. Firstly, that is Bureau of Public Affairs, which is supposed to be a channel between Region (Residents and Citizens) and Government. As a part of that idea, RMB RP and Forum RP are allowed to elect / select their representatives to the Cabinet. There is also few other tasks, but all of them are aimed towards Government interacting with the Region more. Second thing would be the idea, that started during Marrabuk's administration - formation of Consortium. As of now, we have already began planning stage of it. But from less practical and more theoretical things, I'm excited about having a possibility to work on betterment of our region as Delegate.



I was quite amazed to notice a while ago that TEP is a treatied ally with every feeder and sinker, except for Lazarus (which I believe TEP intends to negotiate a treaty with soon). As MoFA during the negotiation of a quite a few of those treaties, obviously you had a lot to do with them. Why did TEP decide on this FA approach, and do you believe it's better to have as many allies as possible?



Firstly, I would like to make it clear, that I for sure do not support the approach of "let's make a treaty with everyone around us". Treaties are to be well-thought and they need to be beneficial for both sides. Many treaties were made before I probably even knew about Gameplay. As for the recent ones, I would not say that this is anything of an approach or FA target / policy. It's simply the fact that both sides were interested in a treaty and we decided to pursue for them. From TEP's position, it's also rather easy to become "friends" or "treated allies" with many regions. We are known for being neutral diplomatically and unaligned militarily. So conflicts of interest are rather non-existent. The only restriction, I would say, is the fact that a treated ally, or any region we are establishing relations with, has to accept our general approach to GP - "You are independent and sovereign, we won't interfere in your internal or foreign affairs, unless asked to. But we require the same from you."



Speaking of general approach to GP, how much attention would you say TEP pays to the NSGP community, and when does TEP choose when to listen to or ignore what NSGP has to say?



I would say that we pay attention to NSGP. I can't say if it's little or much attention. I would say, that we are rather up to date with things, but we don't see a need to participate or have a stance in the 243rd conversation about a coup of region X.



When do we listen to NSGP? Probably never. NSGP is full of manipulation and we also don't go with the mainstream. If we find some topic important, we always try to get more background and information, to see the whole picture and have a neutral stance (as in - not manipulated by any side). We, however, rather rarely share our opinions, as we have more important tasks than dealing with NSGP dramas.



Of course, TNP ourselves have been an ally of TEP for quite a while now. How would you say we have been as an ally during your time?



The North Pacific has been an awesome ally, from what I heard (mostly). I myself haven't had too much of an interaction with TNP, except for hosting Paradoxical'20 together. But hearing a lot from Marrabuk, I was painted a picture of TNP as an awesome ally. The best example would probably be TNP reaching out to us and proposing is to use their tools, without expecting anything in exchange or trying to show, that "North is the better Pacific". It is common that people tend to become arrogant as the power comes. I haven't noticed or heard anything of that kind regarding TNP - it tells a lot about the region. What I am hoping for is for sure more events, we enjoyed first edition of Paradoxical a lot.



Thanks for the flattering comments! Last question - who do you think was the best Delegate of TEP and the one you will look up to the most?



I would say that every Delegate did something I can support. Yuno's administration was very liberal towards how Ministers organize their Ministries. Marrabuk boosted regional unity. Fedele actively interacted with Residents. That's the recent examples. I would say that most of TEP Delegates were awesome, and I will look up not to people, but to their ideas.



Hehe...I was kind of expecting that you wouldn't just name one person. Anyway, that's all we have time for! Do you have any parting words?



I guess I do. I'd like to order a release of your newspaper with your signature on it! And thank you for the interview.



Thanks for coming too! Hope you have a great day, and a great Delegacy!



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The Power20: How not to rank players

by Bormiar, Deputy Minister of Communications; Officer of WA Affairs and former Media Officer of The Rejected Realms

To readers who have not yet heard of "NationStates Today", the newspaper reports on common events such as elections on top of recording podcasts with popular figures. The gameplay-centric organization frequently affiliates itself with other regions in cross-promotional agreements. It has hosted election debates in Thalassia, The Leftist Assembly, and Lazarus.



NationStates Today hosts a biannual publication entitled the "Power20", the product of a panel of experienced players' interpretation of the most influential. The publication has been heavily vilified, which begs the question: "Why don't players like the Power20?"



The paper is known for skewing towards members of regions such as Osiris and the West Pacific, and the latest Power20 is no better than the rest. The graph in the next page shows Power20 members by affiliated region (some are members of multiple):



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Region affiliation is determined by the descriptions provided, as the article states that "the panellists were also asked to provide reasoning for each choice, which was used to determine descriptions". The only exception is Kuriko, where her influence can be presumed as heavily part of her role as 10,000 Islands delegate.



As can easily be seen in the above graph, Osiris, The West Pacific, Karma, The Black Hawks, and Balder have a substantial skew in members (though readers of the Power20 would not find this surprising whatsoever). While bias cannot be concluded from this information alone, members of regions such as The East Pacific, 10000 Islands, The North Pacific, The Rejected Realms and Lazarus should be immediately confused, given that all of those regions have immensely influential, active players. Even further, the delegate of 10,000 Islands wasn't even credited for that as a source of influence; r3naissanc3r, an incredibly important member of The North Pacific was credited first for creating automated tools for Balder and Europeia; and Frattastan's influence in the Rejected Realms was briefly noted as "a major voice in policy". Why does a single sinker somehow have more hyper-influential members than three other GCRs, combined? Why is over half of the Power20 members credited for work in Osiris, The West Pacific, Balder, or The Black Hawks?



Bias can only be determined if the results do not match reality, or if the methodology is provably designed to favor a certain result. A strong case can be made for both. First, the North Pacific's member on the panel, Madjack, was never sent the link to vote. A note from Wymondham states that this was due to "an unforeseen family emergency", though that did not affect any other panelist, and Wymondham originally didn't even know that there was a TNPer on board. McMasterdonia immediately confirmed that no member of the North Pacific's cabinet said they were asked to participate, which is questionable considering the panelists were mostly made up of high-level government members. While real-life is a valid excuse, it does not make the list any better at expressing the opinion of the North Pacific. Second, many of the regions "neglected" by the most recent Power20 have large militaries, significant diplomatic sway, a large playerbase, and high-influence players who control them. It seems unlikely that many of the North Pacific's extremely prominent members (and yes, this author and publication potentially harbors unintentional bias), who could influence a large military, the most World Assembly votes in the world, and all the prestige and sway of a GCR, would not appear on the Power20, aside from McMasterdonia. This is more surprising upon considering that the delegacies of Osiris and the West Pacific were considered prime reasons to place Rigel and Bran Astor, respectively, on the list (neither had been on the previous list). Upon first glance-- and first deep dive -- it seems clear that the list is biased.



However, NationStates Today's definition of "an influential individual" is... murky. "An individual who has been actively influential in the GP community in the last 6 months or who could have been actively influential in an impactful way, if they chose, in the last 6 months". The definition seems innocent, but "community" is extremely ambiguous and not defined. It could mean the broader gameplay world, regarding the less noticeable powers who are not active within the gameplay forums or discord, such as a region-builder in any GCR or a leader of an isolationist military, in which case there would be no reasonable claims of bias. "Community" more likely means the influences within the gameplay forums and discord, indirectly -- but most likely directly -- present. These are the players who influence the perceptions and gameplay of other players in their community. GCRs which are less involved in this NSGP community are free from their networking grasp, and free (mostly) from the Power20. That's why such an odd focus has been made on the position of NSGP admin (referring to the discord server). That's also why there's a skew towards regions whose members involve themselves in NSGP, such as Osiris and The West Pacific. Disregarding the Madjack snafu, the list is not biased, simply useless for determining true gameplay prominence.



Therein lies the problem with the Power20. The Power20 focuses almost entirely on a subgroup within gameplay of players who network, appeal to, and manipulate other members of that subgroup within gameplay. Gameplayers within that subgroup are known to like the Power20 because it appeals to their community, and gameplayers distant from it criticize it relentlessly.



Why don't players like the Power20? It's just not written for them.



So if it probably won't be reasonable to me as a North Pacifican, is there any good reason to read it? Nope! :)

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Europe: Elections, Fraud and Secrets

by Canibull, Reporter for The Northern Lights

On 26 May 2020, the Government of Europe issued an executive order, Cabinet Order 2020, that saw the Home Secretary, Feria-Alkaline, stood down from office. The basis: Feria-Alkaline's importation of foreign votes into the European Parliament.



Three days earlier, on May 23, Feria-Alkaline admitted to contacting private real-world friends and convincing them to create World Assembly nations, in the hope of securing the passage of the Defence Office Act 2020. Authored by Regnum Italiae, the act would have seen the creation of an additional Cabinet position that served to bolster Europe's defences against, ironically, foreign intervention.



Imperium Anglorum, Europe's World Assembly Delegate and de facto leader since late 2016, stood opposed to the passage of the Defence Office Act for a series of reasons. From Feria-Alkaline's perspective, the act was neither necessary nor redundant, and so the Home Secretary resolved to support the executive's position.



"It's never a bad idea to have 'the Man' on your side," Feria-Alkaline told the Northern Light.



The man in question, however, did not return Feria-Alkaline's blasé approach.



Otherwise, Feria-Alkaline has described her actions as a demonstration of Europe's electoral weaknesses. She strongly argues that vote rigging needs to be criminalised entirely, and that it has not been due to administrative complacency. When the Northern Light declared her a martyr, she did not reject the title.



Cabinet Order 2020 included screenshots highlighting Feria-Alkaline's crimes. Feria-Alkaline argues that these screenshots were manipulated. Imperium Anglorum denies any such manipulation.



On the surface, the case is rather transparent. But through its seeming simplicity, it invites speculation, and if readers are wondering how such came to pass, they can find some explanation within the confines of this article. Europe, like any region in NationStates, is not without its secrets.



Europe is one of NationStates' oldest user-created regions, founded in 2002. Renowned for its contribution to the World Assembly, its professional legislature and its refusal to institute an endorsement cap, it has played part in the game-wide conflict against the notorious Confederation of Corrupt Dictators (CCD).



The Northern Light is repulsed to print anything remotely associated with CCD, but for once the region's antics actually do shed light on an important feature of Europe's governing laws. In 2018, CCD attacked Europe and installed Foucaults garden as World Assembly Delegate. The following update saw Imperium Anglorum take back the delegacy.



This transference of power was, in fact, legal. Proudly, though obviously at the risk of foreign interference, Europe conducts elections for its World Assembly Delegate every twelve hours. This approach is unique to amongst all regions of note within NationStates.



When pressed, Imperium Anglorum recounted his rise to power as Europe's World Assembly Delegate. He fought a hard campaign against his principle opponent, Jenesia, in 2015, advocating for regional reform. Such reforms included the creation of a clear law code, the creation of a constitution, a more active role for government, and a restart of recruiting efforts.



Imperium Anglorum has described his initial attempts to see these reforms carried as "overly ambitious". A week after his election, he lost his delegacy to Jenesia. After a period of months, he returned to the post and began his reforms at a more measured pace. From this point onwards - late 2016 - Europe saw an unprecedented population boom, the effects of which are still felt today.



Alternatively, Feria-Alkaline has existed within Europe since the nation's founding. She served for three terms as First Deputy Commissioner during 2018 before rising to Secretary of the Home Office in September of that year at Imperium Anglorum's invitation.



Interestingly, September was not the first time Imperium Anglorum had offered Feria-Alkaline the Home Office. On 13 February 2018, Imperium Anglorum wrote to Feria-Alkaline over Discord concerning the retirement of then-Home Secretary Jenesia (the same Jenesia that had given Imperium Anglorum a run for his money back in 2015):

"I don't know who to replace [Jenesia] with that I can pretty reasonably trust [for the position of Home Secretary] other than you."



Perhaps Imperium Anglorum faced similar concerns when considering the addition of a Defence Secretary.



In any regional government, loyalty is arguably the most important quality of a regional officer. Sometimes this can come at the expense of the democratic process.

"The cabinet is comprised of Imperium Anglorum and, well, Imperium Anglorum's cronies," said Feria-Alkaline.

"The only thing elected by the people is the commissioners."



When a movement surfaced to increase the authority of these commissioners by way of the Commission Reform Act 2018, Imperium Anglorum opposed it. The reform act failed to carry.



Feria-Alkaline has also drawn the Northern Light towards some of Europe's more authoritarian legal provisions. The Government Act 2017 includes a clause on statuary interpretation, which reads:

"Interpretation of statutory law will be vested in a 'European Council' composed of three persons: the Founder, the author of The Basic Law, and the current Delegate."

"Which is EuroFounder (inactive), Imperium Anglorum (author of The Basic Law), and Imperium Anglorum again," said Feria-Alkaline.



This clause came as a surprise to the Northern Light, but Feria-Alkaline was unfazed. She contends that no one really knows how Imperium Anglorum's power is codified, since Europe's laws and constitution are so difficult for the ordinary person to interpret.

"This **** doesn't make sense to me and I've been here for three years and Home Secretary for nearly two," said Feria-Alkaline.



That said, Imperium Anglorum alerted the Northern Light to his many publications explaining Europe's laws.

"If others in Europe have ideas to simplify our laws or make them clearer, I would be happy to cooperate with them in doing so, as I have in the past," said Imperium Anglorum.



While Feria-Alkaline paints a bleak, almost dictatorial, image of Imperium Anglorum's Europe, the World Assembly Delegate has hit back strongly, attacking Feria-Alkaline's credibility.



"I did not intend to dismiss Feria before the Defence Office act's irregularities became known," said Imperium Anglorum.



Nonetheless, he and Feria-Alkaline suffered past disagreements.

"Since the creation of the Moderation Committee, we have disagreed repeatedly on the enforcement of RMB moderation regulations. In one case, I asked for and received her recusal from a moderation case, as she was involved in an exchange."

"But in most cases, consensuses emerged on the committee."



Imperium Anglorum also alerted the Northern Light to an incident from September 2018 involving Feria-Alkaline and Aweland from the region, supplemented with legitimate evidence.

"Two days after Feria was appointed as Home Secretary, she claimed to have 'accidentally' banned Aweland from [Europe]. She apologised to him both publicly and privately, which I had recommended."

"I am not entirely sure that she in fact gave the apology, but she admitted on 13 May 2020 that her claim of 'accidentally' banning Aweland was a lie."

"However, this did not induce me to dismiss her almost two weeks later, as I then believed that such unlawfulness would not be repeated."



Some might argue that for Imperium Anglorum to hold such a belief indicates a certain level of nativity. Feria-Alkaline had performed unlawful acts in the past, including importing votes to secure the passage of Statutory Revisions Act 2018. The same tactics that were used this May were used in 2018.



Feria-Alkaline has claimed that Imperium Anglorum had a vested interest to see the passage of the revisions act. Imperium Anglorum has denied being aware of the importation, and has in any case argued that the May importations were to his benefit too.

Furthermore, Feria-Alkaline has expressed concern with Imperium Anglorum's leadership presence.

"[He] is conspicuously not around much," she told the Northern Light.

"The man's so ******* distant it's like being ruled by a wall."



Feria-Alkaline also contended that Imperium Anglorum was now more involved in the General Assembly of the World Assembly than he was in Europe's government. To date, Imperium Anglorum has authored a total thirty World Assembly resolutions, making him one of the most prolific legislators in NationStates' history.



The Northern Light had no difficulty in reaching Imperium Anglorum for an interview.



Several other nations also offered their interpretation of Imperium Anglorum's delegacy, confirming Feria-Alkaline's beliefs. These nations requested anonymity for their own safety. Feria-Alkaline also expressed concern:

"I prefer not to endanger my friends."

"I know a few who, after this debacle, have begun to more vocally disapprove of Imperium Anglorum, but always in side servers."



It is even Feria-Alkaline's opinion that the European government is scared of its leader, whose addiction to power knows no bounds.



Both Feria-Alkaline and Imperium Anglorum were asked to describe Imperium Anglorum's five-year delegacy in one word.

"Long," was Feria-Alkaline's immediate response.



Imperium Anglorum declined to comment, declaring the question "unhelpful".



Regardless, Europe is an undeniably successful region, and whatever its politics it remains a close friend and ally of The North Pacific. The Northern Light was pleased to conduct this inquiry, and looks forward to working with both Imperium Anglorum and Feria-Alkaline in the future.



For now, Feria-Alkaline intends to remain in Europe and work productively to "close the loopholes" she has uncovered.



Imperium Anglorum has given his assurances to the Northern Light that legislative actions are being taken to unequivocally criminalise the importation of votes into both Europe's elections and Parliament.



The Northern Lights: Beauty in Truth

Publisher: Prydania :: Executive Editor: Gorundu



The Northern Lights is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Except where otherwise indicated, all content does not represent the views of the Government of The North Pacific.



 

Fregerson

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The Spotlight - Interview with Prydania
by Chinese Rebel, Reporter for The North Star

Chinese Rebel: Well everyone, here we are with our Delegate Prydania. I have a few questions I'd like to ask. Let's start from the beginning - How did you get started in NationStates?

Prydania: So I got started in NationStates like so many do, as a teenager who was interested in politics and history.

I was in my grade twelve year of high school and I had just finished with Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. And I stumbled upon NationStates. I was still thinking about a passage form Nineteen Eighty-Four that explained that the totalitarian INGSOC regime had built a statue to honour Oliver Cromwell. Something about a socialist Britain that found common cause with Cromwell was very interesting, so I created Inglo-Scotia. It was a Britain expy whose government was a mix of Orwell's INGSOC regime and Cromwell's British republic.

I can't remember where I spawned, but I quickly joined the Lexicon where I met Eluvatar. That was back in 2006.

Chinese Rebel: That is such a long time ago! How did you eventually make your way into The North Pacific's government?

Prydania: I came to TNP full time in the summer of 2017. I had some bad experiences with game play and regional government in my last region, Taijitu. I had been there for nine years by that point, but it ended in a very explosive way.

So I decided I only wanted to be part of RP in TNP. No government stuff. Problem was I was a good enough RPer to be made a RP mod! And that got some attention from the GP community. I had to turn down multiple offers to be Minister of Culture. I finally accepted when Minister of Culture MadJack resigned in the final two weeks of Ghost's last term. I agreed to fill in. And Fiji, who succeeded Ghost, convinced me to stay on. I ended up staying on as Minister of Culture for a year. And then enough people who I respected in GP convinced me to give a run at Delegate a try. And here I am!

So I got started in TNP government through slow, eventual capitulation to peer pressure! Not a good look for a teacher, I admit, but I'm glad I did. I'm proud of what I've been able to do as both Minister of Culture and as Delegate.

Chinese Rebel: That is an extremely interesting experience! So for most of your time in government you have been Minister of Culture. What did you oversee and accomplish in that position?

Prydania: Regular publication of the Roleplay Reel magazine. We set up and ran a number of cultural events with regions such as Greater Díenstad, XKI, and the other Pacifics. We ran fantasy football, which was a huge success. And we successfully resurrected the Lennarts. Not to mention getting a RP map included in the 2019 Democracy Day reward package!

Chinese Rebel: So now that you are Delegate, what has been your most challenging problem so far?

Prydania: So that's an interesting question! This is my first shot at being Delegate in my long time spent in NationStates, but that long run in the game has given me a good idea of what the position entails. My good friend Sovereign Dixie was a multiple time Delegate or Taijitu, and I served as his Vice Delegate for one of those terms.

So I decided to run for Delegate it TNP with a pretty good idea of what the job would entail. As such most of the trials of the office haven't bothered me too much. I knew what I was signing up for, essentially.

