So what now for The Netherlands?

Day 1,974, 15:25 • Published in Netherlands Ireland • by Death and Taxes


Greetings my fellow citizens. I have been here now for long enough to start making my opinions known. It's important to point out that my opinions do not come from an egocentric perspective of forcing opinions down peoples' throats, it's on the basis that I really care for the countries I reside in.

In that context, what I'm going to write about tonight is what I think is best for the country. What I think doesn't really matter, what matters is what the citizens of The Netherlands think.

So I would appreciate it if you commented on this article in a constructive, rational way. Consider this a sounding board for all concerned, and please feel free to use me as a punch bag for having the temerity to tell you what I think you should do.



So, let's start with the basics. We are a very small country. Yesterday, we ranked 54th out of 70 nations. Geographically we are in a pretty good place, I mean, we could be in The Balkans. But unfortunately, our main alliance trends of EDEN/TERRA are either incapable or unable, to deal with the main boss in eRepublik, Poland.



So because we have an enormously powerful traditional enemy on our doorstep, not to mention their permanent mini-me eUK, our existence is down, not to how well we fight, but if our enemies allow us to have any territories.



So what's the solution? The solution is to play this game in the only way that counts, not day to day, not month to month, but year to year. In all things in life, there is balance. So what may seem to be an impossible situation now, may well end up being an excellent situation in a year.

So in order to get to this position of excellence, we need to implement plans now. Plans that take into account the best intelligence we can bring to the table. Now this is a difficult thing, because this intelligence is based on what we know now, and what we think is going to happen.



The first thing we're going to talk about is our current situation. I don't need to tell you it's not good. So let me tell you what I think you should do. With regret, in spite of my intense dislike of ePoland, I still have to admit that they act like, and indeed are, a boss.

What we need is stability. We also need congress. We need the occasional training war. The only way to achieve these goals in the short to medium term is to arrange a NAP with Poland. (NAP = non-aggression pact). Poland likes NAP's because it prevents draining resistance wars. They tend to take the agreements very seriously. Yes, I am aware that Poland has bullied eNL in the past and not lived up to their part of the agreement.

That is because they are a boss. We must learn to live with that. Better to have a congress than no congress at all. Player retention has to take precedence over what is morally right. For now.



When we look around us, the first conversation should be our near neighbours Belgium. Personally, when France attacked Belgium I was happy to fight for France. Because Belgium is a member of CoT, and CoT is diametrically opposed to our former TERRA/EDEN persuasion. But again, we have to leave the personal baggage behind and deal with the reality of the situation.

Germany/Denmark on the other hand are part of our former alliance trends. My gut instinct is that Germany/Denmark are heading to inevitable conclusion that you are thinking right now. That the only cure that counters a large alliance is to join a bigger one.



If we look at a quick run-down of alliances, we see the following:

The strongest and most committed alliance is TWO with their junior partners ACT. If you want to join either of these alliance be my guest. I will leave in the morning.

The next alliance I want to look at is EDEN. We have voluntarily left EDEN, so even if EDEN wanted us back, we would look like cheap sluts if we flung ourselves into her arms again. Besides which. EDEN is without focus and plans, and no-one can determine what it will be, or even if it will exist in 6 months time.

Next alliance is CUA+I. Columbia, Uruguay, Argentina + Ireland. Except it's not an alliance, it's really an understanding. Much has been made of Argentina's successful airstrike on eUK in conjunction with Ireland. Unfortunately, the powers that be have reached an understanding, Argentina will be heading back to South America, eUK will be restored, and Ireland will be wiped. The lesson about CUA+I is that geography is a very important thing, and we are not in South America.

Up next is NaN. I don't know much about NaN. I know it includes South Africa, Australia, Malaysia and Cyprus. What do these countries have in common? They are geographically challenged, that's what. So much like CUA+I it has no immediate or long term benefits for us.

Then we have Asgard. Asgard had momentum up until recently, but their moronic decision to reject Ireland as well as the close proximity of ACT nations means they are stuck in a permanent quagmire. So no.



So that leaves us with two options realistically. We either stay neutral or join CoT. Having been through a frankly, disgusting experience when CoT rejected India's membership, I don't trust them in that they would reciprocate our interest fully.

So my advise is as follows:

1. Make a NAP with our surrounding neighbours Poland and Belgium to ensure we have regions and therefore congress.
2. Sign MPP's where possible with CoT countries that we consider ourselves on friendly terms with like Belgium and the US, with Germany if they decide to join at a later point.
3. Sever ties with our old alliance friends like Croatia, China, Canada and Argentina. Sorry, but they are of no assistance to us.
4. Concentrate on developing a community and retain our fighters and attempt to bring our exiles back
5. Curry and develop relationships with CoT high command and key countries which may include Chile and Bulgaria for example.
6. Wait
7. When CoT and TWO eventually go to war, that is the time to join CoT and get back what is ours.



This is my opinion. In another country my opinion might be completely different. What's important is what is good for this country. So let's have a debate about it.