Join the new world

There was some talk several months ago - well intentioned talk - about merging Slovakia and the Czech Republic together. It was a natural union as both nations are close in real life and obviously have a history of being united together. However, game mechanics make mergers a very dangerous endeavor which will almost guarantee major trouble down the line.

The major reason for this is simple. When a nation is unable to elect a congress (due to being wiped off the map,) if it is later brought back onto the map, there will be no limits on citizenship. Anyone who applies, will receive it. This enables groups who would like to take over a nation to have for their own (or alliances vying for a strategic location) to simply launch a well funded resistance war, put the nation back on the map, and voila. Unlike if they were to use multis, they can move massive amounts of legitimate accounts in and obtain voting power.

Knowing this, it was very obvious that the Slovakia/Czech merger idea was a bad one in the context of this game, regardless of any real life closeness, or seeming logic in favor of forming one country to be stronger. It's just not how the game works.

The Merger

And sure enough, this is exactly what ended up happening. But to make matters worse, Poland decided to intervene in favor of the merger by wiping the Czech Republic off the map when they began to get cold feet. What might have at least stayed a matter between these two nations (Slovakia and the Czech Republic) for a while, had instantly become yet another part of the superalliance struggle.

Soon enough, the Czech Republic was back on the map, and you know the rest. Takeover groups from around the world, and from both alliances, converged on the country and made it their new battleground.

What Now?

We are very lucky in Austria that, for all our troubles, we have thus far avoided a wipe out which prevented the election of a congress. Which is all well and good - but what is a nation to do when this ends up happening to them?

Slovakia's answer to this question was to re-invade the Czech Republic and wipe them out yet again. However, if the problem was created by a wipe out in the first place, how would a second wipe out (presumably maintained through the next congress elections) help whatsoever? It would just enable another fresh round of groups and takeover forces to enter the country freely. They can further overpower the legitimate community of the Czech Republic, and delay any real progress towards independence. Not to mention, invasions have a way of disrupting the legitimate community of players more than the takeover forces, who went in knowing what they were getting into (unlike normal players.)

Clearly, this shouldn't be considered the "right answer" to the problem. So what is the path that should be taken? First, there needs to be a realization that, however noble or however "good" the concept of a merger may seem, it doesn't work, it causes problems, and it won't be happening. The Czech Republic needs to be free, just as Slovakia needs to be free. With this being accepted, efforts should instead be put into recruitment of real life Czechs to help strengthen the country and put power firmly, and permanently, in the hands of a legitimate community of people who will treat their nation with the respect it deserves. This could be a lengthy struggle, it could be surprisingly short if the recruitment effort pays off quickly. But either way, it's the best path.

Lessons

Austria need not wait for a wipe out to push for recruitment. Indeed, by pushing for it beforehand and strengthening the community, Austria will be in better shape to face whatever future challenges we may need to deal with. The summer provides a fertile ground for just this, as there will be plenty of people looking for something fun. This doesn't really need to be said - we all know that recruitment is very important, and pushing for that elusive baby boom. But, I guess a reminder can't hurt things 😛

But as illustrated by this, and frankly, every other attempt at a merger, they simply do not work. There have been suggestions that Austria enter into various unions with various neighbors, but these should never be viewed as a viable option while the game mechanics remain as they are, no matter how close to the other nation, or how cool it might look to have a bigger nation. We are best off trying to strengthen the country we have.

On The Agenda - Election Update

Related to all of this, we have of course deployed our forces to fight for the Czech Republic's independence. It is important that they stay on the map - and most certainly in Austria's interest that our neighbor regain a sense of stability. Please consider joining the armed forces if you have not yet, so you can help this effort. You can sign up for our mobile forces here, and our regular forces here.

As we enter this home stretch of the month and near the conclusion of this term, I would like to once again say how grateful I am for being given this opportunity, and being entrusted with the task of leading the country in this time of need. I believe the Austrian government - everyone involved in it - has done good work this month, facing difficult challenges, and making progress. After some personal reflection, I have decided that I will not be seeking re-election in the coming month. I wish the best to all who decide to enter the race - and in the task of leading Austria forward.