I would say the biggest problem I've had is dealing with what I didn't expect. TNP is a very large region with a lot of moving parts. Of course as Delegate I oversee many of those moving parts but even so. It seems like a lot of people, both inside TNP and outside, are of the belief that I'm the guy who can snap my fingers and address whatever problems they have. I've been inundated with requests about the Civil Defence Siren and embassies and "grand initiatives" random players dream up in their spare time since I was sworn in.

The trials of the Delegacy- working to accomplish goals I want to see accomplished- I'm fine with those. I knew what I was getting into.

Being the point man to absorb everyone's random thoughts or grievances, however, has taken some adjustments.

Chinese Rebel: Of course, there will eventually be a time when you are no longer Delegate. What do you plan to do then?

Prydania: I plan on focusing on my roleplay. Both as an active participant in the roleplay community and with my duties and lead RP mod.

Chinese Rebel: One thing I've been wondering - did you ever consider joining the NPA?

Prydania: No. I had a few unremarkable stints in the Taijitu army but military gameplay isn't really my cup of tea. That being said, working with Rom as my Minister of Defence and the rest of the NPA has been an enlightening experience. The work those guys and girls put into the Army is incredible.

Chinese Rebel: Now, as a Delegate, I'm sure you've looked to past Delegates for inspiration. Who was the delegate when you first arrived and do you think they did a good job?

Prydania: I arrived in the summer of 2017, and the Delegate was Ghost. I thought he did an amazing job, despite being hampered with the RMB drama that was kicked up just before his term started. I have a lot of respect for Ghost, and it's been an honour. Both to kick off my Minister of Culture career under his Delegacy and to have him on board as my Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Chinese Rebel: And who was your favourite Delegate?

Prydania: A lot of them are quite good. McMasterdonia's ability to be everywhere at once was something to admire. McM has also been a great mentor for me in both the Delegacy and earlier in the Ministry of Culture. Fiji provided calm, stable leadership that I personally see a lot of myself in. Ghost is that special sort of leader who can just get you to do anything after a pep-talk! Siwale did a lot for the RP community and the RMB, which I think speaks a great deal to his character because he's not really part of either community. Yet he went the extra mile for both communities.

Those would be the favourites of mine since I've been here, but if I had to pick one? Geeze...I would go with Fiji because I tend to jive with his leadership style and it's one my own is closest to.

Chinese Rebel: Well, unfortunately, that's all we have time for. Thank you for joining us in this interview, Prydania!

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North Pacific Army Bulletin - June 2020
by Gorundu, Lieutenant of the North Pacific Army

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Leadership

Minister of Defence: General Rom
Deputy Ministers of Defence: Colonel Robespierre and Colonel BMWSurfer


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The North Pacific Army and The Black Hawks wait for orders to enter Liberty Nations Alliance during RaiderCon

So what has the North Pacific Army been up to these days, you ask. Well, curious reader, let me tell you the answer - a lot! We started the month of June with an occupation in SECFanatics, courtesy of an invitation from our friends at The Black Hawks, to stop them from spamming all those pesky embassy requests.

And what’s that? It’s the smell of fresh, new blood in the air! After a successful hold that saw 18 NPA soldiers deployed among over 100 total pilers, two of our newest Privates were promoted to Private First Class (PFC). Soon after, a joint tag raid on June 6 with the Europeian Republican Navy and East Pacific Sovereign Army, hosted by ourselves, saw three of our PFCs joining in to hone their skills in the art of tagging, taking 34 regions with two teams even as update variance threatened to thwart our plans.

Of course, all this raiding doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about our defender friends! On June 13, we hosted the Rejected Realms Army, South Pacific Special Forces and East Pacific Sovereign Army in a joint detag run, efficiently taking down the eyesore non-NPA graffitis from 45 regions in three teams.

But alas, nothing can beat what’s to come at the end of June. On the 29th, under the cover of a sleepy minor update, the NPA and The Blacks Hawks snuck out during a regular tagging run to capture this year’s RaiderCon target: Liberty Nations Alliance. We swiftly restored order to the chaotic, crumbling region, taking action decisively to suspend its Constitution and eject the troublemakers. Again, 18 soldiers were deployed as part of an over-100 coalition occupying force to maintain order.

In the ensuing RaiderCon festivities, much fun was had, whether it’s listening to RaiderVision entries, beating the Puzzle Hunt in impossible time, or laughing at the cringeworthy entries to the meme contest. But the show-stealer came from our newly minted General BluieGamer, who claimed victory in the triggering contest, beating out The Black Hawk’s finest, including fellow General Jakker in the finals! Of course, the bragging rights were immediately claimed by Minister of Defence Rom, and as a reward, we expect Bluie to be leading a lot more missions in the coming months :)
 

Fregerson

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Regional Assembly Highlights - June 2020
by Cretox State, Deputy Speaker

Speaker:
Deputy Speakers: , , , and


Current Business

The only current outstanding business for the Regional Assembly from the month of June is the Court Amendment Act.

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by

Summary: Proposed by former Delegate McMasterdonia, the Court Amendment Act would attempt to modernize the Court's operations to be more in line with the region's present needs. In its form as of writing, the bill would shift Justices to being appointed by the Delegate and confirmed by the Regional Assembly on a rolling basis, with each Justice serving six-month terms. The bill is currently being revised and discussed, and will likely be submitted at some point in the future.

Status: Proposed

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Passed

The proposals that have passed through the Regional Assembly in the months of June and July thus far are the Confirmation of Dreadton, Sil Dorsett and Eluvatar as Election Commissioners, the Confirmation of Dreadton as Prosecutor in The North Pacific v. Pigeonstan, and the Lessening Repeating Work (LRW) Bill.

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Summary: Nominated to the Election Commission in early June 2020 by Delegate Prydania, Dreadton and Sil Dorsett had both garnered acclaim for their previous work on the Election Commission. A week after the opening of debate on the subject, both nominees were deemed to have responded to questioning satisfactorily and a motion for a vote began. Both Dreadton and Sil Dorsett were later confirmed by near-unanimous majority Regional Assembly vote, and were admitted to the Election Commission.

Results:
Dreadton:
51 Ayes | 1 Nay | 4 Abstentions
Sil Dorsett: 51 Ayes | 0 Nays | 5 Abstentions

Status: Confirmed as of 21 June 2020

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Summary: Dreadton was appointed in mid-July 2020 to serve as Prosecutor in the criminal case The North Pacific v. Pigeonstan. A vote was quickly opened and scheduled to run for the shortest possible duration of three days. Dreadton was confirmed by majority vote at the conclusion of the voting period.

Results: 31 Ayes | 6 Nays | 7 Abstentions

Status: Confirmed as of 23 June 2020

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by

Summary: Initially brought before the Regional Assembly by Praetor in mid-July 2019, the L.R.W. Bill was revived and revised by Gorundu in mid-March 2020. The bill sought to implement a preferential voting system for Judicial elections, and passed the Regional Assembly by majority vote.

Results: 30 Ayes | 5 Nays | 13 Abstentions

Status: Passed as of 1 July 2020

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Summary: Eluvatar was nominated to the Election Commission by Delegate Prydania in mid-July, 2020. Eluvatar has previously served on the Election Commission, and the confirmation was expected to pass easily.

Results: 37 Ayes | 2 Nays | 4 Abstentions

Status: Passed as of 27 July 2020

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Failed

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Two proposals have failed in the Regional Assembly since the last update, being Wonderess' Security Council Application, which failed to reach a two-thirds majority Regional Assembly vote, and the Delegate's Report Bill, which failed to reach a majority.



Summary: After applying to the Security Council on the first of May, Wonderess failed to be recommended for admission. The Regional Assembly then began a discussion to examine the proposition of upholding or overturning the Security Council's decision.

Results: 37 Ayes | 42 Nays | 12 Abstentions

Status: Failed as of 25 June 2020

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by

Summary: The Delegate's Report Bill was originally introduced to the Regional Assembly a year ago during El Fiji Grande's term as Delegate as a way to clarify when the executive administration was to give reports on its activities. After a period of dormancy for many months, discussion surfaced again in late March of 2020 and after a few revisions the bill was later passed by the Regional Assembly and vetoed by the Delegate. On 14 July 2020, the bill has been brought to vote again after further revision.

Results: 9 Ayes | 23 Nays | 19 Abstentions

Status: Failed as of 21 July 2020​

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World Assembly Digest
by
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General Assembly
Improving the world one resolution at a time.

Rights Of The Employed
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 11828 Against: 10133
Final Vote (TNP): For: 330 Against: 365 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 76 Against: 45 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 116 Against: 53 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 169 Against: 23 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

Despite being written with the commendable goal of fighting workplace discrimination, "Rights of the Employed" is marred by several glaring issues which leave it unable to achieve its lofty goals. Though ostensibly intended to ensure "a range of rights" for workers, the proposal inexplicably omits freelance workers and most contractors from benefiting under its clauses. The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs finds it troubling that the first thing a resolution against workplace discrimination does is discriminate against certain types of workers.
Additionally, some of the proposal's language is questionable at best. For example, the legislation places the burden on the employee to prove to their employer the need for breastfeeding at work, which is unacceptable for what should be obvious reasons. On the subject of breastfeeding, the proposal mandates that "a private, safe, hygienic and ventilated area in [the] workplace, separate from any toilets" exists solely for breastfeeding, which is unrealistic for many small businesses. Furthermore, the proposal's heavy-handed banning of "intimidating behavior" is wholly incompatible with certain professions built around experiencing such. We recommend that the authors revise their work, and cannot, in good faith, recommend voting For this proposal.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the resolution, "Rights of the Employed".


Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 18256 Against: 1803
Final Vote (TNP): For: 696 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 126 Against: 6 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 189 Against: 7 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 193 Against: 8 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments" is a well-suited replacement of the recently-repealed "Ensuring Safe Syringe Use" - not only does the replacement cover up all the issues that the repealed resolution had while still maintaining the integrity of the legislation, it also has a far broader scope so as to ensure proper sterilization of all susceptible medical instruments and not just syringes. The topic it is on is an essential area of legislation in ensuring that the spread of disease through improperly sanitized equipment in medical settings is minimized, and it legislates on this topic very effectively.
For these reasons, The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote For the at-vote proposal, "Proper Hygiene For Medical Instruments".

Language And Education Rights For Deaf Individuals
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 17814 Against: 1221
Final Vote (TNP): For: 692 Against: 38 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 161 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 171 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

Over the years, the General Assembly has sought to protect the rights of all people to enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities afforded to their peers, regardless of categories like race, gender, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, international law has not afforded deaf and hard of hearing individuals this protection until now. "Language and Education Rights for Deaf Individuals" seeks to remedy this deficiency, by guaranteeing deaf individuals the right to an equal education, freedom from discrimination, and the ability to fully participate in society through recognition of non-audial languages. The proposal displays good writing, and effectively legislates on an important topic.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote proposal, "Language and Education Rights for Deaf Individuals".


Regulating Desalination
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 11930 Against: 6378
Final Vote (TNP): For: 300 Against: 389 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 27 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 103 Against: 66 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 166 Against: 34 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

Written with the goal of curbing the possible negative environmental effects of desalination, "Regulating Desalination" naturally legislates on a very narrow topic. However, this limited scope does the proposal more harm than good. For starters, the legislation's clauses are quite weak, and do not take advantage of the proposal's narrow topic to effectively regulate desalination. The issues posed by desalination are not limited to waste products harming ecosystems; rather, they include risks to human health, which are not covered by the proposal, and ocean-specific issues such as the intake and destruction of animals and eggs. Additionally, the proposal fails to address the potential commercial applications of waste products, nor does it effectively address the financial issues plaguing desalination in water-scarce areas or encourage water conservation measures. It is our belief that a proposal on such a narrow topic must take full advantage of its limited scope. Otherwise, it may as well be rewritten to regulate water treatment or land-based industry in general.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the proposal, "Regulating Desalination".

Supporting And Valuing The Humanities
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 15221 Against: 3197
Final Vote (TNP): For: 638 Against: 58 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 13 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 128 Against: 31 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 161 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

Supporting and Valuing the Humanities is a proposal that firstly notes the importance and rightful mention of the humanities within the halls of the WA, coming after GA# 475 which spoke on the importance of the Natural Sciences. This resolution not only speaks about the humanities' importance, but takes steps to ensure their presence and usage in member nations' curriculums. Funding is offered for those nations who may not be able to support such curriculum with their own national budget through the World Humanities Fund. Such funding has been given concrete objectives to ensure that no money is being improperly used. These funds are not limited to only governments, but are extended to non profit entities who help further the mission of this proposal.
Built into the proposal is the formation of the Department of External Auditors, which ensures funds are being responsibly allocated to avoid wasteful spending and ensures transparency when it comes to the use of funding.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the proposal, "Supporting and Valuing the Humanities".

Standards On Police Accountability
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 7075 Against: 10160
Final Vote (TNP): For: 195 Against: 457 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 46 Against: 73 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 70 Against: 84 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 133 Against: 37 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

While the proposal reveals the noble intentions of its author, "Standards On Police Accountability" does not achieve the goal its title suggests. Potentially its most significant problem is the fact that the proposal does not mandate that bodycams and onboard cameras ever be turned on, providing nations with a major loophole. Secondly, the proposal defines "police force" and "law enforcement officer" in a way that is overly broad and includes institutions (e.g., intelligence services) that are not intended to be included. Lastly, the proposal jeopardises the safety of undercover officers by requiring them to wear bodycams.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the GA proposal, "Standards On Police Accountability".

Fair Arbitration Act
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 13157 Against: 2532
Final Vote (TNP): For: 549 Against: 53 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 106 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 129 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 151 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

"Fair Arbitration Act" (GA) fulfills an important role in comprehensively regulating arbitration agreements, which are agreements that mandate the resolving of legal disputes by an independent arbitrator, rather than a court of law. The proposal seeks to ensure that these agreements are only valid when they serve the public good, and accomplishes this effectively by prohibiting all such agreements with respect to matters of antitrust violations, civil rights, consumer goods, and employment. The proposal sees to it that arbitration agreements will only apply between two parties of relatively equal bargaining power, and will never unduly interfere with the ability of an individual to seek legal action over alleged wrongdoing. The proposal nicely complements prior resolutions passed by the General Assembly, by ensuring that individuals can enforce their rights in court.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Fair Arbitration Act".

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Security Council
Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.

Commend Crushing Our Enemies
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 15370 Against: 5135
Final Vote (TNP): For: 599 Against: 79 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 89 Against: 23 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 112 Against: 49 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 170 Against: 20 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

"Commend Crushing Our Enemies" is a well drafted resolution that recognises the substantive work that Crushing Our Enemies (also known as "General COE" has undertaken during their time in NationStates. Their tireless efforts have included vastly improving The North Pacific's internal security, laws and policies, publications, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions as a whole. Crushing Our Enemies is one of the modern founding fathers of The North Pacific and his contributions are too numerous to mention in a single resolution. Crushing Our Enemies has a proven record of valuing regional sovereignty, military service, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. In addition to his contributions to The North Pacific, Crushing Our Enemies has helped to develop a culture of professionalism and responsibility in The Black Hawks and ensured compliance with international law following the use of the military weapon "Predator". Crushing Our Enemies is a very deserving candidate as is reflected in the resolution.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting FOR the resolution, "Commend Crushing Our Enemies".

Commend 9003
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 13882 Against: 4806
Final Vote (TNP): For: 605 Against: 61 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 58 Against: 62 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 115 Against: 41 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 173 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

Commend 9003" outlines a most eloquent and refined set of rationales for the favorable recognition of 9003 by this most noble World Assembly. A truly cultured nation, 9003 is most deserving of this pinnacle of honors, as exemplified by its everlasting commitment to the collection of "artwork" in the form of cards from across NationStates. The proposal articulates two fine reasons for why 9003 is to be commended, those being its noteworthy history of tasteful card collection and its storied history of involvement with both the North Pacific Army and the forces of Mordor. Special emphasis is placed on the nation's role as Deputy Guildmaster of the North Pacific Cards Guild, and its hosting of Olympic Games for art. In the opinion of the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, both this proposal and this nation will undoubtably age as befitting a bottle of fine wine.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the Security Council proposal, "Commend 9003".

Repeal Liberate Iran
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 16861 Against: 2416
Final Vote (TNP): For: 606 Against: 58 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 57 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 134 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 110 Against: 74 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:

[No Recommendation]

Commend Apulita
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 4153 Against: 11716
Final Vote (TNP): For: 112 Against: 529 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 20 Against: 105 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 43 Against: 103 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 75 Against: 100 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:

"Commend Apulita" is a resolution that seeks to recognize a prominent native of the Warzone regions for their lengthy tenure as Delegate of Warzone Europe and for their supposedly invaluable influence in keeping the region stable. If Apulita is commendable, this resolution does not make the case. The resolution misrepresents the influence The North Pacific (TNP) had in protecting Warzone Europe which at the time Apulita was Delegate was a protectorate of Equilism, a treatied ally of TNP. TNP deployed to the region a number of times when the region was under threat and TNP's support of Apulita served to dissuade regions from toppling Apulita. The proposal additionally falls into the trap of just listing positions (eg. Senator, President, etc. ) without specifying what exactly Apulita did in those positions.
Additionally, it should be noted that simply reigning as Delegate for an extended period of time in one's native region is not a commendable feat on its own and as such this proposal relies far too heavily on that one subject.
Thus, for the reasons outlined above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote AGAINST the resolution Commend Apulita.

Repeal Condemn Vandoosa
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 4007 Against: 11916
Final Vote (TNP): For: 409 Against: 232 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 19 Against: 78 with percentage of WA nations voting: 22
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 22 Against: 103 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 26 Against: 128 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:

Repeal: 'Condemn Vandoosa'" makes a well-formulated and straightforward case for why its target resolution would best be repealed. The target resolution in question (SC#188), a condemnation of the now-defunct Vandoosa, is largely obsolete at this point. The proposed repeal notes the depreciated nature of the target resolution (especially considering that the nation in question has since been refounded under a new name), and highlights several deficiencies in its clauses, such as the overinflated description of the nation's actions alongside numerous errors, which the author of the target themselves attested to.
For these reasons, The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the Security Council proposal, Repeal: 'Commend Vandoosa'

Commend The Salaxalans
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 13640 Against: 2763
Final Vote (TNP): For: 555 Against: 62 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 84 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 24
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 114 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 142 Against: 8 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

The Salaxalans is one of the most dedicated players in the game, dedicating over eight years to their home region of Spiritus. Over this time, he has spent six years as delegate, furthering the community around it and thrusting the region onto the international stage. "Commend The Salaxalans", gives a superb demonstration of this dedication, and shows how Spiritus would not be the region it is today if not for The Salaxalans' leadership, amongst other various accomplishments. Among these accomplishments includes the dispersion of the "potato" meme amongst NationStates, a meme so widely popular that it was recognized by Max Barry, superb leadership through both Z-Days and N-Days, and becoming the first-ever Vice WA Secretary-General.
For these reasons, The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote FOR the at-vote proposal, "Commend The Salaxalans."

