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iMUNC 2021

Background Guide iMicro

Chair: Ada Cowan

Crisis Directors:

Isabel Wilder and Caroline Mulcahy Letters from the Dias

Hey everyone,

I’m Ada (that’s odd-uh or ah-dah) and I’m the chair and one of the writers of this committee. I absolutely loved writing and researching this background guide, so I hope it’s helpful and an interesting read. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this committee and use the weirder aspects of your delegate roles to guide you! As with all iMUNC committees, this one will be a crisis so make sure you’re reaching out to our crisis team and utilizing your portfolio powers (I use the term lightly in this case). I’m super excited to meet all of you, and here’s to having a productive and exciting committee! Also, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

Ada Cowan, she/her [email protected]

Hi all,

Welcome, delegates, and thank you all so much for joining iMicro! My name is Isabel and I’m so excited to be one of your crisis directors on this committee. I can’t wait to see all the amazing debate people bring to the table and I’m looking forward to helping all of you develop an awesome crisis arc. Everyone involved wants this committee to be as low stress and as fun as possible, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for any questions about crises or anything else you might need. Happy researching and see you all soon!

Isabel Wilder, she/her [email protected] Hello everyone,

I’m Caroline, I am very excited to be assisting the Chair and Crisis directors for iMicro! I can’t wait to meet all of you over Zoom and witness what I am sure will be an entertaining debate. The goal of iMUNC as a whole is to be fun and enjoyable. I hope that you all have fun researching for and participating in this unique debate. If there is anything we can do to help please let us know.

Caroline Mulcahy, she/her [email protected]

Zoom Procedure

Please make sure to update your Zoom to the most recent version prior to this committee!! We will be using the features of this version of Zoom to our advantage, and it’s necessary that all delegates have access to the yes/no, raise hand, and self placement into breakout rooms function. Additionally, we ask that all delegates have their cameras on for the extent of this committee. We recognize that a digital format is difficult, and in order to maximize engagement we’d like to be able to see everybody. If you have any issues with either of these requests, please reach out using one of the above emails.

Accepted Documents

Crisis Note This is a direct action taken by you as a delegate. They should be written as notes to the chair and must have three core pieces: what you want to do, how you are going to achieve it or what means you will use, and why you are trying to do it. This will help your chairs effectively build crisis narratives for you and will make more of what you want to happen come true. Notes can be written directly to the chair, or in character as the person/delegation you are representing.

Directive

This is an action taken by the whole committee, either collective action by each delegate or using a power vested in the whole committee. They have sponsors (who wrote it), signatories

(who wants to see it voted on—not necessarily supporting it), and operative clauses that specify what actions are being taken.Directives must be voted on, passed, and then will be implemented by the crisis team.

Communiqué

A communiqué is a communication sent by the whole committee to another person or group. They are a way of representing the interests of everyone to other groups you may be trying to work with or are bargaining with.

Press Release A press release is an announcement from the committee to the public at large. Itʼs a useful way to generate public sentiment, and some delegates may demand it in the name of transparency.

Committee Overview

This committee is a gathering of micronational leaders from around the world to discuss the concerns and ideas specific to the global micronational community. As states that are unrecognized by world and international organizations, it is up to micronational governments to convene separately from such bodies as the .

For decades, the existence and conference of has been of no particular issue to most governments and organizations. Often claiming private property, theoretical spaces, or , there has ultimately been not much friction between the two groups. However, in

April 2021, the of issued a declaration of war on the Free Republic of

Liberland, a situated on the West Bank of the between and .

Note: This committee takes place in a world without the Covid-19 pandemic. This event has not happened / will not happen during the course of this committee.

Historical Information

Croatian-Serbian Dispute This conflict is over a border in the Danube valley: the second largest river in Europe.

Serbia believes that the line of lowest elevation of the Danube valley and the centerline of the river is the international border between the two , while Croatia claims that the border is along the boundaries of the cadastral municipalities seen along the river.

