"Throughout my time as a dictator, I have gained valuable insights. It was through decisive actions that our nation, on the verge of collapse, was saved from the brink of destruction. At that critical moment, we faced challenges such as revisionism, separatism, and the most perilous of all, communism. The challengers of the past were domestic in nature, while the current threat is structured differently, affecting both statist and developing post-statist societies. However, at its core, it is yet another assault on our way of life."
The stage was surprisingly assumed by Dictator Hayabusa, a martially charismatic Touzen man in his 40s with friendly brown eyes, a receding but neatly trimmed hairline, and a Freedom Foundation pin on his left shoulder near his heart. Having recently announced his decision to step back from his position and restore constitutional governance, he was now attending his final international summit as the de facto leader of the Anti-State. Some would still consider him a caesarian upstart who had, almost a decade ago, wrestled power from the corrupt institutions of the decaying Anti-State. And the same people might have considered him a lame duck, but his sharp wit and purposeful speech proved otherwise.
"I could delve into a monologue about how our founding fathers foresaw these issues and realized that in a competitive environment of nation-states, such situations would inevitably arise. This is precisely why they sought to abolish it and set territories once belonging to the Eternal Empire of old - and beyond -, on a path to abandon a system that pits states against each other. In our age, where the click of a button can unleash unimaginable destruction, this competitive race spells disaster for innocent men, women, and these days everything in between, as my daughter often reminds me.
I could regale you with stories of how, as a military man, I bore the responsibility of sending men to their deaths, just as many of you have done or are poised to do as the sharks circle the Tarusan tuna. This responsibility arises because, as a species, we cling to our primitive notions of tribe, which manifest powerfully in our everyday lives, even in mine. Ideology is powerless against tribe.
However, that would overlook the fact that I also bear some responsibility for the current situation. The Anti-State focused on rebuilding its institutions and internal rejuvenation while blood was shed in the outside world. This is a betrayal, first and foremost, to our revolutionary allies," he said, his gaze filled with a hint of apology directed towards the Hanseatic corner, accompanied by the humbleness of a man seeking redemption at the twilight of his political life. "And it is a betrayal to the world at large, although I'm aware that the Anti-State is far from a gift to many of you." This time, the Zionist's eyes shifted towards the Pelasgian delegates.
"In this council of my esteemed peers, I am unreservedly admitting my shortcomings. I have the utmost freedom to do so now, as I stand poised to relinquish the dictatorial mandate I took on too many years ago in my quest to save the res publica. Whether it was fueled by delusions of grandeur or patriotism, historians will pass judgment.
But I cannot forgive myself if I do not urge us to go further at this juncture. It is commendable that we have reached this point, although it should have happened long ago. We may have disagreements regarding the exact wording of this summit's final agreement, but the true essence or whether we succeed today or fail lies in addressing a matter of utmost importance to the Anti-State — the creation of a permanent Security Council for the world. I propose the establishment of this institution via the European Forum, even though the Anti-State cannot, at present, present itself as a member in this assembly of states. Tyrants and oppressors will continue to emerge. The next threat to the world may arise from Touzen or Westernesse; we cannot know. History is yet to be written.
We must seize this opportunity to build a brighter future for generations to come, safeguarding them against an enemy that has yet to reveal himself. Therefore, I propose that the final document resulting from this summit includes a commitment from associated members to promptly adjust the charter of the European Forum, allowing territorial associations that are not states and and thus the Anti-State to join. Subsequently, we should vote into existence the Security Council provision of the European Forum with a mandate to legislate punitive and humanitarian peacekeeping operations. As permanent members of this council, I suggest the Federation, the Tianlong Republic, the Union of Ebria, the Rheinbund, and the Anti-State, even if Tianlong does not plan to participate in this accord. Especially if it does not. The realities of our world dictate that these entities, for better or worse, are the influential military powers of the democratic world on our planet. All other matters revolve around this axis. We may protest this fact—I would protest it myself if I were born in a less resilient part of a world where the mighty have historically brutalized the less fortunate with impunity—but it remains a fact.
Furthermore, I propose that resolutions passed by this body be subject to veto by a two-thirds majority of the reformed European Forum. The forum should also possess the authority to expel entities that transgress its principles with the same supermajority. Finally, this Security Council should undergo confirmation or replacement in a new vote two years from now, to prevent it from becoming an institution of tyranny in its own right.