Condemn Australian rePublic
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 9371 Against: 4794
Final Vote (TNP): For: 499 Against: 76 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 78 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 85 Against: 32 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 136 Against: 20 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:

A focused and well-written proposal, "Condemn Australian rePublic" (SC) makes a thorough and humorous case for why its target is to be condemned by the Security Council. The nation in question, Australian rePublic, is one of the game's most prominent issue authors, with a full seventeen (17) published issues to their name, and a consistent presence in the "Got Issues?" subforum. While the seemingly logical decision would be to commend the target for their lasting efforts rather than condemning them, the proposal's author blends the meta with the in-character to build a compelling argument that is pleasing to read and feels entirely appropriate in its conclusions. Additionally, the fourth wall in our office went missing shortly after one of the "missions" mentioned in the proposal, and we want it back.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Condemn Australian rePublic".

The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth
Publisher:
:: Executive Editor: :: Managing Editor: ,

The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.

 

Fregerson

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The North Pacific and The South Pacific recently announced a joint festival! Full of fun and games, A Drop in the Ocean 2 comes four years after the original Drop in the Ocean. Coordinated by Minister of Culture Syrixia and Minister of Regional Affairs Seraph (Erinor). Now, they’re back and with the same goal: to celebrate strong TNP/TSP relations and all the things that make GCRs great! A lot has happened during this time, but with TNP/TSP relations still going strong, A Drop in the Ocean 2 is sure to be a lot of fun!

A Drop in the Ocean 2 will have what every NS festival requires: games, competitions, lectures, roleplaying and much more. Since TSP hosted last time, we’ve made a subforum on the TNP forums for all the necessary celebrations. We also have our own Discord server just for this event. We’re super excited to kick this off, and anyone who so desires is welcome to take a look.

Links:
FESTIVAL SUBFORUM:
DISCORD SERVER:
 

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Regional Assembly Highlights | August - September 2020
by Cretox State, Deputy Speaker

Speaker:
Deputy Speakers (August): , , , and
Deputy Speakers (September): , , , and


Current Business

Current outstanding business for the Regional Assembly as of writing is voting on the rejection of 's citizenship application by the Vice Delegate, and handling the potential confirmation of as prosecutor for the court case "The North Pacific v. New Francois".

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Rejection of 's Citizenship Application

Summary: New Francois lost citizenship on 9 September 2020 due to failing to maintain a nation within TNP. They reapplied for citizenship on 20 September 2020; this application was rejected by Vice Delegate . The Regional Assembly must determine whether to uphold this rejection.

Status: At Vote

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Summary: Delegate TlomzKrano appointed Gorundu as Prosecutor for the court case "The North Pacific v. New Francois" on 21 September 2020 after some concerns were raised regarding a prior appointee. The appointment of Gorundu is currently being discussed.

Status: Discussion and Debate

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On Hold



Summary: Then-Delegate Prydania appointed Chewie as Prosecutor for the court case "The North Pacific v. New Francois" on 11 September 2020. The matter was successfully motioned to be voted upon, but received enough objections to cancel the scheduled vote. Another Prosecutor was subsequently appointed by Delegate TlomzKrano.

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Passed - Legislative

The legislative proposals that have passed through the Regional Assembly in the months of August and September thus far are the Government Officials Achieving Transparency Act and the North Pacific Security Council Disclosure Act.

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* by

Summary: In an effort to increase the transparency and accountability of the region's Security Council, Praetor brought the aforementioned proposed piece of legislation before the Regional Assembly in early July. The bill sought to make the Security Council subject to FOIA (Freedom of Information Act), thereby allowing redacted private Security Council records to be made public upon resident request. The bill passed the Regional Assembly by majority vote, after which it was vetoed by the Delegate.

Results: 32 Ayes | 14 Nays | 5 Abstentions

Status: Passed as of 15 August 2020
*Vetoed by then-Delegate Prydania after passing

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by

Summary: In response to the veto of The Government Officials Achieving Transparency act, Oracle brought their proposed legislation before the Regional Assembly in mid-August in an attempt to address the subject of Security Council transparency in a modified manner. The most important of these modifications included provisions dealing with private records that existed prior to the bill's taking effect and methods of validation through the Court. The bill passed the Regional Assembly by majority vote.

Results: 19 Ayes | 6 Nays | 9 Abstentions

Status: Passed as of 13 September 2020

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Passed - Non Legislative

The non-legislative proposals that passed the Regional Assembly in the months of August and September as of yet are the Confirmation of Fregerson as Election Commissioner, the Confirmation of Vivanco as Prosecutor in "The North Pacific v. Ihese", the Confirmation of Cretox State and BMWSurfer to the Election Commission, and Former English Colony's Security Council Application.

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Summary: Fregerson was nominated to the Election Commission by then-Delegate Prydania on 11 August 2020, as Fregerson's term on the Commission was expiring. The nomination was soon motioned to a vote, and passed the Regional Assembly by majority vote on 25 August 2020.

Results: 36 Ayes | 0 Nays | 6 Abstentions

Status: Passed as of 25 August 2020

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Summary: Vivanco was nominated by then-Delegate Prydania to serve as Prosecutor for the aforementioned Court case. After a period of debate, the nomination was brought to a vote on 3 September 2020. The nomination was confirmed by the Regional Assembly by majority vote.

Results: 30 Ayes | 1 Nay | 12 Abstentions

Status: Passed as of 6 September 2020

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Summary: BMWSurfer and Cretox State were nominated by then-Delegate Prydania in early September to serve on the Election Commission. Shortly thereafter, the matter was brought to the Regional Assembly, where both nominations passed by majority vote.

Results:
BMWSurfer:
35 Ayes | 0 Nays | 4 Abstentions
Cretox State: 38 Ayes | 0 Nays | 2 Abstentions

Status: Both passed as of 10 September 2020

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Summary: In mid-September, the region's Security Council nominated Former English Colony, one of the oldest and most notable members of TNP, for a seat on the Security Council by unanimous vote. The matter was motioned for a vote of the Regional Assembly, where it passed by majority vote.

Results: 40 Ayes | 0 Nays | 8 Abstentions

Status: Passed as of 21 September 2020

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Failed

by

The only proposal that failed the Regional Assembly in the last two months is the Ease of Prosecution Act (legislative). Introduced in mid-July, the bill aimed to provide for the appointment of a new Prosecutor in Court cases where the sitting Prosecutor discontinues the case. The proposal barely failed to reach majority support.

Results: 12 Ayes | 13 Nays | 6 Abstentions

Status: Failed as of 29 August 2020​
 

Fregerson

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News - ADITO 2
by Arichia, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs
A Drop In The Ocean 2 was a celebration, hosted by The North Pacific and The South Pacific, celebrating TNP and TSP as allies and Pacifics. The festival followed A Drop In The Ocean 1, which happened in 2017. The celebration had places to learn, role-play, have fun. The celebration was planned by TNP’s Minister of Culture, Syrixia, TNP’s Cards Guildmaster, Praetor, as well as the rest of TNP’s Ministry of Culture. A Drop In The Ocean 2 began on 2 August 2020 and ended on 9 August 2020.

TNP Delegate, Prydania began with an Opening Statement on the celebration. Beforehand, a Celebration Pavilion was made in TNP’s forum, for the part of the celebration that was on the forum. A Discord server for the festival was also released.

TNP’s forums contained the Celebration Pavilion. There, three social deduction games were put up, Mafia, Detectives, and Assassin In The Palace, hosted by Praetor. However, Detectives ended early, due to discussion on the game happening on the Discord server. Seraph also brought over the “Cake vs Pie” thread from TSP. The Celebration Pavilion also had the central thread for the Art and Writing Contests. There were two prompts during the celebration, “Describe What You Think The Best Quality Of Your Region Is”, and “Describe What You Hope For The Future of TNP-TSP Relations”. The role-play part of The Celebration Pavilion contained the World Exposition, as well as the International Conference.

The Discord server of ADITO 2 had several channels, including The Mess Hall, and channels for some of the activities on the forum. The Mess Hall was a place for spam and memery. It also contained a trivia and a battle game for everyone to enjoy. The server also had a voice channel, the Aquarium, for lectures and AMAs (Ask Me Anything) from figures from both regions. Morover, Rom, Pallaith, Nimarya, Phoenix, Jay, Gorundu, Dreadton, Seraph, Syrixia, Nakari, and Prydania all did AMAs. Highton, Praetor, Omega, Phoenix did lectures on Sports, Cards, Podcasting, and Character RP, respectively. Nimarya touched on how the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Home Affairs rely on each other. Rom explained how they wanted to expand the NPA's piling force. Pallaith also talked about The World Factbook Project. Many other subjects were brought up as well. The transcripts were posted in the Celebration Pavilion, under the Lecture Transcripts thread. The recordings were posted on NBS.

As A Drop In The Ocean 2 concluded, El Fiji Grande was named as the winner of the Art Contest and was awarded a medal. Syrixia gave their Closing Statements on the festival, stating that “Our friendship has been and continues to be stronger and deeper than any of the great oceans on which we sail. May it remain so in perpetuity!” Following the end of A Drop In The Ocean 2, the Celebration Pavilion was locked and moved to the Archives.
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The Spotlight - Interview With Nimarya
by Arichia, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs
Arichia: So, I would like to start from the beginning, how did you first get started in NationStates?

Nimarya: Well, my brother actually found the website and showed it to me a little over two years ago. I made a nation and spent most of the following two years just lurking, answering issues, and spying on the forum. Eventually, my old nation CTE'd, so when I decided to return to NationStates I made a new nation under the name "Nimarya" which just so happened to spawn in TNP. Then, I was inexplicably drawn into the activities of this region and the rest is history.

Arichia: TNP has many activities for many people. What activities did you first get yourself involved in?

Nimarya: Home Affairs and the North Pacific Army were the two big things. I joined Home Affairs not long before Bluie resigned from the position of Minister of Home Affairs, and when Rocketdog stepped up as Minister he choose to give me a chance as Deputy. I think I can point back to that singular decision on his part as the one thing that's most defined my path in TNP, because when I was brought in as a Deputy I was given the chance to learn administration, to establish myself in the region, and was set on the course that would lead to me one day taking over as Minister of Home Affairs.

The NPA has also been one of my absolute favorite things about this region. Rom in particular was amazing and taught me R/D personally, and now I can say I'm an officer in the NPA thanks to his guidance. It's fun, it's engaging, and I love the friends I've made there. Working with the NPA is also a great opportunity to make friends outside of the North Pacific as you compete with other R/D players in NS.

Arichia: From what you've said about your time here, it looks like you've really enjoyed Home Affairs and NPA! I would also like to hear about what you think is the most enjoyable part of being the Minister of Home Affairs.

Nimarya: The most enjoyable aspect of being Minister of Home Affairs, for me at least, is harnessing the ideas and passion of the people who work with me. I like how we're all a team who wants to reach out to new players and help them become part of the region, and I think that passion and sense of community we share is crucial to the life and productivity of Home Affairs. It makes me very happy to see my staff have fun and engage with others, and that's been one of my most driving motivations as I work to continuously improve the Ministry.

Arichia: Before yourself, many people have held the position of the Minister of Home Affairs. As you are in that same position, who do you look up to, and what do you admire about them?

Nimarya: Well, I haven't worked under that many other Ministers in Home Affairs- only Bluie, very briefly, and Rocketdog. I have, however, also become friends with BMWSurfer who was a MoHA long before I joined TNP. I would say I respect each of them for different things. I admire BMW greatly for the advice he has given me throughout this term, as well as his genius creation of Home Affair's latest roster. I respect Bluie for being a solid and dependable worker and advisor who has stepped up to the plate multiple times this last term. I also admire the work he did with polls during his last term, an idea which, if I'm ever again able to work as MoHA, I intend to blatantly copy. Lastly, I respect Rocketdog for his example in delegating certain work to his deputies during his term as Minister, instead of trying to do everything himself. In that way I've chosen to follow in his footsteps by delegating work and trusting my deputies to help shoulder the work of Home Affairs, a tactic which I believe has led to better results all around.

Arichia: I see that you value hard work and determination. What are some difficult challenges that you have gone through during your time working in Home Affairs, or TNP government in general?

Nimarya: Two main challenges come to mind, I think. The first would be a more general challenge that just comes with gaining a leadership position. It can be hard establishing goals, schedules, and then of course figuring out step by step what exactly needs to happen and then how to make it happen. I think that's just gotten easier with experience as I've worked throughout the term. I've had to postpone different projects and I've had to accept that some things I would like to do just aren't feasible or important enough for the moment, which can be a hard pill to swallow sometimes. But I would like to say I'm learning, and getting better at management in general, and I am happy with the things we've been able to accomplish this term.

The other challenge would be handling situations with staff that aren't really doing what they're supposed to. This term we've had situations where people were claiming things out of order, or fighting over rows, and dealing with that hasn't been easy, but I think the key to solving or at least mitigating those problems has been just to talk to people, and work out what needs to change.

Arichia: Those are hard problems, but, of course, problems arise all the time, and we accomplish things too. Under your leadership, what do you believe is Home Affairs' greatest accomplishment?

Nimarya: That's a very tough question to answer. We have the new Log and Data Viewer system, which I believe to be revolutionary, and we've also recently introduced a cards reward program that I think will also go very far and might potentially serve as an inspiration for other cards programs. However, at the end of the day I think the most important thing Home Affairs has gained is a solid system of operations. We now have methods and routine for each of the main processes of Home Affairs, from distributing Home Office work in a rotational schedule, to guides for accepting and training new staff, to templates and procedures for mentoring, and more. At the beginning of my term, I said I wanted to do many small things to make Home Affairs easier to run and easier to work in. I think I can say I've succeeded at that.

Arichia: To my knowledge, much of the work you put into is for Home Affairs and the NPA. Are you part of other ministries, The Regional Assembly, or in any other places?

Nimarya: Well, as a citizen and Minister I'm definitely part of the Regional Assembly! I haven't been involved in drafting legislation, but that could change one day. Truth be told most of my focus and efforts have been on the NPA and HA, especially the past few months. However, I am part of Culture as well and have assisted with graphic design this term, and I'm also technically part of the Cards Guild, although that's mostly because Praetor hasn't kicked me out yet, and I want to become more involved with that in the future.

Arichia: And to finish, once your time as Minister is over, what do you plan to do, and would you consider doing anything more?

Nimarya: Well, when I'm done as Minister of Home Affairs, I'm probably going to turn my attention to trying out different areas of the game and region that I haven't explored much yet, namely Foreign Affairs and possibly World Assembly Affairs. I'll also consider running for office one of these days. That's not to say I intend to abandon Home Affairs or the NPA- on the contrary, I doubt I could ever leave them, but I probably will step back from leadership for at least a term in the future, just to recharge and figure out what it is I want to be doing.

Arichia: Those are all the questions I have. I really appreciate your time and answers! Thanks for the opportunity to interview you!
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News - August 2020 Special Election
by Comfed, Deputy Speaker
After Lady Raven wing lost her justice position for not posting on the forum for 14 days, she lost her position as justice and a special election was called.

Candidates:
Yalkan
Vivanco
Eluvatar

Yalkan
Yalkan declared his candidacy in the candidacy declarations thread. He did not post a campaign thread.
Yalkan received 16.67% of the vote and was not elected.

Vivanco
Vivanco accepted a nomination from Praetor. He posted a campaign thread, and based it on his election to the now abolished post of Attorney General, and stated that he had enough experience to understand and interpret the law.
Vivanco received 28.12% of the vote and was not elected.

Eluvatar
Eluvatar accepted a nomination from Robespierre. He posted a campaign thread, and ran on the basis of his experience as a previous justice. He also included a FAQ in his thread.
Eluvatar received 55.13% of the vote and was elected.

Mall also ran, but since he already had a justice seat his candidacy was null. He posted a campaign thread only, which was entitled "Mall4Court 2: Thanks Election Commission". The election was run differently due to the"Lessening Repeating Work" bill recently passed by Praetor resulting in a vote system similar to Single Transferable Vote (STV).
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News - September 2020 Special Justice Election
by Owenstacy, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Due to losing citizenship, Eluvatar abandoned their position as justice, which resulted in a second Special Justice Election of the term being called. The election saw two candidates run, both of whom had experience in the judicial branch: Vivanco and Saintpeter.

Vivanco
Vivanco, a former Attorney General and running for the fourth time, ran on a platform of ‘truth, honesty, and justice’. Citing the importance of stability in the court, and the fact that this was the third judicial election of the term, he promised that he would not abandon his office.

Vivanco received 85.71% of the vote and was elected.

Saintpeter
Saintpeter, running for justice for the second time this term, also pledged that they would not abandon office this term if elected. Apart from this, they ran on the same platform as they did in their last candidacy. This consisted of the clear implementation of judicial philosophy into the workings of the court and the court self-regulating its power. As well as this, Saintpeter proposed implementing a trial of law clerks to give people experience working in this branch.

Saintpeter received 14.29% of the vote and was not elected.
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World Assembly Digest
by BMWSurfer, Minister of Communications
Protecting Legal Rights Of Workers
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5424 Against: 1105
Final Vote (TNP): For: 555 Against: 55 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 100 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 144 Against: 10 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 112 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Integrity In Law Enforcement
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4978 Against: 1421
Final Vote (TNP): For: 519 Against: 67 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 104 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 144 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 118 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


A proposal designed to lay the groundwork for police accountability in all member nations, "Integrity in Law Enforcement" effectively legislates in pursuit of its goal by mandating the disclosure of law enforcement records relating to investigations into and incidents of alleged wrongdoing by police, such as sexual assault and excessive use of force. The proposal strikes a good balance between facilitating transparency and providing for a necessary level of confidentiality, by allowing the redaction of records in order to protect personal information and preserve national security, as well as other reasons. Additionally, the legislation explicitly allows for national and World Assembly law to increase the scope of transparency regarding law enforcement records, and the public's access to such.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Integrity in Law Enforcement."
Repeal Wartime Journalism Protection Act
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4398 Against: 1790
Final Vote (TNP): For: 515 Against: 69 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 72 Against: 32 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 135 Against: 30 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 28 Against: 96 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


A well-written proposal, "Repeal: Wartime Journalism Protection Act" helps illuminate multiple glaring flaws in the target resolution. There are several loopholes in the resolution which include granting member-states the ability to expel reporters from scenes where chemical and biological weapons are being used on the grounds that it would put the journalist in danger, the ability to cover up crimes against humanity on the grounds that it would jeopardize its military efforts, and the ability to expel journalists carrying objects on the grounds that they are weapons, especially considering that target does not define a weapon. While these are not all the issues with the target, it very quickly becomes apparent that this repeal is necessary.

For these reasons, The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote for the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly, "Repeal: Wartime Journalism Protection Act".
Public Access To Court Records
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5410 Against: 932
Final Vote (TNP): For: 542 Against: 43 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 105 Against: 12 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 155 Against: 9 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 112 Against: 9 with percentage of I WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


A solidly constructed proposal legislating on an important subject, "Public Access to Court Records" sets out to achieve one goal: to ensure public access to judicial records for the purposes of facilitating more effective oversight of national court systems. The proposal effectively fulfills this objective by mandating that court documents be provided to the public free of charge and in an easily accessible manner, while crucially allowing for redaction or sealing where it serves the public interest. Additionally, the proposal in question requires that all documents it pertains to be deposited with the Universal Library Coalition where reasonable.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the General Assembly proposal, "Public Access to Court Records".
Repeal Promotion Of Recycling
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4751 Against: 1404
Final Vote (TNP): For: 493 Against: 72 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 93 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 143 Against: 23 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 90 Against: 29 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


A sensible repeal of quite a flawed resolution, "Repeal: 'Promotion of Recycling'" makes an effective case for why its target should be stricken from the body of international law. Chief among its arguments are the general incoherency of the target, holes in its wording, and careless oversights in matters such as the upgrading of existing recycling systems and the transshipment of viable waste materials for the purposes of recycling. With a superior replacement rapidly approaching the point of readiness for submission, we see little reason to oppose this proposal.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Repeal: 'Promotion of Recycling'".
Restrictions On Forced Eugenics
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5012 Against: 1409
Final Vote (TNP): For: 529 Against: 75 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 89 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 153 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 106 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


The at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Restrictions on Forced Eugenics", is a concise and eloquent piece of legislation that protects the right of individuals to not be subject to genetic modification under the orders of any government. The proposal guarantees that governments cannot encourage the genetic modification of any person prior to birth for any reason other than to address bodily disorders and diseases. This proposal is an important step towards fully protecting bodily autonomy for all peoples of the World Assembly.