In early 2000, Croatia and Serbia set up a commission tasked with determining the border, but in its first ten years it convened only once or twice. In February 2018, the two presidents then said that Croatia and Serbia would attempt to reach an agreement bilaterally, or otherwise seek help from an international tribunal. Though progress has been made on the land disputes, not a lot has been made on the Danube front.

San Marinese History

Consisting of only 24 square miles, San Marino is the third smallest nation in Europe– larger only than the and – and is completely surrounded by . The has a population of approximately 34,000, and a GDP of 1.66 billion USD as of 2018, over 50% of which comes from .

According to tradition, San Marino was founded in September of the year 301, and therefore claims to be the oldest constitutional republic in the world. With a dating back to 1600, it has the oldest one that is still in effect. The microstate was founded when

Marinus the Dalmation, a Christian stonemason, fled religious persecution under Diocletian, settling on the peak of Mount Titano and founding a small Christian community. Marinus was later canonized, and San Marino is named after him. This is Italy’s only surviving city-state. Because of their claim to being the world’s oldest republic, their citizens and my feel that the of nations is– to a certain extent– sacred.

1933 Montevideo Convention

Officially the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, this treaty was signed in Montevideo, Uruguay on the 26th of December, 1933 and came into effect the following year. At the convention, the declarative theory of statehood was codified as part of international law. This theory defines a state as a person in international law provided that it meets the following criteria: a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to have relations with other nations. As long as a state’s sovereignty was not acquired by military force, the theory asserts that the statehood of any entity is not contingent on it’s recognition by other states.

The Montevideo Convention and the declarative theory of statehood are often used by micronationalists to claim sovereignty. Though this has never officially worked, we can use the example set by Sealand to see that there is at least some legal potential for this approach. Aside from legal struggles like this, there has been little evidence of military conflicts between a micronation and a recognized sovereign nation, or macronation (though there have been plenty of instances of conflict between micronations).

Military Information

Micronational Military Forces While some micronations present at this conference do have active armed forces of some kind, does not. Some micronations are also explicitly pacifistic, including (as one might imagine) the Global of World Peace.

In a brief rundown of some of the other micronations represented, the Aerican Empire claims to have trained troops, though they are largely ceremonial and of questionable effectiveness. The Space Kingdom of advocates strongly for maintaining as a demilitarized zone. All citizens of Elgaland-Vargaland are members of its defense corps. The

Kingdom of Elleore claims to have Land, Air, and Naval forces in which all their citizens are enlisted, though the island is only inhabited for only one week annually. Citizens of reserve the right to throw pebbles as a defensive measure. The has a naval force consisting of five vessels, though their territory is situated in the desert of Nevada. The

Kingdom of also has a navy, which is divided into three corps.

Union Against Micronational War (UAMW)

Founded on the 10th of July, 2009, the Union Against Micronational War promotes neutrality in all micronational conflicts. The organization has no centralized leadership, but has

100 members. The only requirement for membership is to pledge never to declare war against another micronation, and micronations are free to add their nation to the membership list once they do so. Those who do not follow this pledge will be removed from the organization.

The definition of micronational war according to UAMW is a hostile conflict between micronations, or their leaders. The Union’s official position is that the best way to avoid micronational conflict is to altogether ignore it, and accepting a foreign declaration of war is banned.

San Marinese Military Forces

San Marino has one of the world’s smallest military forces. It is divided into different branches, which serve varied functions. Once the heart of the San Marinese military, the 80 member volunteer Crossbow Corps is now ceremonial, having provided crossbow shooting demonstrations since 1295. The Guard of the Rock serves as state border patrol, and is also responsible for guarding the seat of the national government, the Palazzo Pubblico, in San

Marino City. In 1987, these guards were also enrolled as Criminal Police Officers, assisting law enforcement in major investigations. The Guard of the Council are ceremonial bodyguards to state and religious officials. They also serve to protect the Captains Regent, and guard formal sessions of the Great and General Councils. San Marino also depends on it’s Volunteer Military

Force.