The time to secure our democratic future is now, and as I transition to the role of an elder statesman, this may be my last opportunity to appeal to your sensibilities and capitalize upon a Zeitgeist of unity. In light of these circumstances, I shall enthusiastically commit the Anti-State to this emerging treaty if these provisions are made, as it would be the crowning achievement of my political career. And a crowning achievement of everyone in this room, too."
The stage was surprisingly assumed by Dictator Hayabusa, a martially charismatic Touzen man in his 40s with friendly brown eyes, a receding but neatly trimmed hairline, and a Freedom Foundation pin on his left shoulder near his heart. Having recently announced his decision to step back from his position and restore constitutional governance, he was now attending his final international summit as the de facto leader of the Anti-State. Some would still consider him a caesarian upstart who had, almost a decade ago, wrestled power from the corrupt institutions of the decaying Anti-State. And the same people might have considered him a lame duck, but his sharp wit and purposeful speech proved otherwise.
"I could delve into a monologue about how our founding fathers foresaw these issues and realized that in a competitive environment of nation-states, such situations would inevitably arise. This is precisely why they sought to abolish it and set territories once belonging to the Eternal Empire of old - and beyond -, on a path to abandon a system that pits states against each other. In our age, where the click of a button can unleash unimaginable destruction, this competitive race spells disaster for innocent men, women, and these days everything in between, as my daughter often reminds me.
I could regale you with stories of how, as a military man, I bore the responsibility of sending men to their deaths, just as many of you have done or are poised to do as the sharks circle the Tarusan tuna. This responsibility arises because, as a species, we cling to our primitive notions of tribe, which manifest powerfully in our everyday lives, even in mine. Ideology is powerless against tribe.
However, that would overlook the fact that I also bear some responsibility for the current situation. The Anti-State focused on rebuilding its institutions and internal rejuvenation while blood was shed in the outside world. This is a betrayal, first and foremost, to our revolutionary allies," he said, his gaze filled with a hint of apology directed towards the Hanseatic corner, accompanied by the humbleness of a man seeking redemption at the twilight of his political life. "And it is a betrayal to the world at large, although I'm aware that the Anti-State is far from a gift to many of you." This time, the Zionist's eyes shifted towards the Pelasgian delegates.
"In this council of my esteemed peers, I am unreservedly admitting my shortcomings. I have the utmost freedom to do so now, as I stand poised to relinquish the dictatorial mandate I took on too many years ago in my quest to save the res publica. Whether it was fueled by delusions of grandeur or patriotism, historians will pass judgment.
But I cannot forgive myself if I do not urge us to go further at this juncture. It is commendable that we have reached this point, although it should have happened long ago. We may have disagreements regarding the exact wording of this summit's final agreement, but the true essence or whether we succeed today or fail lies in addressing a matter of utmost importance to the Anti-State — the creation of a permanent Security Council for the world. I propose the establishment of this institution via the European Forum, even though the Anti-State cannot, at present, present itself as a member in this assembly of states. Tyrants and oppressors will continue to emerge. The next threat to the world may arise from Touzen or Westernesse; we cannot know. History is yet to be written.
We must seize this opportunity to build a brighter future for generations to come, safeguarding them against an enemy that has yet to reveal himself. Therefore, I propose that the final document resulting from this summit includes a commitment from associated members to promptly adjust the charter of the European Forum, allowing territorial associations that are not states and and thus the Anti-State to join. Subsequently, we should vote into existence the Security Council provision of the European Forum with a mandate to legislate punitive and humanitarian peacekeeping operations. As permanent members of this council, I suggest the Federation, the Tianlong Republic, the Union of Ebria, the Rheinbund, and the Anti-State, even if Tianlong does not plan to participate in this accord. Especially if it does not. The realities of our world dictate that these entities, for better or worse, are the influential military powers of the democratic world on our planet. All other matters revolve around this axis. We may protest this fact—I would protest it myself if I were born in a less resilient part of a world where the mighty have historically brutalized the less fortunate with impunity—but it remains a fact.
Furthermore, I propose that resolutions passed by this body be subject to veto by a two-thirds majority of the reformed European Forum. The forum should also possess the authority to expel entities that transgress its principles with the same supermajority. Finally, this Security Council should undergo confirmation or replacement in a new vote two years from now, to prevent it from becoming an institution of tyranny in its own right.
The time to secure our democratic future is now, and as I transition to the role of an elder statesman, this may be my last opportunity to appeal to your sensibilities and capitalize upon a Zeitgeist of unity. In light of these circumstances, I shall enthusiastically commit the Anti-State to this emerging treaty if these provisions are made, as it would be the crowning achievement of my political career. And a crowning achievement of everyone in this room, too."