For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Restrictions on Forced Eugenics."
Gmo International Trade Accord
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4730 Against: 1380
Final Vote (TNP): For: 518 Against: 52 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 77 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 91 Against: 66 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 103 Against: 11 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


The General Assembly proposal "GMO International Trade Accord" effectively legislates on several key areas concerning the transboundary movement and use of genetically modified organisms, with the goal of mitigating potential negative externalities of the use of GMOs. The proposal achieves this goal by targeting three points: the decision to import GMOs for agricultural or other use, the safe utilization of GMOs once they are within a member nation, and the sterilization of plant GMO seeds in order to prevent genetic contamination of nearby plants, which could result in consequences such as superbugs and herbicide-resistant weeds.

The first point is fulfilled by the creation of a committee, which provides guidance on environmental risk assessment of GMOs and their international trade. The proposal mandates that decisions on the import of GMOs are based on scientific environmental risk assessments, and that member nations take measures to prevent the release of GMOs or their genetic material where unintended or for malicious purposes. Perhaps the most important role of this proposal is to ensure that member nations have control over the sterilization of plant GMOs, so long as sterilized plant GMOs may be used where it is of net environmental benefit.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "GMO International Trade Accord".
Land Reclamation Regulation
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 3626 Against: 2709
Final Vote (TNP): For: 171 Against: 396 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 56 Against: 35 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 92 Against: 81 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 56 Against: 55 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


The at-vote proposal in the General Assembly, "Land Reclamation Regulation," attempts to serve the noble cause of minimizing environmental damage that may occur through land reclamation (creating new land out of a body of water). Unfortunately, the method in which it does this is peculiar at best and ineffective at worst. By placing the responsibility of impact studies under a committee that will monitor all cases of land reclamation occurring in member-states, it creates an undue burden on the World Assembly when it could just as easily be handled by each individual nation. Additionally, clause two is worded in such a way that these impact studies may simply be required to be done on land reclamation as a whole, as opposed to each individual project that involved land reclamation - which is a fairly unhelpful task and makes the crux of the resolution pointless. Clause one is also worded perhaps a little too strongly, without having any reasonable limits set on what the "minimal" amount of environmental damage would be. While this issue likely deserves being legislated on, this proposal is too heavy-handed to be the legislation that covers it.

For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote Against the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly, "Land Reclamation Regulation."
Marine Protection Act
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4887 Against: 1155
Final Vote (TNP): For: 528 Against: 48 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 85 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 107 Against: 53 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 105 Against: 9 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


The at-vote proposal in the General Assembly, "Marine Protection Act," is a well-written proposal that tackles the somewhat nuanced problem of international maritime pollution. While this problem would ordinarily be complex to directly legislate on member-nations, this proposal eases that burden by setting up a World Assembly Committee in order to identify the problem and put proper regulations in place that should minimize the damage done to areas of profound biodiversity or cultural significance. This is a significant environmental issue which the proposal has tackled well, and its passage will be of benefit to the World Assembly and environmental health.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote for the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly, "Marine Protection Act."
Ensuring Effectual Recycling
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5334 Against: 996
Final Vote (TNP): For: 521 Against: 49 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 92 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 155 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 99 Against: 10 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


The at-vote proposal in the General Assembly, "Ensuring Effectual Recycling," is a well-written proposal that obligates member-states to expand their recycling infrastructure and programmes. This proposal also incentivizes research done in the subject-area of recycling, which should ultimately make the process more efficient and effective in the long-term. This proposal is a direct replacement of GAR#483, "Promotion of Recycling", covering up an area of legislation that was left vacant following the repeal of which. As such, it is a worthy cause and an adequate proposal in the subject.

For these reasons, the World Assembly recommends a vote for the at-vote proposal in the General Assembly, "Ensuring Effectual Recycling."
Repeal Supporting And Valuing The Humanities
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 1725 Against: 4277
Final Vote (TNP): For: 116 Against: 430 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 20 Against: 78 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 85 Against: 71 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 29 Against: 63 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


"Repeal: 'Supporting and Valuing the Humanities'" seeks to strike out its target resolution on the basis of poor management of the World Assembly General Fund pursuant to the implementation of its mandates. The specific concerns presented are twofold: they include the resolution not placing strict enough limitations on the acquisition or use of WA funds, potentially permitting member nations to acquire funding they don't need to use on wasteful programs of no practical benefit; and the resolution's wording arguably requiring all funding to be ceased after receiving any mere report of improper use of funding, potentially stripping member nations of all WA funds due to frivolous reports. Additionally, the presence of other extant resolutions dealing with education means that the negative consequences of repealing the target will not be too severe.

However, these arguments are the subject of a not insignificant level of controversy. Opponents of this repeal argue that the resolution does not, in fact, mandate that all funds be ceased due to any reports, as the intended meaning of "funds" is clear in the context of the legislation. Additionally, the resolution does not actually lay out a concrete process for the submission of reports of improper use of funding, nor does it explicitly authorize the filing of reports. Further, this is inherently a technicality-based repeal, and the absence of any planned replacement does this attempt no favors.

We feel that this is a unique case in which we cannot readily offer a concrete recommendation in one direction or another. For this reason, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs issues no recommendation on which way to vote on the General Assembly proposal "Repeal: 'Supporting and Valuing the Humanities'", and instead urges individual nations to make an informed decision on the matter with the above points in mind.
Commercial Arbitration Recognition
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4577 Against: 1343
Final Vote (TNP): For: 526 Against: 36 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 88 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 144 Against: 28 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 96 Against: 7 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


Disputes arising from commercial agreements between firms are inherently different from disputes between individual persons, due to the former's greater emphasis on neutrality, discretion, flexibility, and finality of judgement as a result of these disputes often occurring between actors in similar bargaining positions engaging in mutually beneficial dealings. Arbitration is an attractive and efficient form of alternate resolution of these disputes, due to its ability to provide a greater level of neutrality, flexibility, and discretion than national court systems. "Commercial Arbitration Recognition" seeks to provide for the enforcement of arbitration agreements and arbitral awards as pertaining to international commercial agreements, with certain exceptions. Seeing as the resolution's scope is limited to these types of agreements, and arbitration in these situations is quite beneficial and by definition mutually agreed upon, we see little reason to oppose this proposal.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Commercial Arbitration Recognition".
Pedagogical Freedom
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 1250 Against: 5012
Final Vote (TNP): For: 67 Against: 482 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 14 Against: 94 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 21 Against: 144 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 9 Against: 90 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


A fairly benign proposal at first glance, "Pedagogical Freedom" aims to establish a balancing test with regards to the freedom of parents and legal guardians to interfere in the education of their children. However, this is where the problems begin. The proposal attempts to insert a supposed right of parents "to direct and guarantee, with regard to their sincerely-held moral beliefs, the education of their children" into its balancing test that all member nations must abide by. This is inherently problematic, firstly because it is not, and should not be, the role of parents to "direct and guarantee" their children's education in accordance with said parents' "moral beliefs," and secondly because nothing currently prevents parents from engaging with their children on educational topics outside of the classroom. This balancing test, which forms the crux of the proposal, is unnecessary at best and starkly contrary to the purpose of education at worst.

Furthermore, the proposal implicitly places the burden on member nations to demonstrate that families within their jurisdictions are not complying with the mandates of the proposal, thereby placing an unnecessary burden on the Independent Adjudicative Office by forcing it to make judgement as to whether individual children's education is compliant with the proposal's balancing test in a context where what is "adequate and appropriate" for one child is wholly inadequate or inappropriate for another. Due to this proposal's attempted inclusion of parents' morality into its primary (and only) mandate, and its efforts to address an issue that does not really exist as the proposal makes it out to, we see little reason to support it in its current form.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Pedagogical Freedom".
Sovereign Justice Accord
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4831 Against: 1138
Final Vote (TNP): For: 514 Against: 50 with percentage of WA nations voting: 37
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 86 Against: 18 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 140 Against: 22 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 96 Against: 9 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


Lawsuits between states and foreign legal persons have proven to be a particularly pernicious issue to diplomatic relations. The suit can happen in the courts of the nation, giving rise to a conflict of interest. Alternatively, the lawsuit may be filed in the foreign person's native courts, forcing one state to haul another into their courts. Both options are flawed. Furthermore, this opens up avenues for retaliatory and abusive suits between members, damaging the international system. "Sovereign Justice Accord" tactfully addresses this issue by redirecting such lawsuits to a neutral, well-regulated international court system. Given the importance of fairness and justice, there is scarce reason to oppose this proposal.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Sovereign Justice Accord".
Ending School Segregation
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5679 Against: 841
Final Vote (TNP): For: 530 Against: 38 with percentage of WA nations voting: 38
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 100 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 161 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 39
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 107 Against: 6 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


A proposal legislating on broader education quality as much as segregation, "Ending School Segregation" aims to ensure that all students in member nations have equal opportunities to attain a pluralistic and social education. The proposal accomplishes this by declaring all children as generally possessing this right, prohibiting segregation and self-segregation of students by protected classes, mandating that educational services not under nations' direct control not be worse in quality than those that are, and including a provision against mistreatment of students. This proposal is poised to make an excellent addition to the existing roster of education-based resolutions, and there is little reason to oppose it.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote General Assembly proposal, "Ending School Segregation".
Commend Trotterdam
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 5014 Against: 809
Final Vote (TNP): For: 531 Against: 35 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 86 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 115 Against: 20 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 114 Against: 5 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


Trotterdam is a well respected member of the Got Issues community for a plethora of reasons. First of all, Trotterdam has left useful feedback on hundreds of issue drafts over the years, enabling aspiring authors to produce high quality drafts that eventually end up in the game for players to answer. Additionally, Trotterdam has made significant strides in the general public's understanding of issue features that may not always be obvious, such as validities, macros, and issue chain sequences through posts on the various stickied megathreads in GI. Just as impressive is the creation of a database documenting more than 5000 issue effect lines, stat effects for each option, and a plethora of policy information. Ultimately, "Commend Trotterdam" does an excellent job of laying out these contributions and more in a comprehensible manner.

For these reasons, the North Pacific World Assembly Ministry recommends a vote for the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Commend Trotterdam".
Commend Nuremgard
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 3683 Against: 1914
Final Vote (TNP): For: 493 Against: 72 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 67 Against: 32 with percentage of WA nations voting: 24
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 78 Against: 57 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 102 Against: 17 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


"Commend Nuremgard" is an unusual proposal compared to the recently passed "Commend Frieden-und Freudenland" and "Commend Trotterdam," due to its focus on pure issue writing rather than other issues-related and regional development work. Nuremgard, the nation in question, has had eighteen high-quality issues written by them make it into the game for all nations to answer. Nuremgard is a unique target due to their lack of forum drafting for their issues, and their lack of a well-known online presence. Nevertheless, they are a highly skilled, dedicated, and underappreciated author who deserves to be recognized for their work in developing the game's community through issues authoring.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Commend Nuremgard."
Commend Wallenburg
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4199 Against: 1323
Final Vote (TNP): For: 485 Against: 66 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 71 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 22
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 110 Against: 30 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 81 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


"Commend Wallenburg" is a commendation of one of the most well-versed General Assembly players, which they have authored nine distinct resolutions for. They are an incredibly well-respected voice within the community, and have helped countless drafts there. They also have served as The East Pacific's Chief Minister of World Assembly Affairs for approximately a year and a half to this day. The proposal touches on several other aspects of Wallenburg's good deeds, including their time spent in The Conclave (regional court) of The East Pacific, as well as multiple positive facets of their roleplay.

For these reasons, The North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote for the at-vote proposal in the Security Council, "Commend Wallenburg".
Condemn Noahs Second Country
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4259 Against: 1268
Final Vote (TNP): For: 473 Against: 78 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 74 Against: 22 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 117 Against: 26 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 86 Against: 32 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


The at-vote proposal, "Condemn Noahs Second Country", is a very well-written proposal that goes lengths and bounds to uncover the treachery committed by the target in the cards game. Noah, as they are oftentimes called, is easily within the ranks of the Card Elite, and have readily abused multiple facets of the game in order to further their own collection. Noah employs what is considered by many to be "scummy tactics", including exploitations that were so overpowered that they have since been changed considerably, meaning that it is now near-impossible to nations to replicate some of the tactics that have led to Noah's immense wealth. They have contributed a lot to the cards community, and deserve recognition for that - and the various ways that the nation has contributed to the game lend themselves well towards condemnation. Even beyond cards, however, Noah is a prolific Issues author and up-and-coming Security Council author, both of which are also touched on in this proposal.

For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote for the at-vote proposal in the Security Council, "Condemn Noahs Second Country".
Commend Valanora
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4511 Against: 1175
Final Vote (TNP): For: 511 Against: 53 with percentage of WA nations voting: 36
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 75 Against: 16 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 117 Against: 22 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 98 Against: 9 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


"Commend Valanora" makes a convincing case for the commendation of a prolific contributor to the NationStates Sports community. The target, Valanora, has both held and ranked a number of tournaments- one of the most unforgiving and unrecognized jobs within NS Sports. They have also accomplished a vast range of athletic victories, such as being the "best football team ever in NationStates history." While these accomplishments alone are likely enough to merit commendation, they barely scratch the surface of the target's true contributions to the game's community. NS Sports is not often recognized by the World Assembly, but this proposal makes a strong and compelling case to do so.

For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Commend Valanora."
Repeal Commend Evil Wolf
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 1714 Against: 4044
Final Vote (TNP): For: 78 Against: 476 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 15 Against: 68 with percentage of WA nations voting: 21
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 42 Against: 113 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 18 Against: 91 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


"Repeal Commend Evil Wolf", the proposal that is at-vote in the Security Council, hinges nearly entirely on the somewhat flawed concept that the raiding of fascists ("fash-bashing") is not commendable. While this does seem to hold some merit at first sight, it fails to acknowledge a time-held precedent within the Security Council that fash-bashing is, in fact, commendable. This is the meat of the proposal, though there are a few more supplementary clauses that are largely non-compelling reasons for repeal. Among these are the claims that raiding that is unrelated to fash-bashing nullifies the rest of the proposal - this is not the case. What would've been more appropriate was an additional condemnation on top of the commendation. This may have been excusable, if there was a replacement condemnation drafted, but this was not the case.

For these reasons, the North Pacific Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends a vote against the at-vote proposal in the Security Council, "Repeal Commend Evil Wolf."
Repeal Commend The Red Fleet
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4543 Against: 1081
Final Vote (TNP): For: 519 Against: 35 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 71 Against: 15 with percentage of WA nations voting: 22
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 125 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 32
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 105 Against: 3 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


While the Red Fleet is undeniably a staunch contributor to the cause of fighting fascism across NationStates, the region's current commendation is riddled with issues and does the anti-fascist effort no justice. "Repeal: 'Commend The Red Fleet'" aims to remove this flawed commendation, and brings its numerous issues to the forefront. For starters, the commendation was largely ghostwritten by a prominent member of TRF, which is itself dishonest and problematic. The military operations listed in the commendation are needlessly overblown and misleading, four major members of the region were deleted by game mods, and the region in question has a history of raiding regions unconnected with fascism. The actions of the Red Fleet recognized in the current commendation have arguably been of substantial detriment to the public image and standing of the anti-fascist effort as a whole.

While the current commendation should undoubtedly be repealed, there is a replacement proposal currently being drafted which seeks to properly recognize the region in question for their legitimate contributions to fighting fascism.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Repeal: 'Commend The Red Fleet'".
Repeal Commend Kuriko
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4803 Against: 839
Final Vote (TNP): For: 505 Against: 46 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 83 Against: 10 with percentage of WA nations voting: 24
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 126 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 99 Against: 11 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


The at-vote proposal in the Security Council, "Repeal: Commend Kuriko," is a repeal that adequately summarizes the flaws and general inadequacies with the target resolution. Kuriko, while a worthy candidate, is not done justice in the text of the resolution, which is poorly written and reads off like a laundry list of accomplishments. There are several other inaccuracies with SCR#300, which are written in the text of this repeal in plain view. Ultimately, SCR#300 is a resolution that deserves to be struck from the books of the Security Council, and the author has a replacement ready-to-go for whenever the candidate feels themselves worthy for it.

For these reasons, the World Assembly recommends a vote for the at-vote proposal in the Security Council, "Repeal: Commend Kuriko."
Commend Altino
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 1539 Against: 4212
Final Vote (TNP): For: 71 Against: 482 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 14 Against: 78 with percentage of WA nations voting: 23
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 37 Against: 109 with percentage of WA nations voting: 31
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 16 Against: 87 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against
Commend The Red Fleet
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4374 Against: 1291
Final Vote (TNP): For: 490 Against: 58 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 74 Against: 19 with percentage of WA nations voting: 24
Delegate's Vote (Balder): For
Final Vote (Europe): For: 109 Against: 33 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europe): For
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 96 Against: 8 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


Recently, the Security Council repealed its commendation of The Red Fleet (TRF). It did so - in an effort supported by TNP - because of flaws with the specific commendation. This, however, in no way made TRF less commend worthy. A force against fascism since its inception, TRF has conducted and participated in countless military operations against regions that operate with the express purpose of advocating fascism; often, these fascist regions raided otherwise peaceful regions that do not conform to their hateful ideology. While there are too many examples to cite, TRF played key roles in operations against The Greater German Reich, Apartheid South Africa, Nazi Europe, and others.