Current Situation

Following San Marino’s declaration of war, a conference of micronational leaders was called into session to discuss the unprecedented crisis. Aside from the statement given by San

Marino, no action has yet been taken by any parties. It is up to micronations around the world to determine how to respond to this declaration, what it’s legal implications are, and whether they should cooperate as a united front. Delegate Descriptions

Aerican Empire

Aerica– pronounced Aherica– claims territories that include one square kilometer in

Australia, a house-sized area in Quebec, a Martian colony, the northern hemisphere of Pluto, and an imaginary planet. The Empire’s motto is “it’s a silly old world; let’s keep it that way”, and their mission statement is “the Empire exists to facilitate a society wherein the Empire itself is no longer necessary”. The micronation is a constitutional monarchy, and the Emperor Eric Lis is

Emperor only in name, actually being a democratically elected official. According to some sources, the micronation is “largely non-serious or comical in nature”. That said, the Empire has always maintained claims that it is a real nation with the intention of becoming internationally recognized. The Empire concedes that their silly nature makes this a difficult task, but forfeiting this quality would in itself destroy the Aerican Empire and what they stand for.

Space Kingdom of Asgardia

This micronation claims sovereignty over the space occupied by and contained in a they have launched into ’s orbit, called Asgardia-1. Asgardia says they intend to establish a permanent lunar colony by 2043, and their ultimate aim is to create a nation that allows free access to outer space . They have an administrative center in , the Kingdom’s

Head of the Nation is also the founder of the Asgardia Independent Research Center in the city.

Commonwealth of Deseret As defined in its constitution, Deseret is a “a vassal state of the Kingdom of God,” and a theodemocracy, that exists imperium in imperio with the . The micronation is based on the teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, who they consider their Eternal

Sovereign. However, citizens do retain the right to freedom of religion and association. The commonwealth has an official military– called the Deseret Legion– in which citizens over the age of 16 are permitted to serve, which teaches practical skills as well as abstract ideas, including military ethics. The constitution details opposition to conflict that does not directly danger

Deseret or it’s allies, and the micronation favors isolationist policies in general. Deseret’s allies include the Decracy of Vilthia.

Kingdom of Ebenthal

Ebenthal is a micronation that claims territory within Brazil that includes several buildings, and land with farms, a river and a lake. The Kingdom is a federal, parliamentary constitutional monarchy, as defined by its constitution. The King is the and co-head of government, and appoints a Prime Minister. Although the Kingdom joined the Union Against

Micronational War in 2015, they withdrew in 2017. Ebenthal had Armed Forces until recently, but they have been replaced by the Reserve Forces, which work similarly, though they only become active after a summons from the King. Their foreign policy highlights the principles of non-intervention and the peaceful settlement of conflicts, as well as international cooperation and self-determination. Elgaland-Vargaland

The territorial claims of Elgaland-Vargaland include all boundaries between other nations, ‘Digital Territory’, dream state, hypnagogic state, other states of existence, and the boundaries between those types of states. “Every time you travel somewhere, and every time you enter another form, such as the dream state, you visit Elgaland-Vargaland." Elgaland-Vargaland also regards all dead people as citizens. The micronation strives to abolish its physical territory through unification of Earth into a single state– while also infinitely expanding its territory. It is an autocratic monarchy, ruled by one King with unrestricted dictatorial power.

Kingdom of Elleore

The Kingdom of Elleore is a constitutional monarchy, yet the government and the royal titles given are Danish equivalents. It is a micronation on the island of Elleore in Roskilde Fjord, the east coast of . It was settled on by Copenhagen school teachers in 1944 for use as a summer camp. Currently, Elleore is unoccupied until a week-long gathering where the ceremonial enthronement of the reigning takes place. They report to have 300% level of military preparedness- assured by the enrollment of their population in the Air, Land, and

Maritime forces of the micronation. The island is around 15,000 square metres (3.7 acres) in size. In past years there were multiple attempts by Danish authorities to infringe on Elleore’s sovereignty, all failed. They are not currently open to foreigners.

