The New World: Politics

Day 952, 09:27 • Published in United Kingdom United Kingdom • by Sir Digby Chicken-Caesar
The point of eRepublik varies according to the player. Since a player cannot win the game and there is no ending or achievement, the player must find a meaning for it. Some look to acquire wealth and superiority, some look to improve the game for everyone and some just enjoy the game for what it is. All of which are merely a means to have fun, just for different people.


The eMeaning of Life, the Universe and Everything.

Why would someone want to acquire a higher stature within the game? Well, simply put, you're encouraged to. The purpose of playing the game is to "rewrite history" and obviously people wish to be a part of it, whether it be modest or egotistical. The player is given gold and medals for being elected as a congressman or president, and the concept of "progression" within politics is incentivised. Therein lies a problem with politics: the consistent influx of players opting for the political route in the game results in large amounts of competition.


What effect does competition have?

Well, in government politics it's a positive thing - it results in ensuring only the most experienced or dedicated become a part of the government. It also, however, breeds party rivalry which, exacerbated with political "one-upmanship," results in its negative effect: disunity.

The eUK requires, at certain times, solidarity (considering the nature of the game) to deal with problems - the most obvious of which is happening right now. The disunity of party politics results in a less efficient government and a more divided community. Public image is everything, and the parties each have role models or figureheads with which they attract attention; for debates, scrutiny or even merely to enthuse people.

It is the responsibility of the party to be the stepping stone from which any player can advance into the world of politics.


Everyone has to start somewhere.

When party success is limited and bias grows for their politicians, politics (and consequently the community) become worse off. Now, that's an outlandish statement, but look at the state of todays politics. It's old fashioned left-right rivalry with The Unity Party enjoying long success, resulting in the emphasis on the potential government to be, simply, better experienced than the rivals. To bolster the most support of parties and to have the most political experience. Traits which, although certainly significant in being a politician, become increasingly irrelevent in a divided or at risk society.

A politician needs to be able to unify the people. To work in the interest of the people over that of the party (although they are not mutually exclusive), especially during a time when it is needed. Transparency and communication become just as significant factors in politics as experience. It's one thing to do the job well, but people need to see it. Whether it's for assurance and security or to become interested in the route of politics to begin with. Politics is a public spectacle, and these factors are hugely significant at a time when decisions directly effect the people, which applies to the cabinet equally.


What about the cabinet?


A classic example of a good cabinet.

Well, in times where political unity is required, partisan bias becomes irrelevent - or rather, should become irrelevent. The candidate with the most dedication and who works the hardest should become a part of the cabinet, regardless of their party (something true for when the state of the nation is stable also). A strong and efficient non-partisan cabinet is excellent not only for the success of the government but also for public image. This, again, falls down to the responsibility of the parties. Unnecessary political arguments and squabbling only make the government look bad, especially if it's trying to give off the image of strength. It's the duty of partymen themselves to realise when it is necessary to lay down arms and stand together for the good of the country. This is a lot easier said than done, however, and often parties have to directly intervene and present a party line with which people should follow.


The party whip


And don't call me Junior!

Like most things, party whips have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are obviously clear: to create a unified party to keep members in check and politics in your favour. The party whip also, however, discourages personal interpretation of the party beliefs or even differing opinions, which is fundamental for politics to represent the people.

While the party whip provides a fix to any disunity or arguments amongst the party or government at a time when it is needed, with unnecessary or incorrect application it maintains a strangehold on politics, creating a "stale" situation in which party rivalry is actually encouraged.

Community is the key here, and it's what politics needs to not only to be focused upon, but based around. People need to see a strong government when it is required, people need to be reassured that they're being protected from becoming Polish, and people need to also look at politics itself and be enthused to become a part of it.

Even if aesthetic, the world of politics needs to be open and transparent for people to look at for idols and encouragement, otherwise it becomes a situation similar to todays politics in which parties are enlarged at the base and continuous rivalry occurs, with the focus on the party rather than the state of politics within the government. The emphasis should be upon bettering the nation and people rather than the party. It's rather simple, but it's being increasingly forgotten.

And lastly perhaps the most important thing, don't forget: this is just a game afterall.




P.S. Community links:

Forums, for forumy things.

IRC (#euk), to chat with people or ask any questions.

Hub! SHAMWOW 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1!


-Digby.