The North Pacific has remained strong in its commitment against fascism, and for the reasons stated above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Commend The Red Fleet."
Liberate Syria
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 4989 Against: 875
Final Vote (TNP): For: 505 Against: 37 with percentage of WA nations voting: 35
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 73 Against: 25 with percentage of WA nations voting: 26
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 134 Against: 21 with percentage of WA nations voting: 33
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 69 Against: 35 with percentage of WA nations voting: 27
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


The region of Syria has fallen victim to a past raid by members of The Wolf Clan, a notorious group of raiders that have previously cooperated with fascist regions. Though the region lacks an active native community at this moment, regions named after real-life countries always have good potential to develop a native community. The Wolf Clan should not be able to doom this region to destruction, and by liberating it, the Security Council would enable defenders to retake the region from its occupying forces.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Liberate Syria".
Condemn Ever-Wandering Souls
Status: Passed
Final Vote (World): For: 3766 Against: 1885
Final Vote (TNP): For: 458 Against: 67 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (TNP): For
Final Vote (Balder): For: 53 Against: 32 with percentage of WA nations voting: 22
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 89 Against: 51 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 83 Against: 14 with percentage of WA nations voting: 25
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): For

Recommendation:


Due to their long and colorful history of effective raiding and related regional development, Ever-Wandering Souls (colloquially known as Souls) is undoubtedly deserving of a Condemnation by the Security Council. In this manner, the at-vote proposal "Condemn Ever-Wandering Souls" does not disappoint. The proposal provides a succinct overview of the most notable of Souls' numerous acts of raiding, with primary focus being given to regions either refounded or emptied of natives to severe harm, and effectively elaborates on why each of these acts contributes to the nominee's deserving of a Condemnation.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting For the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Condemn Ever-Wandering Souls".
Condemn The Land Of Kings And Emperors
Status: Failed
Final Vote (World): For: 2047 Against: 3598
Final Vote (TNP): For: 60 Against: 457 with percentage of WA nations voting: 34
Delegate's Vote (TNP): Against
Final Vote (Balder): For: 18 Against: 98 with percentage of WA nations voting: 30
Delegate's Vote (Balder): Against
Final Vote (Europe): For: 30 Against: 107 with percentage of WA nations voting: 29
Delegate's Vote (Europe): Against
Final Vote (Europeia): For: 16 Against: 93 with percentage of WA nations voting: 28
Delegate's Vote (Europeia): Against

Recommendation:


While the Land of Kings and Emperors could very well be deserving of a Condemnation by the Security Council, the current at-vote proposal "Condemn the Land of Kings and Emperors" should not be the proposal to do so. The Condemnation in question is riddled with numerous factual errors and questionable writing decisions, and is an overall sloppily constructed proposal. These errors and questionable decisions include, but are not limited to, inaccurately citing occupations, spelling mistakes, exaggerating contributions to raids on Hippiedom and The Union, and using failed raids and association with major raider regions as significant arguments for a Condemnation.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting Against the at-vote Security Council proposal, "Condemn the Land of Kings and Emperors".
 

Fregerson

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NPA Bulletin
by Robespierre, Colonel of the North Pacific Army
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NPA soldiers, now under the leadership of 9003 and Gorundu, give one final hurrah to Rom and co. following the successful liberation of NationStates Monarchists from fascists.
Major was to Colonel
Private was to Private First Class
Lieutenant was to Captain
Major was to Colonel
Lieutenant was to Colonel

Another day, another pile! Err… that’s not how the saying goes, now is it? :p

It’s been a while, but not to worry: for your friends from the North Pacific Army have been keeping themselves busy day in and day out with a plethora of exciting activities! What activities, you ask? Well, let’s all begin this month’s segment by taking a moment to congratulate the Ministry of Defense’s new overlord from the world of cards: 9003!

Shortly after the election of ( ) to the Delegacy in early-September, it was announced that 9003 would be taking up the mantle as Minister and would be given an opportunity to emerge from the Officer Corps as the NPA’s next leader. In a brief opening statement, 9003 made his goals for the term quite clear by remarking that “[He’d] like to see more ops at minors as well as a better training program from new recruits.” Wasting little time in pursuit of progress on these objectives, the new MoD quickly introduced a system for daily piles that soldiers can attend even without physically being present during updates!

While it remains to be seen whether or not this initiative is popular enough to become standard practice in the Ministry, 9003 and newly-appointed mega nerd (and Deputy Minister of Defense), Gorundu, have already been seen whipping potato peelers into shape outside the barracks. After a handful of promotions at the start of the term came a slew of discharges, and now, with the Ministry’s official roster updated and purged of all inactives, the NPA continues to proudly offer its allies assistance, its foes resistance, and the fascists no safe haven! With congratulations out of the way, let’s get right into this month’s happenings on the battlefield:

Beginning on the second (2nd) of August’s minor update and lasting all the way up until the eleventh (11th) of August’s major update, troops from the North Pacific Army, the South Pacific Special Forces, the Rejected Realms Army, the East Pacific Sovereign Army, the Union of Democratic States Armed Forces, Lily, the Order of the Grey Wardens, and Founderless, among others, joined together to form the largest liberation updater force in history! With ninety (90) soldiers in attendance (nine of which being from the NPA), the previous record set in 2016 was shattered by approximately eight updaters as militaries from all across NationStates stormed the beaches of . This marked a huge victory in gameplay and the efforts of all involved will not soon be forgotten.

Moving on, in true Independent fashion, the North Pacific Army followed up a successful liberation campaign by carrying out a number of raids over the course of the past two months. On the twenty-second (22nd) of August's major update, the region of fell victim to a short-lived invasion when NPA personnel rallied alongside the Black Hawks, the Europiean Republican Navy, Lone Wolves United, and others to seize the Delegacy for a day prior to a return by the region's Founder. Thirteen (13) of the North's finest participated in this endeavor and the exemplary efforts of many were showcased.

Shortly thereafter, on the twenty-fourth (24th) of August's major update, fourteen NPAers set out to bash the fash in cooperation with regions belonging to ANTIFA. It remains unclear exactly why these hateful ideological elements thought they ever stood a chance against the glorious boot of freedom, but suffice to say that then-Minister of Defense was very happy to see such great poise from his army on display.

In other news, a joint operation between the North Pacific Army and the East Pacific Sovereign Army on the thirteenth (13th) of September's minor update resulted in a handful of regions being tagged and one region being defended. Five regions were visited in total and General lead the charge on the trigger. Lastly, rounding out the month of September, the EuroOlympics were underway and the NPA simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to compete. Later the same day, on the thirteenth (13th) of September's major update, ten soldiers deployed to EuroOlympics King of the Hill for a smile pile event! Soldiers remained stationed there for a few days out of the week before the host region came to recapture their hill.

... and that's all, folks! Up until this point, we've been staying busy, you've probably been staying busy, and we hope that you all have been staying safe during these difficult times. Thank you for reading this issue of the NPA Bulletin as we've rehashed the past two month's events and gotten to enjoy some precious moments in time with your favourite GPers! Until the next segment, cheers!
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[small]The North Star: Lighting The Way To The Truth
Publisher: TlomzKrano :: Executive Editor: BMWSurfer :: Managing Editor: Bobberino

The North Star is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.[/small]

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Fregerson

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**TNS Issue - WA Symposium edition**

Dedicated entirely to defining, exploring, and evaluating Information For Voters releases (IFVs), this piece takes an in-depth look at an increasingly critical component of many regions' WA programs. This essay also takes a look at the dual nature of IFVs: they serve to both amplify regional voting power and provide players less involved in WA matters with a means of gaining greater insight into a specific proposal.


This relatively shorter essay defines and examines liberations in the modern sense- specifically, offensive liberations and their defensive (or "standard") counterparts. Liberations are a potent tool, which can be wielded to protect native populations- or to harm them.


This piece explores the logic that often shapes big Delegate voting in the General Assembly, and examines several differing schools of thought when it comes to determining how regional Delegate votes are cast. A secondary purpose of this essay is to examine the factors that often determine a region's voting stance on a particular proposal, and the role of IFVs in shaping how votes are cast.


Interpreting committee provisions within General Assembly resolutions is inherently a point of some controversy due largely to the significant differences in how national governments and WA committees create and enforce regulations, and the increasing reliance of proposals on committees. This piece argues in favor of applying the reasonable nation test (nations would not interpret provisions in a self-detrimental way) to committee provisions.
 

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The North Star XXI


We are aware that not everyone is equally appreciative of image-based NS newspapers. As such, we've included the standard format mostly plain-text version of the newspaper in the spoiler below. We hope you enjoy reading this month's issue! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, feel free to contact the current TNP Minister of Communications BMWSurfer.

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The Second World Assembly Symposium
by the TNP Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, with special mention to Minister and staffers and

The second World Assembly Symposium was a three-day event held from Friday, 28 August 2020 to Sunday, 30 August 2020. The primary purpose of the event was to serve as a forum for discussion on a variety of historical and contemporary topics significant to the World Assembly. Each day consisted of two or three panels; each panel was dedicated to a particular area of interest. Every panel was further divided among specific points for discussion in order to provide a more concrete framework for discourse on any given subject matter. Each panel consisted of short-form discussion guided by the aforementioned points, which took place on , in addition to long-form discussion taking place in .

A brief overview of the event's panels is as follows (in Eastern time):

Friday, August 28:

9AM - Subforum becomes public and long-answer responses can begin being posted.
1PM-4PM - Liberations: When and how should they be used?
  • Offensive liberations: Legitimate tactic or misuse of mechanics?
  • How much drafting should a liberation undergo before it becomes ineffective?
5PM-8PM - Manipulating voting trends through politics.
  • Blocs and their place within the World Assembly
  • The lemming effect and how it's used
  • Informational Dispatches and their effect on the voter psyche

Saturday, August 29:

9AM-12PM - Repeals: Why they should be written and what should be included.
  • Differences between repeals in the GA and SC, and what this means.
  • What constitutes the grounds for a proper repeal?
  • How to make a repeal convincing and how to properly convey your argument.
1PM-4PM - Commendations, Condemnations, and Recent Shifts in Oft-Recognized Areas.
  • Who is deserving of being recognized by the World Assembly?
  • Recent shifts in those being recognized (such as c/cs relating to Cards) have been rising in prominence - is this a good or bad change?
  • How much should OOC factors play into mostly IC recognitions?
5PM-8PM - Noncompliance - dangerous trend, legitimate roleplay, or godmodding?
  • How should non-compliance be handled within the World Assembly?
  • Is there a legitimate way to be non-compliant or is compliance put into place instantly and by force?
  • How do 'non-compliance pacts' effect gameplay within the World Assembly?

Sunday, August 30:

9AM-12PM - Approval raiding - Curating proposals or interfering with democracy?
  • Is delegate-bumping (or any other raiding tactics) okay under any circumstances in order to influence delegate approval?
  • When should it be utilized, if it is?
1PM - 4PM - Trends, History, and the Future of the World Assembly
  • How has the World Assembly changed recently, and are those changes good?
  • Is the exchange of authors between the GA and SC good for increasing activity?
  • What are some predictions for the future of the World Assembly?

In addition to written discussion, the Symposium included a Northern Broadcast Service (NBS) voice show on Sunday the 30th, from 5pm to 8pm EST. This show included but was not limited to a Q&A session with some prominent WA figures, commentary on discussions that occurred over the course of the event, and closing marks to round off the Symposium. The schedule can be found in gameside dispatch form.

The Symposium also incorporated four guest essays on critical topics, which acted as an excellent supplement to discussion and can be found in the recently published . Our goal with this Issue of The North Star (TNS) is to provide an effective overview of each of the event's panels and preserve their contents for posterity in an easily accessible format.

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Friday Panel 1 - Liberations and Their Usage

Friday’s first panel was held between 1PM and 4PM EST on the 28th of August 2020. The focus of this panel was when and how liberations should be used. This topic was divided into two subcategories:

[*]Offensive liberations: Legitimate tactic or misuse of mechanics?
[*]How much drafting should a liberation undergo before it becomes ineffective?
[/LIST]
Longer-form responses are available , with shorter-form discussion taking place on the event’s Discord. A guest essay by Lord Dominator titled “Offensive and Defensive Liberations” related to the topic is viewable . A key focus of the discussion was the acceptability and use of symbolic liberations, with some arguing that symbolic liberations serve to spark change in OOC-bad communities and regions, while others asserted that they fail to serve that purpose and instead attract unnecessary attention and animosity to and from the targeted region. The discussion then covered the question of whether there should be a difference in acceptability between symbolic and offensive liberations, with most agreeing that there should be and is a divide in both purpose and acceptability. From there, speakers discussed how long liberations should be drafted for, with most arguing that liberations should be passed quickly as to avoid warning raiders, though some speakers preferred a longer-term approach to things, pointing out that liberations already take a while to get through quorum and the voting period. There was an agreement, however, that symbolic liberations may and should take longer periods of time to draft, seeing as time is not a factor in the usage of a symbolic liberation. The discussion ended on the topic of when liberations should be repealed, with speaker Kenmoria stating that symbolic liberations should be repealed when the target region has changed, and speaker Tinhampton affirming that more “classic” liberations should be repealed at a time in which the region has reached a state of equilibrium.

Kenmoria said:
I am a proponent of drafting for as long as possible, which for liberations is often unfortunately short, so I think people should draft for as long as might be reasonable. A region can be retaken, but an SC resolution is on the books forever.

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Friday Panel 2 - Manipulating Voting Trends Through Politics

Friday's second panel was held between 5pm and 8pm EST on the 28th of August 2020. The focus of this panel was the manipulation of voting threads through interregional politics. This topic was divided into three subcategories:
  • Blocs and their place within the World Assembly
  • The lemming effect and how it's used
  • Informational Dispatches and their effect on the voter psyche
Longer-style responses are viewable , with shorter-form discussion occurring on the event's Discord. Two guest essays submitted for the Symposium are of particular relevance here: by Kenmoria, and by Maowi. Discussion naturally centered around the effectiveness of IFVs and voting blocs, and how valuable they are at informing voters and influencing votes. Some prominent voices argued that IFVs serve an important role in informing WA member nations and strengthening regional communities, and that voting blocs allow for easier campaigning and a concentration of voting power and therefore competence in the WA. Others argued that IFVs are effectively useless in swaying votes (since region members arguably follow the Delegate's vote more often than not), and that at-vote telegram campaigns are of questionable value.

Here are some select opinions from Friday's second panel:
Fregerson said:
I feel that Information Dispatches (IFVs) and Voting Blocs have a really large part to play in the current situation in the WA. Both serves rather different purposes, playing different roles in deciding whether a proposal gets passed through the halls or is voted down.
IFVs are mainly due to the voting demographics. Not everyone is in the WA because they study the proposal to the finest detail and say, "Eh maybe this proposal is not that good I am voting against." The utilisation of IFVs would really help the voters understand some of the reasonings behind a certain leaning. Some of the people may just look at these IFVs and follow them blindly. Others may gain new insights that somehow "convince" them to vote that way. After all, you would always think experienced people know what they are saying with these Dispatches.
As for Voting Blocs - they are an entirely different beast, swaying the way the votes are being casted in reality. The psychological effect of early stomps is really huge - you simply sway voters to jump on the bandwagon and follow the trend.

Peeps said:
I'm going to start this off with what may be a controversial opinion, I am not sure IFV dispatches do anything. If you are already going to vote whatever way your delegate votes, it doesn't add anything. Otherwise I assume most nations get their info from domestic sources or no source at all. The latter brings me to the lemming effect, I think it is huge. Probably the biggest determiner of a proposals success is if a couple of big delegates stomp or stack it.
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Saturday Panel 1 - Repeals: How and Why to Write Them
Saturday’s first panel was held between 9AM and 12PM EST on 29th of August 2020. The focus of this panel was why and how a repeal should be written. This topic was divided into three subcategories:
  • Differences between repeals in the GA and the SC, and what this means
  • What constitutes the grounds for a proper repeal?
  • How to make a repeal convincing and how to properly convey your argument
A majority of the discussion took place on the event’s Discord, though you can view the forum thread . The discussion generally focused on what warrants a repeal, how to make a convincing argument, and how important having replacements ready are in passing a repeal. Most speakers agreed that the importance of having a replacement ready for the repealed resolution is situational, with some noting that in many cases, particularly in the SC, a replacement is often unneeded depending on the intent of the repeal, whereas in the GA replacements are far more common, with repeals being passed to make way for the intended replacements. There was a general consensus that repeals are justified when a resolution has unintended consequences, blocks a better resolution, or generally does not serve its purpose, and that minor grammar or spelling mistakes do not justify a repeal (so long as the mistakes do not undermine the original intent). The discussion then sidetracked as the speakers explored the question of when an illegal resolution might be forcibly removed (which has not happened since 2003) before turning back to the question of how to create a convincing repeal, with most speakers concurring that crafting concise arguments that attack specific weaknesses of the target proposal while trying to avoid stating the reverse of the target resolution's arguments (as to avoid an Honest Mistake challenge) is a good way to start. The panel closed out on a discussion of how repealing an older and unliked resolution might run into HM problems, with speakers Graintfjall and Morover making the point that a repeal running into HM problems is hardly a consequence of the target resolution’s age, but rather due to the WA’s recent shift into a far more litigious environment that backs the rationale for arguments that often fall into the category of an HM mistake.

Jutsa said:
I think it's also valid to repeal a resolution if it's got significant, unintended consequences, or otherwise does nothing that it was promised to do. A replacement is often ideal but not necessary in those instances.
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Saturday Panel 2 - Commendations, Condemnations, and Recent Shifts Thereof
Saturday’s second panel was held between 1PM-4PM EST on the 29th August. This panel was focused on the discussion of the standard of what qualifies for a commendation or condemnation, and how that has changed as of late.
Three specific questions divided the panel into subcategories:
  • Who is deserving of being recognized by the World Assembly?
  • Recent shifts in those being recognized (such as c/cs relating to Cards) have been rising in prominence - is this a good or bad change?
  • How much should OOC factors play into mostly IC recognitions?

No forum responses were made, though if you wish to see forum thread that was intended for this, it can be found . Much discussion took place on the event’s Discord, however. It largely dealt with some borderline examples of C&C worthiness, the specific point at which a line should be drawn on OOC matters being factored into the SC’s actions, and a brief discussion of dual commendations and condemnations. While shifts in the areas of the game being recognized were mentioned, quick consensus in favor of, or at least not opposed to, was reached. Most voices suggested that there are many OOC actions that quickly disqualify a candidate or author, and that you cannot view a proposal without OOC actions in mind. However, there was some disagreement over whether or not simply being a very rude and abrasive person should be considered even if the nominee has done nothing specific that would specifically eliminate them. Dual C&Cs were generally thought to be reasonable, with Evil Wolf being raised as a potentially deserving candidate.

El Fiji Grande said:
I think the unifying thing about these achievements though is that even while some important achievements go unrecognized, it is those achievements which impact the wider NS game that receive resolutions, as opposed to any nation's impact in just one region.
While this isn't entirely a recent shift, I think the expansion of resolutions from mainly R/D based to those that also encompass RP, Issues, NS Cards, and so on serve to better highlight the work of deserving nations.
Noah - Discord said:
I think that if someone is controversial it's often conflated with being OOC bad. Obviously we shouldn't be praising someone who pushes harmful views upon everyone, but someone who comes across as a bit rude doesn't really disqualify them from a c/c imo.
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Saturday Panel 3 - Noncompliance in the General Assembly
Saturday's third panel discussion was held between 5PM and 8PM on the 29th of August 2020. This discussion focused on the subject of noncompliance and its consequences. Specifically, discussion centered around the following three subcategories:
  • How should non-compliance be handled within the World Assembly?
  • Is there a legitimate way to be non-compliant or is compliance put into place instantly and by force?
  • How do 'non-compliance pacts' effect gameplay within the World Assembly?
Discussion on these topics was primarily hosted on the event's Discord server. The initial point of interest was distinguishing between noncompliance from the perspective of game mechanics and noncompliance from the perspective of roleplay (RP). The speakers largely agreed that noncompliance has been extensively recognized from an RP perspective in the General Assembly, and that there is a substantial difference between being creatively compliant with GA law and openly flaunting noncompliance. The speakers also largely agreed that OOC WA membership for raiding and similar purposes is inherently different from IC WA membership.

From there, the conversation shifted to the specifics of how noncompliance and creative compliance can be RPed effectively. Tinfect was held up as an example of what well-done noncompliance looks like, with noncompliance being clearly present in-character and making sense in context, without being abrasively advertised at every opportunity. Noncompliance pacts such as the one formed in response to WA abortion law garnered a more mixed response. On the one hand, that particular pact was poorly executed, backfired spectacularly, and failed to achieve its stated goals. On the other hand, there were points made that noncompliance pacts are not inherently worse than individual noncompliance in the abstract, and that noncompliance pacts when RPed well, especially regarding consequences, could prove interesting. However, that has not been the case thus far. There was also a point made by several speakers that blatant noncompliance should be treated in kind by the GA. In other words, shameless noncompliant actors are hypocrites if they expect legislation that they attempt to pass to be taken seriously.