Global Country of World Peace The Global Country of World Peace strives for global unification and claims to be a nation without . As implied by their name, the micronation is also expressly pacifistic, with their mission statement being “support existing governments and assist them in creating problem-free administration for their nation through the application of Natural Law.” The Global

Country for World Peace has failed in attaining sovereignty as a micronation in 2000 to 2002, where they offered sums over $1 billion to developing countries in exchange for the jurisdiction of their land. They practice the Vedic tradition of knowledge, something they hope will promote the constitution of the universe within change and advancement.

Kingdom of Grant Island

This newer micronation was formed in 2004, and is an absolute monarchy, with King

Terrence as the head of both state and government. Grant Island is an ice-covered island, and 20 miles long and around 5 miles east of Marie Byrd Land in Antarctica. It is one of five islands that make up The Commonwealth of Marie Byrd Land, all ruled by King Terrence. Grant Island has an army, navy, and an air force, all of which are used to defend The Commonwealth and its overseas territories, as well as to promote international peacekeeping and humanitarian aid.

Karno-Ruthenian Empire

Based mainly on the culture of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this Karnia-Ruthenia is a confederate constitutional monarchy, but has gone through many iterations in the past. The

Empire claims land in Europe, the United States, and Antarctica. Their military system is based upon the principle that citizens have a personal obligation to protect their homeland, and the

Imperial and Royal Armed Forces are composed of the Ministry of War and Secret Services, as well as military forces.

State of Ladonia

Ladonia’s form of government is a so-called Subanarchist Royal Presidency Unlimited, which is governed by decrees that come from the president, Queen, or , though the Secretary holds all executive powers. The territory it claims is part of a nature reserve on the west coast of . In addition to the right to ‘near total idleness’, free speech and free silence, and fair and unfair trials, citizens of Ladonia reserve the right to throw small pebbles defensively. However, they are also free to ‘say no to arms’.

Free Republic of Liberland

Liberland claims an uninhabited piece of land situated on the Western bank of the

Danube River, between Serbia and Croatia. This claim is part of an ongoing border dispute between the two nations, and the area of Liberland is considered to be part of Serbia by the

Croatian government, though Serbia doesn’t recognize the land as part of their country. The founder of Liberland reasons that the land can be claimed as terra nullius– a principle sometimes used to justify annexation of unclaimed land through a state’s occupation of the area. There have been legal debates over the legitimacy of this approach, though no real conclusion has been reached. Kingdom of Lytera

Self-defined as a semi-constitutional monarchy, Lytera declared independence from the

United Kingdom in 2017, having been largely inactive prior to then. Lytera claims to be a under the 1933 Montevideo Convention. The Kingdom had a military for a decade between 2010 and 2020, but as of now their police force and Pink Berets (the National

Intelligence Agency) act as defense. Citizens of Lytera celebrate Sabaton Day on May 1, in honor of the nation’s favorite metal band.

Republic of Molossia

Created in 1977, Molossia consists of three properties (totalling just over 6 acres) owned by its founder in the United States. Molossia claims to be at war with East , and to have won a brief conflict with neighboring micronation Mustachistan. The micronation is also said to have an active Space Program, as well naval forces despite being landlocked in the deserts of the

Southwest US. The navy consists of five vessels, including the M.S. Platypus, and the M.S.

Wombat.

Principality of New Lubenia

New Lubenia claims territories in Oceania, specifically three reefs in the South Pacific, and in Eastern Europe. The has a uniquely flexible political structure, but– though the position is largely ceremonial under normal circumstances– the can temporarily assume the power to rule in a political crisis. However, the life of citizens is based on the principle of direct democracy. Under the micronation’s constitutional principles, micronational war is strictly prohibited, instead promoting diplomatic solutions. New Lubenia is also a member of the Union Against Micronational War. The Principality maintains formal relations with the

Karno-Ruthenian Empire, and the State of Vishwamitra (among others).

Principality of Sealand

Sealand is located on an abandoned naval fort in the . After several legal battles with the British government, it’s occupants relocated to a farther ex-naval fort and declared its independence. Soon after, its fraught history with the British government began when blew up all of the remaining unoccupied forts, seeing the establishment of Sealand as a threat.

