Join the new world

Recent events have prompted me to decide that I needed to found a paper. Our nation is poised at a crossroads, and it's going to require cool and reasoned discourse to see us through.

So, I have a somewhat novel idea for the way I'd like this paper to proceed. I'll post my columns but then invite my readers (who I hope will be numerous) to share their thoughts and opinions in the comments. I'll then engage with the comments as fully as possible. I envision a more discursive news and opinion paper than seems to exist currently.

Now, on the point.

With the recent ATLANTIS catastrophe we need to have a serious conversation about where we're headed as an eNation. Our strongest ally has decided to leave the global stage. Our enemies are numerous and in control of an almost insurmountable proportion of global warmaking resources. Our alliance is leaderless and floundering. In skimming the commentariat's views it seems as though a few different paths are emerging:

Taking over leadershpi of ATLANTIS:

This seems to be the worst of the floated ideas. If a full strangth ATLANTIS could be defeated on multiple fronts by PEACE then certainly a weaker version of the same alliance would meet the same fate. By making ourselves the "leaders" we'd just be painting a huge target on our backs. Besides that, ATLANTIS was always an aggressive, expansionist alliance. Clearly we're in no position to head off adventuring, and so, I think, we should accept that ATLANTIS has run its course and formally leave the alliance.

Neutrality:

This seems to have different meanings for different folks. I'll address the isolationist meaning here first. We gain notihng from retreating into our borders and closing off the potential for global engagement. Our marines are a force to be reckoned with, and keeping them deployed abroad keeps us relevant. Additionally, if we abdicate all global role we simply set the stage for PEACE to come knocking on our door sooner or later, after they've weakened or destroyed our allies.

The middle path:

This would be the course I'd advocate for. I don't want the eUS to retreat to it's borders, but I also don't want to see us leading a broken alliance on a suicidal crusade. Instead here's what I'd advocate:

1.Retain our MPPs in a bilateral fashion. They're our ultimate defense, and crucial to our ability to remain engaged.
2.Formally withdraw from ATLANTIS. I think I've made clear that it's more of a liability than an asset.
3.Begin constructive, diplomatic engagement with neutral and PEACE nations on a case by case basis. If we wind up with solid trde and defense pacts with half of PEACE, PEACE ceases to function as a threat.

If we can end the current global power structure and turn it into one in which individual nations control spheres of influence and allies we will quickly rise to the top. We played the global alliance game and lost. Lets try changing the game instead of simply playing again.

Gentle readers, what are your thoughts?