Discussion then moved to enforcement mechanisms for GA compliance, with the concept of a WA military taking center stage. It was generally agreed that a WA military force tasked with enforcing compliance would not really be a positive addition to the WA, both due to the power level of such a force and the fact that it can easily be used excessively to enforce comparatively minor mandates. The discussion concluded with whether noncompliance-based RP should be recognized in Security Council resolutions, with the general consensus being that such RP could potentially be recognized if performed well and with consequences.

Tinfect said:
The current enforcement mechanisms do well enough if you ask me; you have to be RPing a kind of circumstance which itself severely limits the things you can do anyway in order to escape the issues of noncompliance otherwise.
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Sunday Panel 1 - Approval Raiding
Sunday's first panel was held between 9AM and 12PM EST. This discussion was dedicated to the subject of approval raiding, the practice of raiding small regions whose delegates are approving a certain proposal in order to displace said delegates and remove their approval. Specific topic areas covered included:
  • Is delegate-bumping (or any other raiding tactics) okay under any circumstances in order to influence delegate approval?
  • When should it be utilized, if it is?
The focus of this panel was quite singular, and centered around the question of whether approval raiding is justified, and in what circumstances. This topic was easily one of the most divisive of this Symposium, with speakers being fairly cleanly split between those who believed approval raiding is a valid and useful, if somewhat damaging, tactic and those who believed it to be something that should not be in the game. Major points brought up included the collateral damage inherent to approval raiding (given that delegates hit by the tactic can easily be approving multiple proposals simultaneously), interaction between approval bumping and counter-campaigns, and whether approval raiding is prolific enough to even warrant significant attention. An interesting suggestion was brought up towards the end of the discussion: making it so that only delegates who initially approved a proposal could remove their approval. This was posted on the NS forum as a technical suggestion, but was quickly shot down.

Some select quotes from the Discord discussion:
Morover said:
The issue is that delegate bumping for one proposal makes it substantially harder for other proposals to reach quorum at the same time
Kuriko said:
It undermines the process of the WA and the ability for the people to choose what should be voted on or passed. TBH has bumped at vote proposals too
Kenmoria said:
I strongly oppose update bumping for all the above reasons. It’s inconsiderate to people who have worked hard on a GA proposal to have their submission delayed because of something happening in Gameplay.
Seva said:
On one hand, approval raiding is kind of interfering with the natural course of a proposal. On the other, this is a game at the end of the day and approval raiding is just another interesting feature. It doesn't cause problems that often, and if a proposal didn't reach quorum because of it, then it probably wouldn't have passed anyway
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Sunday Panel 2 - Trends, History, and the Future of the World Assembly
Sunday’s second panel was held between 1PM and 4PM on the 30th of August 2020. The panel focused on the trends, history, and future of the World Assembly. This topic was divided into three subcategories:
  • How has the World Assembly changed recently, and are those changes good?
  • Is the exchange of authors between the GA and SC good for increasing activity?
  • What are some predictions for the future of the World Assembly?
Discussion on these topics generally took place on the event’s Discord. You can find a relevant essay that goes over RP and In-Character discussions in the GA by Maowi titled “Regional Delegates and General Assembly Canon” . The initial discussion focused on the presence of newer authors and the shift away from RP in the GA. There was a general consensus that with the coming of newer (and often prolific) authors in the WA that participation in the GA, SC, and even GI increased, with many noting that the three forums have begun to converge as newer authors began to dabble in each. However, some speakers pointed out that among the changes that came with the uptick of newer authors was a shift away from RP and IC drafting. Notable speaker Graintfjall voiced concerns about this, asserting that RP was integral to the magic of drafting in the WA and that its gradual disappearance was a sign of the WA’s decline. Others argued that the loss of RP in the WA was an inevitable consequence of feedback shifting towards a more efficient and rules-based style, with duplicity and writing quality becoming larger concerns than the topic of a proposal itself.

From there, the focus turned towards the early days of the WA (then the UN) and the evolution of the formatting of proposals, with speakers such as Jutsa pointing out that to the untrained eye, a well-formatted proposal is more appealing and thus likely to get a vote for than a short and concise one. A few potential additions to the WA like amendments and a total reset were then brought up (and quickly shot down), at which point the discussion turned to the question of whether the WA was still largely under the influence of the GP community. Jakker corroborated this assertion, citing the influence and impact delegates of larger regions have on at-vote proposals, while others like Morover pointed to the recent trend of C/Cs on individuals outside of the GP community as evidence that, while GP continues to hold power over SC voting, SC writing is increasingly shifting away from GP as authors continue to branch out. The discussion rounded off with an analysis of the growth of C/Cs in the SC, with the speakers overall concluding that the creativity and innovation utilized in recent C/Cs, particularly those in communities unfamiliar to the SC like Sports and Cards, were positive developments for the SC as a whole.

Refuge Isle said:
Even outside of their huge voting power, TNP usually has a lot more influence in this regard because of how much they're engaged with "voting early and voting often"
Jakker said:
I think all of this speaks to the notion that nothing is objectively condemnable or commendable. Creativity and innovation is about having the flexibility to take communities and actions and so it can be either. And the SC should be open to that. Stifling creativity does not help to bring in new players
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The North Star Issue XXII

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The Spotlight - Interview With Gorundu
by Arichia, Deputy Minister of Communications
Arichia: Alright! I'll get started now, When and how did you get started in TNP?

Gorundu: I joined TNP in May 2019, about 10 months after I started playing NationStates. I was the WA Delegate of a region of 30-ish WA nations at the time, but some people in the region were opposed to my agenda, and I felt I wouldn't be able to do what I wanted even in that position. So I decided to try my luck in the biggest region in the game, TNP. (My feelings turned out to be right and I ended up getting banned by the founder within 2 months) When I joined TNP I applied for every ministry except for Culture, and that was how I got started.

Arichia: Wow! You have an eventful past before TNP. Have you ever been involved in the NPA or any other military organization?

Gorundu: After I left my previous region, I decided to devote my WA to the NPA, and I've been in the NPA ever since. Currently I'm an Officer and a Deputy Minister of Defence.

Arichia: What are some accomplishments you or you helped achieve during your time in TNP?

Gorundu: In my previous roles as Speaker and Minister of World Assembly Affairs, I mostly continued to execute the existing duties of those offices, which was no easy task considering that in both roles I succeeded a relatively long-serving and popular holder of those offices, though I wouldn't consider these accomplishments. I'd like to think that as Minister of Communications I made some progress in reviving a struggling ministry by recruiting new members and managed to restart the publication of The Northern Lights, which probably counts the most in terms of my accomplishments.

Arichia: From what I see you've done a lot in TNP. Who do you consider a mentor throughout your time in TNP?

Gorundu: I would say McMasterdonia and Tlomz (Kranostav) have been most like a mentor for me. McMasterdonia offered me my first position in government (a short tenure as a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs) and was supportive of my run for Speaker. He also offered me my first cabinet position as Minister of World Assembly Affairs, and was very helpful in getting me settled into the position as the head of one of the most active ministries in the government. Tlomz was my predecessor as Minister of World Assembly Affairs and I served under him as Deputy Minister, during he helped me get a better understanding of the World Assembly and TNP's WA relationships, which enabled me to become his successor.

Arichia: What do you believe is TNP's best quality?

Gorundu: I would say the best quality that is unique to TNP is the depth and breadth of the discussions and debates in the Regional Assembly and in relation to the government. It points towards a citizenry that is committed to making TNP better in any way possible, but are unafraid to raise their own ideas or offer criticism for what isn't being done well. Another quality of TNP that I admire is that we are a pioneer in so many fields - for example, in the WA and in Trading Cards - and we have so many people dedicated to the success of these pioneering programs.

Arichia: I believe you had said before that you had run for speaker and you had been speaker as well. From your experiences then, would you run for speaker, or perhaps a different office in the future?

Gorundu: I don't see myself running for Speaker again for the near future. Serving as Speaker was an enlightening experience and taught me much about what people expect from a government official, but for now I'd like to focus on what I can do in the executive.

Arichia: And to finally close, would you take on more in the executive, or would you stay with what you are working on now?

Gorundu: I've been busy in real life recently, so I haven't taken on too much responsibility this term. I'm glad to have the opportunity to get involved in the NPA a little bit more as Deputy Minister of Defence, and I have continued advising the Ministry of Communications after departing as Minister. If I feel ready to take on more responsibilities, I will of course look for new opportunities.

Arichia: I believe those are all of my questions. I really appreciate all your time and answers here, and thanks again for the opportunity to interview you!
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North Pacific Army Bulletin
by Jan Mackistan, Reporter for The Northern Star
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NPA and Libcord forces in the midst of liberating Smol Fur Empire

Private was to Private First Class
September ended with a bang (quite literally) as nuclear warfare consumed NationStates - including the NPA - for a brief but action-packed 24 hours. Soldiers put their puppets to good use as nuclear production machines, aiding the Potato Alliance in a hard-earned victory. Our generals helped all of us get on the Big Board, pushing the Horsemen to our former spot of last, and pushed us up to second place. As the quote goes, “I didn’t know doors opened up down there!” Our warriors collaborated with soldiers from a multitude of regions, including some of our closest allies, such as the Rejected Realms, the South Pacific and Europe, to take the horses down. Colonel Robespierre and General 9003 represented us as Potato Generals for N-Day, keeping all of the Potato Alliance in one piece. Sure, we were hit multiple times, but we were lifted from last all the way up to 2nd place. That is certainly a Cinderella story if I’ve ever heard one (which I haven’t). We completed the impossible task that no other faction could do.

After cleaning up the fallout, it was right back to work for our uniformed servicemen. If they weren’t saving The North Pacific from nukes they were helping out other regions in need, whether they requested or not :p

For ten straight days in early October, the North Pacific Army, along with friends and allies from Libcord, laid siege to Smol Fur Empire, which had been occupied by raider forces, presumably for the purpose of refounding as a jump point for later use. In total, 13 NPA soldiers joined the updater force at some point during the ten-day siege, contributing to one of the highest liberation forces ever, numbering over 100 towards the end. It makes me smile when support goes to those who need it. We certainly have generous men and women among our armed services, at least when they are kind and cute.

When not taking part in high-stakes confrontations, NPA Officers, including COL BMWSurfer, COL Rom, COL Gorundu and CPT Nimarya, continued to lead training operations in the form of tag and detag runs, attracting seasoned officers and new soldiers alike to hone their skills.

Finally, the NPA joined our friends in the South Pacific Special Forces and East Pacific Sovereign Army on October 11 for a special detag operation combined with chasing practice, where lots of fun were had as NPA soldiers work on a skill that has been seldom used recently while Phoenix from SPSF brings out her favourite R/D playlist for all to enjoy.

Aaaaand that’s it for the bulletin this month. It may not have been the most eventful month in the books, but no matter the stakes, our soldiers are always there, ready to give it their best. Now, I sure hope you all had a good Halloween and are looking forward to the rest of the holidays to come. Stay strong, TNPers!

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Regional Assembly Highlights
by Comfed, Deputy Speaker

Regional Assembly Highlights
Current Business


Timing Amendment to Security Council Disclosure by Comfed

Summary: Timing Amendment to Security Council Disclosure is a bill that would remove the 14-day time limit on releasing private Security Council logs of over 1 year of age requested by a resident.

Confirmation of Siwale to the Election Commission

Summary: Delegate TlomzKrano/Kranostav appointed Siwale to the election commission.

Passed - Legislative
No legislative bills were passed by the Regional Assembly this month.

Passed - Non-Legislative
No non-legislative bills were passed by the Regional Assembly this month.​
 
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World Assembly Digest
by Nimarya, Minister of Home Affairs
WA Digest

The month of October saw four General Assembly resolutions passed, and the Security Council observed four proposals reach quorum, of which two were passed, one failed, and the last was quickly withdrawn. Of the Security Council proposals brought to vote during the month, two have stood out of particular interest.

The first was a resolution that passed without much issue, and yet seemed to be surprisingly controversial among The North Pacific citizens. On October 16th, , an accomplished World Assembly author and a former Minister of World Assembly Affairs for The North Pacific, submitted a to the Security Council that aimed to commend the nation , a highly influential player in NationStates. Kuriko is perhaps best known for her service to the region 10000 Islands as its longest-serving WA Delegate. She might also be more recently recognized as NationStates’s World Assembly Secretary-General, having won the position during the Secretary-General election event of last April.

While the proposal saw broad approval and ultimately passed at vote with 84.1% support, on The North Pacific forum voters seemed somewhat more divided. The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs issued a recommendation to vote “For” the proposal, stating that the proposal clearly makes an excellent case for why Kuriko is deserving of a commendation. The Ministry also indicated that this proposal would serve as a far superior replacement for the first commendation of Kuriko, which had been previously due to criticisms of poor writing.

However, despite the Ministry’s recommendation, on The North Pacific’s forum voting a number of citizens voted against the proposal, with only a few stating why. Of those who chose to voice their reasoning, it was a mix between simply disliking the writing of the proposal itself and a more targeted dislike of 10000 Island’s actions abroad and of Kuriko’s alleged stance against condemning raiders in the Security Council.

Without hearing the thoughts of the others who voted against, much is still left to conjecture, although it is easy to deduce that the age-old tensions between raiding and defender ideologies are likely at play here. A look into the NationStates forum in which this proposal was debated shows a similar trend to what was observed in TNP’s forum- most were approving of the proposal, with the few who stood opposed stating criticisms of , a recent defender operation in which Kuriko was involved. It is clear that in this case, the voting sample in The North Pacific forum thread reflects the same general voting patterns of the wider NationStates community. The vote we have seen for this proposal is, perhaps, a symptom of the fact that TNP houses citizens of all sorts of ideologies, including both raider and defender leaning individuals.

The second notable Security Council proposal of October failed at vote, managing to gain only 23.6% support. On October 20th, submitted a to condemn the nation . What made this proposal somewhat unique was that it aimed to condemn this nation based purely off of NationStates statistics, which is an oddity for the Security Council but not completely unprecedented, since the nation has been commended for their impressive statistics back in March of this year. The North Pacific’s Ministry of World Assembly Affairs issued no recommendation for this vote, choosing instead to let others debate and decide for themselves. TNP voters seemed to be vocally divided on the issue, but ultimately the forum vote ended in favor of the proposal, with 18 votes “For” and 15 “Against.”

The arguments for and against were rather simple- Tinhampton, the proposal’s author, argued that Northern Borland had spent almost seventeen years answering issues in a manner dedicated to working towards these statistics, and that being able to pay close attention and religiously answer issues for that sheer length of time is worthy of a condemnation. However, others remained unconvinced, citing that Northern Borland was not even in first place for many of the statistics they were being condemned for. Additionally, both in The North Pacific voting and in the NationStates onsite discussion , there were many voters who were convinced that the mere act of answering issues for long enough is not commendable or condemnable on its own.

On the other hand, some players take the stance that issues answering and statistics planning is just as valid an area of the game as others, and therefore just as worthy of recognition. While the proposal to condemn Northern Borland was shot down tremendously at vote, there are likely many players who would support other stat-based proposals to commend or condemn exemplary nations, as evidenced by the words of support seen in the debate threads and by the nation Kindjal’s commend. It will be interesting to see if, in the future, stat-based Security Council proposals can succeed and become more prominent.
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The Northern Light Issue XXIII



We are aware that not everyone is equally appreciative of image-based NS newspapers. As such, we've included the standard format mostly plain-text version of the newspaper in the spoiler below. We hope you enjoy reading this month's issue! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, feel free to contact the current TNP Minister of Communications BMWSurfer.

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Editor’s Note
by BMWSurfer, Minister of Communications

Welcome to The Northern Lights. One of the first things I did when I joined NationStates was join the North Pacific Army. I found a supportive and fun community there, and got hooked on military gameplay. When I first became Minister of Communications, I knew I wanted to do an R/D issue of The Northern Lights, and the Ministry of Defense of The North Pacific has been very helpful throughout the writing of this issue. I am thankful for their support, and for all of the authors who contributed to this publication. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Northern Lights!

Note From the Minister of Defense
by 9003, Minister of Defense
There is no doubt one of the largest communities on NationStates is the diverse group that we lovingly call R/Ders, or the Raiders and Defenders. Despite having small windows in which most of Raiding and Defending occurs in, no group has brought about more changes to NationStates as a whole. In these pages you will learn countless things from decades worth of combined knowledge and experience. Each article functions as a viewing glass into the exciting world of R/D. On behalf of the Ministry of Defense of The North Pacific, I am excited to share this issue of The Northern Lights with you!

