On Behalf of the Arc-Wonderess of the Sutherland Federation
On the Diplomatic Systems of Sutherland
To all who have generously sought to form relations with Sutherland and to those deeply considering the notion:
A letter from Mr. Gregori Knacke from Norsia has caught the attention of the Wings of the Order which has made it necessary to describe the process that Sutherland uses to classify foreign nations and why we hold to such a system. The first document that is considered is the national treatise titled On the Authority of Sutherland and the Wondrous Orders which can be found below.
[quote uid=0 name="A Sutherland Treatise" ]
On the Authority of Sutherland and the Wondrous Orders
A Treatise on the Sutherland Federation and Its Vision for World Relations
To the Nations of Eras
Above all things, it is an honor and a monumental privilege to be among the historic, great, cultural, and triumphant nations of Eras. We, the united people of Sutherland come before you to offer our wishes and vision for the future. It is only right that we introduce our ideals and determined purpose as a people so that all nations may have the ability to know who is a friend and an ally or various ideals and missions going forward.
Our first matter is to address how Sutherland positions itself in relation to the other nations of Eras. We believe that we are unique among the peoples of the realm, but this does not imply isolation. Through our unique view and identity we hope to learn and join in the celebrations of others as to grow closer in international friendship and collaborative action so that our vision of a better world may be realized. Now we dare to speak to particular political regimes so that Eras may know where we stand.
To Absolute Monarchies: Sutherland having a monarchical figure in the Arc-Wonderess has goodwill and admiration for those monarchies that are absolute and historic. We hope and pray that God may truly bless such a noble king or queen. However, monarchy has the ability to become tyranny when a ruler no longer cares for their people but rather power and even imperialism. These acts are unacceptable and therefore limit the ability for Sutherland to work with such treachery unless evidence of concern and better treatment of the people is evident. Furthermore, Sutherland strongly denounces any regime which hides behind tradition or law in order to advance acts of evil for dishonor only worsens the state of the tyrannical soul and will decrease evermore the prospect of Sutherland's friendly involvement with such a nation.
To Constitutional Monarchies:It is honorable that such a nation should honor tradition and the will of the people in such a balance. Sutherland is very likely to partake and trade and camaraderie with such a nation so long as such an ideal is upheld. However, oligarchical tyranny is just as unacceptable as the tyranny of an individual. If this federation suspects that the will of the people is being suppressed by those very individuals that were elected by them then the only course of action Sutherland will be forced to take would be embargoes and an opening of the nation for sanctuary where such citizens would be more appreciated and adapted into our vision. It is our hope that such provisions would never prove necessary.
To Democracies and Constitutional Republics:Sutherland is well aware of the need for the people to be heard and honors such visions of governmental at every possible opportunity. However, the tyranny of the majority is a situation that always becomes possible with every election. As before, Sutherland must gauge the freedoms of the government's people before agreeing to trade and warm relations. It is also the hope of Sutherland that corporate interests are not the primal driving force of a government for such corruption is most certainly a detriment to the people. As long as Sutherland hears the voices of your nation being heard and considered seriously, then may the nation consider the Sutherland Federation an ally.
The Rule that Drives Us
It is most likely well known by your people of the Courantist fervor of the Sutherland Federation in all things. Firstly, we would like to extend an invitation to faithful members of Courantism in all of Eras that we open our gates to you. If you seek a nation that places faith and the pursuit of good before all things then come unapologetically to these southern lands and join this journey toward salvation and personal betterment. We may not offer the largest economy or the greatest military defense, but we offer a community set on the good of the other in faith and the bond of spiritual family life.
Before the law is the ultimate vision of our way of life. This is The Wondrous Orders which stands as a moral guide in the day to day. Our government was formed around its precepts which calls us to compassion of the other, rejection of sinful life, and the practice of ever growing faith. This may be off putting to some nations that rather a more secular approach to government. We assure you that extremist sentiments that may threaten to become present among our people is prevented by the cooperative work of the Arc-Wonderess, Arc-Regent, and the entire Core General of this federation to ensure a balanced and prudent enforcement of law that denies the use of capital punishment, torture, and the declaration of holy war. All these things are beyond the purview of the Orders and the government as a whole.