Some residents ended up in court, trying to convince the government to officially recognize

Sealand as a sovereign entity. Sealand is one of many micronations to use the provisions of the

Montevideo Convention to claim sovereignty, and the case was legally reviewed. The national motto of the micronation is “From the Sea, Freedom”, reflecting its struggle for freedom through the years. Each member of the founding family rules a small state, each member with their own royal title. Sealand has its own constitution, composed of a preamble and seven articles.

Federal Commonwealth of Sirocco

Consisting of fourteen provinces over several square kilometers, Sirocco is a micronation with territory in New Zealand and . The Commonwealth is a federal republic, partially based on the parliamentary system, and the nation’s founder is the head of state and head of government. Sirocco currently has diplomatic relations with 23 micronations, with whom they are generally on good terms. The Siroccan Defense Forces are divided into an army and a navy, and though active combat has never been necessary, they claim to be capable of defending the Commonwealth if necessary. Sirocco is described as having a highly capitalist economic system, with several private companies that exist within the micronation.

Principality of St. George

Though commonly referred to as a micronation, the Principality of St. George claims sovereignty, and has multiple territories in Greece. The Principality is a monarchy, however, the constitution favors the equality of all citizens, and even the monarch is not above the law. The

Defense Forces were established upon independence in 2017, and include three branches: the

Ground Forces, Search and Rescue Force, and Research and Development (which develops new military equipment and technology). All citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are required to be members of the armed forces, though in times of peace they are only on an as-needed basis rather than active duty. The Principality has been recognized by, among others, the

Karno-Ruthenian Empire.

Kingdom of Talossa

The Greater Talossan Area– the claimed territory of the micronation– is better known to most as the East Side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. However, Talossa also claims the island of Cézambre in , and a portion of Antarctica. Talossa is a constitutional monarchy and holds regular democratic elections. The mission of the micronation is to create a state that upholds justice, freedom, peace, law, and order. After several anti monarchical outcrys, Talossa adopted amendments within Talossa’s Organic Law to limit monarchical power, placating most people.

Decracy of Vilthia

Located within Italy, Vilthia is based on a democratic feudal system, and claims to be a sovereign state. Sometimes called the of micronations, Vilthia has chosen to maintain complete neutrality in conflicts of any sort since 2011. As such, the focus of the military and police corps is on internal security. Vilthia has an absolute monarch, however, they are elected by the Council of Nobles. Their governmental system– a decracy– is entirely unique to them, having been invented by its founders. The micronation is highly developed (having its own water supply, electricity and sanitation, infirmary, and community center) and the entirety of their territory being managed by an association of which all citizens are members. The Decracy is an ally of the Holy Kingdom of Deseret.

State of Vishwamitra

A self-proclaimed sovereign nation, Vishwamitra is almost fully landlocked within

Guwahati, , with three overseas territories– two in the UK, and one in Texas. The micronation is a federal elective absolute monarchy, and is part of the Asia-Pacific Alliance. The name Vishwamitra translates literally to ‘friend of the world’, and the micronation strives to promote friendship and peace. Their armed forces are solely for ceremonial purposes, as the nation has signed the Union Against Micronational War, and therefore vows to never enter into combat.

Grand Duchy of Westarctica

Though Westarctica is not recognized within the international community, it’s creation was through claiming land in Western Antarctica which was formerly unclaimed, and on a supposed loophole found in the Antarctic Treaty. Although Westartica doesn’t technically have military forces, they do have Orders of Chivalry, one of which is the Noble Order of the Sword which is awarded for military achievement. In 2014 in the state of California, Westarctica was incorporated as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, as their goal is increasing conservation efforts in the Antarctic.

Questions to Consider

What are the military capabilities of the micronation you represent?

What is their ethos in regards to military conflict in general, and forgeign intervention?

Does your micronation seek recognition from other governments and organizations?

What was the purpose of your micronation at its inception? What long-term goals does it have?

What potential allies and adversaries do you have in this committee, if any?

Does the declaration of war endanger the right to existence of all micronations, or is it of no consequence to those not directly involved? For more information about your delegate positions, I would recommend searching for the micronation’s official website, and/or reviewing the entry on your assignment on the

MicroWiki.