An Outsider’s Perspective: 8 Things That Helped or Hurt the R&D Metagame
by 6ixDaze
6ixDaze here; most of you would remember me as Falconias, though I’ve opted to retire that name as it was something I came up with almost 17 years ago, when I created my 2nd nation in NationStates (my first nation was called D34TH… we don’t talk about that one). With that said, you’re welcome to continue to call me Falc if you prefer. I was asked if I was interested in writing an article on the R&D game for The Northern Lights. Though I have been largely out of the game for many years and continue to not have a great deal of time to dedicate to it, I can offer some observations as someone who has been a part of this meta for a very long time. In this article, I’ve outlined 8 things that – in my marginally senile opinion – either helped or hurt the raiding & defending metagame in NationStates.
#4 Hurt: Not Incorporating NationStates 2 Features (2009)
NationStates 2 was a short-lived disaster for Max Barry, as his relationship with Jolt rapidly disintegrated between the game’s launch in late 2008 and the shutdown on July 1st , 2009. The story is complicated, but the short version of it is that Jolt failed to live up to expectations and allegedly did not fulfill contractual obligations; Jolt went defunct in 2012. There was an opportunity to incorporate some of NationStates 2’s brilliant ideas into the original NationStates that would have added significant layers to the game; for example – and I don’t claim to have any great ideas about how this would have worked – but reworking raiding & defending mechanics based on military spending, which would have dramatically improved the incharacter aspect of the game and reduced the impact of waves of “puppet” nations. Instead, NationStates remained largely unchanged and NS2 was lost to memory.
#4 Helped: The Rise of the Regional Alliances (2006)
I could perhaps be biased, but I truly believe the FRA helped the metagame. The birth & success of the FRA (Founderless Regions Alliance) in 2006 paved the way for similar organizations – in both the pro-defender spectrum (i.e. the UDL), and the pro-raider spectrum (i.e. the Commonwealth – the historical one, not the current one) to dabble into “organizations” that brought regions together for a common cause & military rather than the traditional treaties & alliances. It added a layer of politics to the metagame that did not exist previously. The concept somewhat predated the FRA with the likes of the ADN (Alliance Defence Network) and the CDA (Central Defence Army), but it was not until the FRA that the concept truly became formalized as a governing body rather than just an army.
#3 Hurt: The Fall of DEN (c. 2008)
DEN, formed in 2004, was a significant part of why defenders even exist, and how intelligence came to be a major component of defender gameplay. The DEN was a mysterious organization that became known for well planned & executed raids that often used “sleepers”, or nations that were faked to look like native nations. This tactic even predated the introduction of Influence that made sleepers a meta strategy; DEN was truly ahead of its time. DEN also were the one of the very few organizations to successfully “eject-raid” the Rejected Realms; the tactic involves massing endorsements in an unrelated region, followed by a mass-ejection by the Founder to instantly deploy a mass-endorsed nation into a region where ejections are not possible, leaving the incumbent delegate hopeless to retain power unless defenders are ready and waiting. DEN’s creative methods and shroud of secrecy necessitated improvements to defender intelligence and began an era of espionage. When DEN began to decline about 12 years ago and raiders like General Franks and Of Crazed became less active, it had a noticeable impact on the necessity of defender intelligence.
#3 Helped: Influence (2006)
I believe the introduction of influence in 2006 and the many changes to it since have helped the overall meta-game. Keeping in mind that the original intended purpose of NationStates was to own a nation that seeks out endorsements to run a region, it seemed to violate the in-character narrative of NationStates to allow a new delegate unlimited power instantly. The “Invasion Griefing” rules that were in place prior to Influence did little to stop griefing of regions and were a set of constantly moving goalposts. Influence greatly reduced the workload and power of game moderators.
#2 Hurt: Liberation Resolutions (2009)
As a defender, I of course appreciate the security blanket that Liberation Resolutions provide once invaders put a password in place and seek to refound a region; but in my opinion, these resolutions also seem to violate the in-character narrative of NationStates by offering the Security Council a tremendous power in regions that may or may not be even in-character aligned with the objectives of the SC. It also benefits defenders so greatly that in my opinion it diminished too greatly the powers of so-called “Imperialist” raiders who sought to raid & keep regions permanently. A great deal of the “fear” for defenders was alleviated, and now the course of action is for defenders, after conceding defeat, gripe to the Security Council enough to get the game to intervene. It’s a sad display of weakness, as a defender, to be quite honest. There are two alternatives to these Resolutions that in hindsight could have been considered; (1) only allowing a Founder to install a password, or (2) making the Influence required for a password so staggeringly large that raiders would have had to hold the region for months with large numbers in order to install a password.
#2 Helped: GCR Coups (Various)
Our feeder friends will likely be unpleased to read this, but historically, GCR (game-created region) coups have vitalized the R&D metagame to extreme levels. I have vivid memories of some of the most spectacular coups of all time; the Crimson Order coup of The North Pacific in 2008 comes to mind as a specifically dramatic event that drew in both defenders & raiders into the zany world of feeder politics. Gatesville’s failed coups of feeder regions, while futile, were enough of a threat to necessitate the mobilization of defender forces. Overall, when there is a clear & present danger to the autonomy of a rightfully elected feeder or sinker government, it drives activity in the game through the roof.
#1 Hurt: Trigger-Accurate Updates (2012)
I am sure to rouse disagreement among many, especially those that enjoy tag-raiding and tagdefending, but the process of triggering and being able to time updates to the second has completely destroyed the art of spotting. This was changed in 2012, and has been tweaked and enhanced since. Yes, someone with extensive dossiers and an understanding of game mechanics can follow a tag-raider into a region, but the abilities of defenders to detect a raid and get the 30-60 seconds necessary to defend it, and likewise the ability of raiders to detect an incoming liberation, have been crippled and rendered large-scale spotting nearly completely useless. Raiding & defending has now become a game of cat-and-mouse and rarely, if ever, is there a possibility for a successful “defence” – it almost always requires a lengthy liberation.
#1 Helped: Minor Update (2009)
Evil Wolf started a popular thread in 2005 to complain that people on the east coast of North America had an awful update time (1:00 AM EDT normally; server load had pushed the update of some regions to as late as 4:00 AM EDT). After 4 years, a 2nd update was added, colloquially referred to as the “minor update”, exactly halfway between “major” updates. This allowed people in virtually any time zone on the globe to easily be online for at least one update per day. This allowed people to have a healthy sleep schedule, surely, right? Haha… Thanks for reading! -6ixDaze [h][/h]The Security Council – What Role does it Play?
by Owenstacey
The Security Council is a group of established members in The North Pacific’s community that monitors the region’s security to ensure that TNP is protected from any potential threats that it could face from rogue forces. Other GCRs have groups that do similar things to that of the Security Council, for example TEP have Viziers. Currently made up of the Vice Delegate and 10 security councilors, the council has for a long time worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the region and the protection of the values at the heart of our region. The Security Council plays an important role within TNP for a long time and, while there have been some calls for reform, there can be no doubt that the Security council will remain an important part of the TNP community for many years to come.

One of the Security Councils most important roles within TNP is the work that it does within the citizenry. The main way that this takes place is through the Vice Delegate’s check for citizenship. This check is conducted by the Council to ensure that any prospective citizen does not pose a security threat to the region. This is an important role for the Security Council within the region because it gives them the ability to shut down any potential threats before they are able to gain any influence inside of the region. As well as this, a side effect of the Vice Delegate check is also that it gives the Security Council exposure to all new citizens. This can be beneficial for the Security Council and aid them in their work because any enthusiastic new citizens would see the work of the Vice Delegate check and can lead them to get more involved with projects such as the WADP. Therefore, the work of the Security Council in the citizenry is so important as a first line of defence in regional security and boosting their exposure to the benefit of their gameside projects.

As well as the work with the citizenry offsite, the Security Council do have a big role to play gameside. The biggest form of this role gameside can be seen from the focus and importance of the endotarting that is undertaken by the Security Council. In this sense, the Security Council works to keep their level of endorsements high to act as a buffer between the Delegate and any potential rogue endorsement threats. This buffering role undertaken by the Security Council is particularly important within TNP because of the lack of an endorsement cap. This cap on endorsements for non-security council members is common in most regions in Nationstates and is mostly used to keep a large buffer on endorsements to ensure their region’s safety. This is particularly interesting because TNP is the most populous region in the game, so the Security Council’s efforts to ensure that there are no threats to the in-game delegacy by rogue entities shows how important of a role their play in protecting the delegacy and how good they are at this role, with TNP widely being considered one of the safest regions in NS. This lack of endorsement cap also enforces how important the Security Council’s role is in monitoring endorsement gathering because it does mean that regular TNP residents can gather large endorsement levels whilst still ensuring the delegacy is protected.

As well as endorsement monitoring, a large amount of the Security Council’s role in-game comes in the form of helping growth of endorsement and influence levels of all TNP residents through projects and events like the WADP. The WADP, or World Assembly Development Program, is a joint campaign between the Delegate and the Security Council aimed at increasing endorsements across the region. By increasing the level of endorsements throughout the region which makes the region safer from the threat of rogue delegates and offers awards and achievements for its participants. This is a clear example of the Security Council using a variety of methods to increase the safety of the region, which is their core role within the ingame community.

Interestingly, until recently, it would not have been out of place to say that the Security Council’s role was one that was mainly behind the scenes but that impression has changed quite a lot in recent times. A very good example of this is the current in-game delegacy transition from Prydania to TlomzKrano. This is because, usually, the Security Council’s role in the transition tended to focus on sending telegrams to residents to encourage them to endorse the new delegate. However, more recently, the Security Council has become a lot more hands on with things like endorsement events that gave out cards if the incoming delegate got a certain level. This is going to encourage more people to endorse the incoming delegate quicker. As well as this, for the first time, the Security Council took over the delegacy from the outgoing delegate in order to further their role of regional security. This was done in the belief that it was more in line with the legal requirements and the spirit of the region and ensured that a member of the SC held the delegacy until the elected delegate could take the in-game delegacy. This shows that the Security Council have attempted to go further in their role of regional protection and ensure that the serving delegate is still subject to the will of the RA and suggests that the Security Council is always trying to find new ways of carrying out their role within the region in a more efficient and successful way.

However, whilst the Security Council has played an important role within the governance of TNP for a very long time, in recent times, there have been people asking some important questions about the Security Council which will eventually need to be answered. One of the big calls for reform in recent times has been that the Security Council needs to be more transparent. This could have been seen in the ‘Government Officials Achieving Transparency Act’ which was introduced to address past concerns that some Security Councilors may not have been open about what they do behind closed doors. Whilst this bill was vetoed by the Delegate, a similar bill was passed, which would have alleviated some concerns. However, there are still some concerns at the lack of disclosure in regards to discussion threads that have come from the Security Council which has raised some concerns recently. Therefore, there is still work that needs to be done by the Security Council to make themselves more transparent to the citizenry to allow people to fully understand the role that the Security Council continues to play in TNP today.

Finally, another question that has begun to be raised in recent times is what role each individual Security Councilor actually plays within the Council as a whole. This question, which has been raised in the discussion thread for various Security Council applicants in the Regional Assembly, has never truly been answered by any of the existing members of the Security Council. Most people that are accepted to the Security Council are long-term members of TNP that have committed a lot of time and effort to the region and have usually been elected to positions such as Delegate or Vice Delegate by the citizenry. However, whilst it is clear that all successful applicants to the Security Council are worthy of their place, it does not clear up the question of what the Security Council looks for in applicants. Do they look at whether the member deserves their place generally, or do they look for an applicant that offers the council something that they do not currently have on the Council? However, this question is unlikely to ever be properly answered, so it will probably remain fairly unclear as to what role each individual Councilor plays within the workings of the Council.

Therefore, to conclude, the Security Council’s role within The North Pacific does seem to be heavily focussed on regional security and protecting the region from any threats that it faces. However, whilst there are still questions being raised regarding the transparency of the Council and the role that each member plays within it, there is still going to be some shroud of secrecy surrounding the goings on of the Security Council. Therefore, the only way to truly discover the role that the Security Council plays within TNP would be to establish yourself as an important part of the region's community and earn yourself a place on the Security Council.

How to Start a UCR Army: For Dummies!
by Robespierre
A Message from the Author:

Greetings, all! My name is Robespierre,

Over the course of the past number of years, I’ve had the privilege of leading a handful of regional militaries for both user-created regions (UCRs) and for a game-created region (GCR).

As the North Pacific’s Minister of Defense from September 2019 until January 2020 under then-Delegate McMasterdonia, as well as a Deputy Minister of Defense from May 2020 until September 2020 under then-Minister of Defense Rom, I consider my ongoing service to the North Pacific Army to be among the highest profile things I’ve done in gameplay.

That being said, in today’s article I’m excited to share with you my outlook on how you can best start a UCR military of your very own and what steps you ought to take in order to make it a success.

Everything expressed herein is my own opinion, but nonetheless I hope that you’ll find this advice to be somewhat useful and relevant to your goals as either a regional founder or as someone who’s working on behalf of a regional government.

With the introductions out of the way, let’s get right into it!


Step 1: Originality Overcomes

There are a lot of regions out there who could be enjoying all of what gameplay has to offer but instead, they’re stuck inside watching the Black Hawks sour or the Grey Wardens liberate the innocents from the overarching evil menace above.

It may seem as though I’m stating the obvious when I say this but one of the foremost reasons why these regions haven’t yet branched out and explored the world of R/D is because they’ve either A.) Lacked someone with the time and work ethic to commit to it or B.) Have region members who simply aren’t interested in engaging with that portion of the game and interacting with some of the politics involved in GP.

In order to gain a grasp on how to start a UCR army, I think that it’s also important for you to understand why you might want to, the benefits and risks of doing so, and what could stand in the way of your region and world domination through R/D. Thus, I present you with the following:

1. Firstly, your regional identity will factor heavily into whatever type of military force that you field. If the entire premise of your region’s foreign policy is to promote democracy abroad, ensure sovereignty for all, and further the noble cause of [insert ideological objective here] then it wouldn’t make much sense to align your organization with raiders and progress with that intent.


2. Conversely, if your region is all about projecting power using both soft and hard influence then perhaps going down an imperialistic route may make the most sense for your region. Whereby you “colonize” other regions and make them your protectorates or forcibly enter into agreements with them where they submit to you region’s will and promise subservience in exchange for assured defense.

A lot about R/D can, in effect, include RP elements. Just take a look at the lore that TGW is built around or at some of the posts that TBH makes in their thread on NS forums. Whatever you do, try your best to do it well and make sure that you have people in your region who are willing to put in the effort to make your military a success.

Set realistic goals relative to your organization’s size, celebrate small victories, recruit from within, and utilize having a regional military as a way to add activity and enjoyment to your region. Be original! One of the chief benefits of hosting and leading a region’s military is that you’ve provided your region’s members with an activity to indulge in and cooperate with one another through.

There will only ever be one military that can call themselves the Black Hawks and proudly state that they are “the most feared military organization in NationStates!”

There will only ever be one group of wolves like Lone Wolves United who can boast as “the legendary crasher region” and claim that it’s “For Your Protection.”

Do something else, don’t be a carbon copy! Make up your own theme or, better yet, choose a style that’ll help other identify with what your region is all about when it’s not being showcased on the battlefield. A regional military can be used in many ways and, in most instances, it’s seen as an extension of the region that it belongs to.

Once you have a concept in mind and aren’t worried about emulating those who have come before you, that’s when you can truly start on the path to forming a regional military that you can be proud of.
Step 2 - Be Professional

When you’re first starting out in gameplay, more specifically in R/D, it’s important to understand your place in relation to other military organizations on NationStates so that you don’t accidentally run the risk of stepping on anyone’s toes.

Whether you’re starting up your own region’s military as the founder or volunteering your time to develop someone else’s regional military, you have to understand that you have no reputation yet, no pedigree of sorts to rely on, and that there’s a good chance that not many people will know who you are.

For now, that’s okay. I want to let you know that it’s okay to make mistakes and that nobody is expecting your region to start doing amazing things right off the bat. Hell, even more, well-established militaries that have been around for years and years go through various periods of highs and lows, and your startup force will likely be no different.

Feel free to experiment a little and play around with your organization’s structure, ranks, theming, and approach to operations. What’s important for you now, at this stage anyway, is that your region finds its footing in the vast world of gameplay and that you start building relationships with allies and like-minded organizations through this medium.

Above all else: be professional! Seriously, it’s that simple, and you’d be surprised with how much of a difference it can make when your military is interacting with foreign commanders from abroad and scheduling joint operations to be conducted sometime in the future.

If you say that your region is going to be present on a given day for a specific operation at a certain time, then be there.

If you make a commitment to help out with an ally’s delegacy transition, then don’t leave them hanging and make sure to order your troops in.

Make your military presentable despite its small size and treat any sensitive information with care. What’s important in the early stages is not what you’re doing so much as how you are doing it.

By being professional and running a well-organized, well-disciplined organization, you are building up that kind of reputation for your region and that’s a reputation that you’ll want going forward regardless of the size o your force or the number of pilers that you’re able to offer.

Step 3 - Laying a Foundation

Alright. So you’ve come up with an idea for what you want your regional military to be and you’re in the right mindset to act professionally in your approach to R/D.

That’s great! Way to go! But now it’s time to actually apply that and make your vision a reality. So, what can you do? Where do you start? What does the setup process look like?

Well, truth be told, it varies depending upon what model your region prefers. Here are some basic structures that are commonly implemented (Note: You can use these for ease of reference, but by no means must you follow them!):

1. The actions of your region’s military are regulated by regional law and/or your region’s government. (i.e. A Ministry or Department in your region's government is tasked with the management and running of your military and thus members are subordinate to a Minister/Secretary/President/Delegate who holds a chain of command position similar to being the Commander-in-Chief)


• For this setup, maybe your region’s laws require that your President/Prime Minister/Delegate or executive-equivalent official delivers an address on the establishment of a regional military. If so, do this and make sure that you have a way of assigning responsability to some recognized authority.


2. Your regional military is independent of your region’s government and is free from direct political interference. Maybe your region’s Delegate/President/Prime Minister/etc. doesn’t have the final say on the military’s actions and a particular person in your region takes up the role of commander instead.


• If you’re using this model, then make sure that your military’s commander isn’t entirely new to R/D as well and that they at least have some previous experience leading. One region that this setup is true for is the Rejected Realms, where the actions of the Rejected Realms Army, a defender military, are internally-regulated by a High Commander.


3. Your region was created for the sole purpose of being a military in it of itself and interactions with R/D are its primary activity. In this sense, there isn’t really so much a regional government as there is a High Command or Command Council that dictates what direction the region goes in.


• If this is you, then maybe you’ll want to seek out experienced gameplayers who have the time to dedicate to your region’s military and are willing to involve themselves in such an integral capacity to be in your High Command.

Step 4 - Balancing Formality & Fun

Remember how I said that one of the chief benefits to having a military for your region is that you’re providing another activity for your region’s members to engage in? Yeah, that’s where this step really comes into play.

The question is: How do you get them to become interested in this new aspect of your region and how can you conscript them into your military?

Now, obviously you’re going to want to draw attention to the fact that your region now has its very own military and you surely want to drum up some curiosity as to what that will look like when properly staffed.

There are a number of ways you can do this, but perhaps a more flashy and fancy way of going about things is to have someone in your region who’s good at graphic design or handy with vexillology create some propaganda-esque graphics for you.

These can be patriotic posters (think “Uncle Sam wants YOU!”), dispatch headers, seals, logos, coats of arms… whatever fits your region’s theme. These graphics should include common colours to keep up with consistency and uniformity, and maybe you want to feature these graphics in a regional newsletter via dispatch or forum announcement.

If you don’t have anyone who you know is good with graphics in your region, then don’t let that deter you! Type out these messages in text, lure your region mates in with a themed story or a grand vision. The goal here? Make it fun and don’t let formality be the enemy of that fun.

Generally speaking, you should have some sort of application process to join your region’s military. Whether it’s a short questionnaire that requests details like their nation name, their WA nation name (if applicable), their Discord username, and past experience they may have, or a simple “Are you a citizen?” and “Why do you want to join?” Keep your organization's recordkeeping up to date. That’ll enable you to have more fun venturing out with region mates during updates if you’re not caught up in a mess of paperwork.

Step 5 - Staff Sufficiently

And finally, yes: the long awaited final step!

You’ve come up with an idea for your regional military, you’ve geared yourself towards a more professional mindset, you’ve examined the various types organization models, and you’ve learned about how to attract interest and conscript willing members.

Lastly, in closing, it’s time to briefly talk about staffing and ranks within your military, and you have a great degree of flexibility afforded to you in this regard.

If you’d like to base your military’s chain of command off a real-world army/navy/air force, then go for it! If you want to create theme-specific roles that tie into your region’s lore or values, then that’s also a solid option. Whichever route you go, make sure that you are putting people in positions where they can succeed.

Don’t make someone who doesn’t know how to trigger an operation’s leader.

Likewise, don’t make a newbie gameplayer a General in your organization. I know, everybody wants to be on top, but you should really focus on building your force around the talents of the members you have available to you until you get a concrete system and set way of doing things in place.

Starting a UCR army can be tough at first but it can also be a very rewarding experience. Make sure that you’re prioritizing fun and the enjoyment of your members. NationStates is a game and games are meant to be played. Take yourself seriously enough to where other organizations can be reasonably expected to take you seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously to a point where it distracts from the fun of it.

Hopefully these five steps should give you some perspective as to how to start your own region’s military as a UCR. If you found this helpful, that’s great! Here’s to hoping your region's military is the next formidable foe on the battlefield! o7

Retire With Grace
by Souls
Hi. Souls here. Y'all haven't heard a lot from me recently - that's because I pretty successfully retired. But I promised to write this a ways back, so what better a topic than, well, retirement?

Everyone's time comes on this site. Whether that's in the context of a region, a type of Gameplay, or the site as a whole, we (almost) all move on eventually. Not only does this come on the back of your own personal reasons, but it's also an inherently good thing for your beloved surroundings, when done right. What I implore you, the public, to do, is to retire with grace when the time comes.