We invite our friends and allies to learn of our order and our philosophical view of life. To learn of our ways is to understand how working with Sutherland can be of benefit to you! We ask for your cooperation with us and not some dismissal or fearful withdrawal from relations with Sutherland. We wish only to aid Eras in reaching its greatest potential before God. This is to say that there will be some differences culturally with other nations. Pornography of any sort, prostitution, movie and tv vulgarity and sexual content, homosexual marriage, and the selling of contraceptive devices are all prohibited within our nation. However, those among us who wish to leave Sutherland are free to do so. Therefore, these policies are agreed with a decisive majority of the nation. We believe that having such things removed from the public allows them to spend there time learning, growing in faith, and spending time with their fellow man. All things worthy of time and effort in our eyes. We look for those nations that most especially endorse such prudence and values.
Day to Day
One aspect of Sutherland that is unique is its government structure. The strongest government of the nation are the 120 governmental districts that each include 10000 citizens. These communities are direct democracies in that all citizens vote and introduce motions that affect the community's infrastructure, community projects, and events. Citizens of 18 years of age have a month window to vote on motions brought before the community before they go into law. These governmental districts are part of a Dominion that acts as a province or state government approving intergovernmental district legislation and assuring continuity of economy and laws across the Dominion. The federal government is the collection of governmental district heads. From them are elected the three Regents who each represent a third of the Sutherland population. Also committee leaders and the speaker of the Core General come from this number. These members are guided by the Arc-Wonderess who may call the nation to hold a referendum on a decision from the Core General if he finds it contrary to the Orders. Overall, the Core General is a representative of the Dominions to the world. The Core General is a forum where the Dominions learn and improve through the success of one another. Making the government more about improvement and collaboration than legislation and winning popular vote contests.
Conclusion
We know we are different from the rest of Eras. We only ask for a chance to work with you and make this world a better place regardless of influence, power, or military might. This land of faith is capable of becoming a great ally to you nations of Eras. We are eager to prove it and ask that you come to our World Sutherland Conference of Nations and introduce yourself to the Arc-Wonderess. We are praying and hoping for you all regardless of your values and hopes. We look forward to working with you as a people and as a nation.
In faith & patience,
Arc-Wonderess of Sutherland - Servant of the Wondrous Orders
Arc-Regent of Sutherland - McMasterdonian Tolerance Caucus Head[/quote]
This document acts as a foundation to the image that Sutherland works to maintain on the world stage. As a nation who is to manage diplomatic relations with other nations, it is vital that Sutherland come to understand how compliant nations are with the furthering of the Sutherland interest in the world. The Eras Society of Honorable Nations is a premiere organization that helps to maintain peace and dialogue in an otherwise divided world. The culture, relative peacefulness, philosophy, worldview, history, and position towards Sutherland are all considered in deliberations. Every nation is promised a fair chance in these deliberations. If a case not previously foreseen presents itself, The Federation will create a new class to match the situation. Sutherland is not diplomatically limited to the classes but rather uses them to gauge how compliant a nation's actions and ideals are with the views and goals of Sutherland.
Regarding the status of Ilia, we shall persist in our classification with the nation of Gothis until their actions have proven to be in contrary to what the Class of DIplomatic Opposition represents. There must be evidence going forward that Ilia does not oppose collaborative acts that seek to find peace. When this evidence presents itself, then shall the process of reclassification be considered.
The Wings of the Order see it very necessary to classify nations so that Sutherland can keep track of nations that sensitive information, economic interests, and even defensive support are being shared with. It is our goal that all nations in Eras at least reach the Class of the Wreath. We are very willing and ready to include new nations in this designation if given the reason to. All that is needed is trust, a working towards good for all of Eras, and a respect for what and who the people of Sutherland are.
If there are any other questions please do not hesitate to ask in our response office found
HERE IN OUR MAIN OFFICE. Thank you for your interest and care for the nation of Sutherland it is duly appreciated.
In faith and patience,
Arc-Wonderess of the Sutherland Federation and First Courantist Citizen of the Nation