There are, very very generally, three types of retirements we commonly see.

1) The Sudden.
The infamous GP retirement. Suddenly, with fanfare, "goodbye." Often followed by "They'll be back." Often, but not always, a hallmark of an unhealthy relationship, and/or holding on for too long.

2) The Fade.
Where did so and so go anyways? They never really "retired," just showed up less and less until they were gone.

3) The Transition.
"Hey, I aim to retire in so and so weeks/months. I'll be around after that, but I'm handing over my responsibilities."

Number 1 is often, but not always, a hallmark of an unhealthy relationship, and/or holding on for too long. It leaves people in a lurch, and like many kinds of going cold turkey, is prone to failure. If it's what you have to do, it's what you have to do, but it's not really preferable. Number 2 also leaves people in a different sort of lurch. Maybe they never got to say goodbye, or never know when to consider you actually gone. Many times, it includes certain resources or knowledge that's just lost along with you, or rendered inaccessible. Number 3, which I advocate on, focuses on communication and handoff, and helps to ensure your community survives you. Room for new blood and new leadership, new mistakes and new learning, is vital to the ongoing success of communities.

So how does one go about this? The first step to successfully transitioning in the smoothest manner is to accept that your time will, and perhaps has already, come. That, eventually, you've become "the armchair." And that's okay! Grandpa in the armchair with his stories is a valuable store of knowledge. But that stage should be the stage at which you acknowledge your status of "heading towards retirement," and begin to act accordingly. The next step is to begin to plan when, what, and how you'll make the handoff to those that are actually doing the daily work around you. Maybe you're aiming for a few months out, maybe a few weeks. But it's important to set a date, even if that changes - and more important to set expectations. Your goal here is to move towards a support role, officially, if you intend to stick around. To be a resource for knowledge, maybe even maintain some infrastructure, but surrender your say in how things are run, because you know you're not doing the work reliably anymore. This can be a hard transition after sometimes years in management, but that's where those explicit remaining responsibilities and roles being defined helps significantly. By discussing, actively, what will still be expected of you, if anything, your role becomes firm again. Then, it's time to pull the trigger...not too much fanfare, okay? It's easier because it's not goodbye - just stepping back to a supporting role.

In the end, it's better to embrace effective retirement than to be a dead log in the way of the river flowing. It is better to be an effective supporting resource than to be slacking in the occupation of a role that asks for much more. It breeds less resentment among your more active peers, and clears the air for others to step up. Don't fear the armchair. Embrace it for what it is: Soft, helpful retirement, which allows you to move on with your life and hobbies, without abandoning your friends and community. It's natural to move on. It's unnatural to remain an empty facsimile of what you used to be, out of some imagined shame and idea that being such is somehow better than just admitting your glory days are past.

Retire, with grace.

Technology in Raiding and Defending
by Chingis
When I joined NationStates back in 2015, scripting was very much exclusive to the few remotely capable coders/developers that were dedicated enough to commit time and energy in order to enhance the performance in a metagame that is not optimised or largely catered to by the game that hosts it. These tools were incredibly exclusive and had incredibly limited effectiveness in what they did. Most were years old and virtually untouched from the day they were deemed to be “stable enough”. I have insufficient knowledge to discuss the full history of old R/D tools and their developers so I won’t delve too deep in that. Rather, I’ll start my story with my arrival in the R/D scene in late October 2015. At this point in time, tool usage in R/D had stagnated to a complete standstill, and virtually no new innovation was seen from either side. The defenders had their own set of tried and true tools, while raiders made do with a tool developed by Halcones a year or two before his DoS.

Interesting to note is that, while not as popularised as it is today, coding was still a fairly commonplace skillset to see amongst NS members and other elements of the game were already seeing extensive scripting - see r3n’s impressive script collection. The NS API was around in the same form as it is today and both the site itself and its scripting rules have not been touched in these last 6 years to any notable degree. In that sense, it was actually relatively surprising that R/D was not seeing any breakthroughs in scripting at the time. The reason for this as I see it is twofold.

Firstly, and above all, the R/D scene that I joined was defined by a complete lack of real motivation to improve through script-related means. This was an era that saw defending at an all-time low, for a variety of reasons that I, again, don’t consider myself aptly qualified to discuss in much depth. One thing that I do believe is important to note on this topic, however, is that the link occasionally made by some defenders between the lull in defender activity and the “illegal power” of Predator, a tool which I will discuss later, are entirely unfounded - despite its illegality the tool was entirely underwhelming in every sense of the word. This lull heavily reduced the need for any real innovation or improvement from either side - defenders simply weren’t interested in actively chasing and raiders had no competition to force them to become better - something particularly dangerous in a metagame that, outside of its IC/PvP implications, boils down to button mashing on HTML pages.

Secondly, raiders (being the only group of note to discuss in this time period) were entirely comfortable with the current processes that existed in the raiding metagame. To a large extent, this was a flow-on from the first issue - there was never any pressure to develop automated scripts to enhance the standard raiding experience, therefore nothing rose up that could challenge the current status quo, pass degrees of testing and establish itself as a staple of the raider meta. A particularly nice example of this is the tool commonly referred to as Spyglass, which has by now become an everyday R/D utensil used for virtually every tag run to set “triggers” - regions whose update flags to the raid leader where the update is currently at. Before the development of Spyglass, the creation of trigger sheets would usually be done by hand, with most raiders sparing little thought as to whether this process could be better done automatically. Likewise, I came to DEN High Command with the idea of a web-based script to assist the switching and tagging process years before I had even learned to code properly, but was met with no enthusiasm on a proposal that would 3 years later transform the understanding of a “large” hit-count beyond recognition.

Lastly, the fear of straying on the wrong side of the script rules hung heavily in the air of the 2015 R/D scene. The year preceding that moment had seen numerous script related scandals within the raider community and the relationship between the moderation team and raiding organisations seemed shakier than it had ever been before. Processes that worked existed, tools that worked existed, and no one was terribly keen to get overly experimentative. As the future would show, this was not all too misguided of a fear.

My first experience with Predator - a tool used to dynamically calculate the update time of an upcoming region during update and assist in triggering a jump into that region, came from seeing it used by Cora, a now DoS player, who ran the tool every update for the purpose of tagging with the organisation of Cimmeria, which he was in charge of at the time and one of the two regions to get deleted in the wake of the Predator punishments. As time went on and the level of trust towards me grew, I would later meet Halcones and gain access to Predator myself.

For those of you wondering what the tool was like, given it has now been 4.5 years since the bans and deletions went out, and many people are likely to have never been around anyone who used it - Predator was a python script that had been bundled into a standard windows executable for you to install. Access to the tool was given through a dropbox connection - if you did not have dropbox running and were not one of the authorised users, the tool simply would not start for you. At the time, the tool seemed unbelievably impressive, with a decently usable GUI and accuracy and speed that was not really possible to achieve with any of the alternatives at the time. However, looking back, it is easy to realise that the tool was incredibly buggy and painfully inefficient, both from a coding and from a metagame min-maxing perspective. To this day I still believe that the illegality of the tool stemmed far more from Halcones’ own incompetence as a programmer than it ever did from any malicious intent.

The revelation that the tool was illegal according to the site rules in March 2016 came as a huge shock for many in the raiding world. Perhaps not so much for the older cynics that were around to see the TBR of old, but definitely for those of us who had only joined after TBR had become nothing but a memory. I won’t go into much detail on the bans and the process surrounding them (the relevant forum thread still exists in the GP forums to this day) other than noting that my punishment amounted to a 12 month WA ban and a complete puppetsweep, leading to me taking a break from the site, community and all things NS until Feb 2017.

On my return, the metagame and its approach to scripting had changed drastically. The main driving force behind this was the return of a motivated and stable force in defending with the establishment of The Order of the Grey Wardens, which were not even remotely hesitant to leverage the full power of scripting and its abilities to gain an edge in what was quickly becoming a highly competitive R/D meta. Utilising browser-side extensions such as Breeze++ a tool that mapped page loads and button presses to keys on the keyboard, and Move+Endo, a tool that streamlined the standard defending process on larger jumps, this was a force to be reckoned with and one that fueled a lot of the passion that I put into coding raider-side scripts. It is interesting to note that I don’t necessarily see this or any of the scripts developed by other raiders as an arms race, but rather new motivation to perform above the status quo for all sides - a fresh injection of enthusiasm that stemmed from true competition if you will. Many techniques and ideas that came out of this were not even remotely script related, but rather new, fun innovations that spiced up the metagame in numerous ways.

On the raider side, there had been a few attempts to reconstruct something similar in nature to Predator in the form of tools such as 20xx, as well as new tools that streamlined the manual nature of assigning triggers and calling them, one of which in particular - Spyglass, is still widely used today. The effects of Predator could still be very heavily felt in 2017, with minimal trust for any sort of automated triggerbots or non-open source scripts in general. Organisations and people, for understandable reasons, were incredibly cautious of all things code. Obviously, no one wanted the same fate as DEN, which was deleted for its part in the predator scandal, and the raider community, in general, was very worried about how continued infractions would affect the future of R/D as a metagame.

I, on the other hand, had no such moral dilemma. Newly un-banned from the WA and without a region to tie myself down to, I set about putting into motion an idea that had consumed me for many months during the duration of my ban. In that year I had begun to learn coding and with a passable proficiency in Java, 17 year old me created what was effectively the first prototype of something quite groundbreaking. The tool in question, which I dubbed ‘Kimchi’, did roughly everything that Predator was capable of back in 2015, but integrated into a Discord bot, with all of the additional powers and options which come with that. It worked successfully at the time, and I ran it for a small joke organisation called Canterlot, which I founded with a friend. This would one month later lead to a rather controversial piece of SC literature which, while repealed, remains permanently inscribed in the records of passed resolutions. The tool, however, was no Predator. It was slow, inaccurate and in exchange for the added benefit of not having to spend any time setting triggers, it simply could not hold up to the script-boosted speed of the TGW chasers. This led to my second project - Miso.

Miso was groundbreaking for me in that it became the first script written by me that surpassed the bar of Predator while remaining entirely site legal. For an incredibly long duration of time, it became the founding stone on which the organisation of Lily was built - an autonomous, accurate and lightweight triggerbot that took away all of the hassles of setting triggers and boasted manual-level accuracy as well as endless customizability. It was this tool that was originally used to beat the single-update tagging record, setting it at a nice 407 up from a 112 achieved by Predator with roughly similar resources at its disposal. This was later blown out of the water by a number of 576, run on my third and final triggerbot that I dubbed ‘Buzzy Bee’, this time written in Python and flaunting above-human levels of accuracy in predicting update times, even without access to the main site.

This success was very much supplemented by browser-side extensions that effectively remapped the way the site worked in order to best gear it towards our specific metagame. I won’t go into too much detail on those but will point out the endless potential that browser-side scripts have in a game which was designed and streamlined for a very different purpose to what the different metagames use it for, be it R/D or cards. Such scripts allow you to change the direct user experience in order to optimise the game as if it was written specifically for those very metagames - something that changes the way you play and experience NS at a core level.

With 2017 soon to be 4 years ago, we can see many new trends appear in the scripting world of NS. The popularisation of coding in our society is ever-present, and the effect of that is being felt with every new year, as more and more young people with coding skills join the site, with fresh ideas and new skills. The fear felt from Predator is slowly but surely dissipating through many different avenues. New players who were not around to understand why some older people still mistrust code are fresh and eager to try new stuff, fueled by the competition they feel in a rejuvenated and far more welcoming R/D metagame. Rising trust in those who write code has also played a large factor here. People like me, Vincent Drake and Roavin, as well as the tools we write, have been around for long enough to start accumulating more trust and credibility, as well as becoming more of an everyday norm in the world of R/D. Just the other week I was asked to run my tool for the Liberty Gala, so that people from defender regions, including XKI - a region in which I am banned for my R/D alignment, could do a detag run. No demands to see my code were made. No questions of legality were raised. This does not mean that it is safe to trust and use any NS code you see or are given, but it does mean that we are moving towards an NS where talented young coders feel safe and supported in creating, fueled by their passion for innovation and competition.


The author, though retired, is not gone, and can be reached on Discord @Souls#2571 for your questions, comments, and complaints. Though he’ll probably check GP at least once when this is published, for old time’s sakes.

[small]The Northern Lights: Beauty in Truth
Publisher: TlomzKrano :: Executive Editor: BMWSurfer

The Northern Lights is produced by the Ministry of Communications on behalf of the Government of The North Pacific and is distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs externally and by the Ministry of Home Affairs internally. Except where otherwise indicated, all content represents the views of the Government of The North Pacific.

[/small]
 

Fregerson

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The North Star Issue XXIII

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The Spotlight - Interview with BMWSurfer
by Comfed, Deputy Speaker
Comfed: Okay. First question: How did you start off in TNP?

BMWSurfer: Well I joined NationStates in early 2017, and founded in The South Pacific. After some region shopping, I decided the best way to learn about the game was to join the biggest region. I originally planned to only stay a few months then go make a name for myself in a UCR, but I loved it so much here that I ended up staying.

Comfed: I'm sure lots of people would be familiar with that story. You're currently a Colonel in the NPA, how did you get started in there?

BMWSurfer: Well, I read through all of my options in TNP government when I first joined, and military gameplay looked interesting to me. I wasn't sure at first if I really wanted to commit to being there during updates, so I joined the Auxiliary which at the time was essentially our piling service. I became close friends with the soldiers and officers, and over the next 9 months climbed my way up the ranks to Lieutenant (the first officer rank). I loved the culture of the NPA and the friendships I made there, so I stayed there and have been in the NPA through my entire NS career.

Comfed: That's great! What was your first position in the government and who gave it to you?

BMWSurfer: While I'm more well known in TNP for my role in Home Affairs, my first passion in NS was the World Assembly. My first leadership role was as a Deputy Minister of World Assembly Affairs, and I served under Deropia and alongside TlomzKrano, who is now Delegate.

Comfed: Very interesting. Could you go into a little more detail abut your role in TNP Home Affairs?

BMWSurfer: I served for a year as Minister of Home Affairs, for two terms under Siwale, and for one term under Pallaith. I also served this year as a deputy and advisor to current HA Minister Nimarya, where I created a system of recordkeeping for HA.
When I first joined TNP, I would've never believed I would become a Minister, especially in Home Affairs. However, over the years I've grown to love HA, and welcoming people into our great region.

Comfed: Home Affairs certainly is an overlooked but essential part of TNP. What was your favorite moment in TNP?

BMWSurfer: I took a break from NS for about a year, from the end of my last HA term until April of this year. When I refounded my nation, it was mere seconds before people here in TNP noticed. I hadn't even rejoined our Discord servers before I was pinged by people welcoming me back. Moments like that make everything worth it :).

Comfed: That's sweet. What’s your favorite thing about TNP?

BMWSurfer: I definitely think the community here is my favorite thing. If it weren't for the welcoming of the people here I probably wouldn't still be here

Comfed: If you could only pick one ministry to work in, which one would it be?

BMWSurfer: I would pick World Assembly Affairs. It has a little bit of everything, keeping new TNPers engaged, inter-regional cooperation, and plenty of stuff to do all the time. Although, both Home Affairs and Communications are very close seconds.

Comfed: Awesome! That's all the questions I have for now, thanks for being interviewed!

BMWSurfer: Thank you for interviewing me!

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RA Highlights
by BMWSurfer, Minister of Communications
November was a relatively peaceful month for the Regional Assembly, a reprieve from the busyness of October and a clear transition into the holidays. There were four motions brought before the chamber this month, of which two were appointee confirmations and two were related to citizenship applications.

In October, Delegate TlomzKrano re-appointed Siwale to the Election Commission for another 6 month term pending a vote of the RA to confirm the appointment. Debate was short, and consensus in support of the confirmation was clear from the beginning. Siwale has served on the EC for its entire modern history, and is a well known and very trusted member of the TNP community. Voting on the confirmation ended at the very beginning of this month, with 47 in favor, 1 against, and 4 abstentions.

In a similarly non-controversial move, Lady Raven Wing was appointed as prosecutor in the court case The North Pacific vs. St. George. The court case involves speaker St. George (also known as MadJack) refusing to process a citizenship application, and is still ongoing. The confirmation of Lady Raven Wing also had broad consensus, and the confirmation was passed with 31 in favor, 2 against, and 15 abstentions.

In addition to these, two residents who applied for citizenship, Funkadelia and Aleister, were denied citizenship by Vice Delegate Dreadton. When this happens, according to the legal code, the RA votes to uphold the rejection of citizenship. Both rejections were upheld.

In addition to these motions which went to vote, Cretox State applied to join the Security Council and was accepted pending a confirmation by the RA. The confirmation is still in debate, where much of the discussion revolves around balancing the needs of activity and seniority within the SC. We look forward to seeing how this debate unfolds in the coming month.

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News - Z-Day
by Arichia, Deputy Minister of Communications
Hello fellow survivor. I see that you’ve also survived the recent zombie apocalypse. Oh. So you survived it by hiding under your bed, hoping you won’t get the virus? And I suppose you’ll want the whole story to it, huh? Well then, here’s what happened during the 24 hours where brain-sucking zombies, infected by a virus invaded the world.

Before the actual disaster, TNP posted a regional poll to decide what TNP should do when the zombies strike the world. We chose to cure the zombies, rather than exterminating them or embracing them and sending them to infect other nations. (and also for nations to do whatever they want).

The zombies came on October 30th, and The Office of The Surgeon General released a public service announcement and instruction for curing other nations. Unfortunately, the game admins decided to stop curing research on all nations, meaning that nations had to begin researching a cure again. People were advised to join the regional discord and mask themselves to access the channels to coordinate with each other.

On the same day, Max Barry reassured the NS community that everything will be fine. All cure manufacturing ended all around the world. He said that “The real problem I want to discuss, though, is how some regions have closed their borders, and nations have redirected their resources into researching a "cure," or even exterminating zombie hordes with military force. I can't emphasize enough that this is a complete over-reaction. It is, in fact, this kind of needless fear that stokes division and prevents us from returning quickly to a regular lifestyle.”

The zombies kept coming and TNP saw a steady increase of zombies and decided to close its borders. Fortunately, the cures were being developed, and people began to send missiles to other nations, which drove down the number of zombies. Lists were created to show nations where to send their cures to make them do the most. Some people still decided to exterminate, and nations with zombies to exterminate were posted in a discord channel. Others decided to embrace the zombies, and sent hordes to other nations, infecting them. These nations were then kicked out of the region, preventing them from infecting others.

These border measures ended, and Max Barry created a news post declaring it. ”You can reimpose them if you really must. But why would you? Stop cowering in fear and embrace life again! “Get out and stretch your legs! Use your brains! Yes, especially those. Your soFt, deliciOus braiNs. Get tHem outsIde. Where wE cAn rEach them” he also said, creating some suspicion of him being infected. This was later confirmed when he announced that he was just struck by a cure missile, and to ignore his previous comments regarding the apocalypse.

The apocalypse ended soon after, and even after, through those combined efforts, TNP managed to decrease zombie numbers, and came out with the region with the most survivors. 23.7 trillion! While the rest of the world wasn’t so lucky, having 55.1% dead, TNP was mostly spared.

I guess you could say that Z-Day this year was a blast! For those who didn’t join us this year, make sure you join next year! Whether you’re curing your fellow region mates, shooting down zombies, or shipping them out to your rival’s nation, Z-Day is surely a fun day for all! (Except for the zombies being shot down, of course.)
 
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