Embedded Files
Ideology:
In Kurgan, the ideology that best represents society is Authoritarianism. More specifically, an oligarchy that focuses on a strong central government to preserve the status quo. There is not much emphasis on the separation of powers, nor democratic voting. Within Kurgan, key players that have helped develop and ensure the economic success of Kurgan are those who rule. Others who aren’t a part of this central government are responsible for carrying out various tasks that maintain these systems and industries such as oil, agriculture, and energy.
Freedoms:
When it comes to the structure of Kurgan we feel that order is essential to the success of our government. We feel the following are issues we aim to solve:
- Power shouldn’t be in the hands of everyone but only those who play an important part in the upkeep and progression of our society.
- Solve conflicts that may impede on the general population.
- Enable the general population to be explore and improve their abilities that will ultimately benefit the economy
We strongly believe that the productivity of our population has been a key factor in the success of the overall running of our economy. While the government is responsible for keeping order and ensuring obligations are met, we also care heavily about the sustainability and success of our economy.
By adding restrictions to the general population around their involvement within government, and having a oligarchy we are able to complete the following:
- It creates an opportunity for leaders to centralize power and have more control over the country. This provides a sense of security for those who are a part of society because they are able to rely on the government to take appropriate actions when challenges arise. So in part this supports social order.
- This structure also positions Kurgan for more international opportunities due to the stronger central government. By showing that when domestic matters arise action is taken and a plan for a solution is developed faster than governments such as a democracy where public approval may be needed in some areas. While we are mindful of public opinion and satisfaction as it relates to the economy, most civilians are excluded from this process therefore creating a more streamlined process. This point provides confidence within Kurgan when working with other countries.
Other countries that use authoritarianism as a method to run their government such as Russia and China. This structure works for China by enabling their growth within various international markets as their central government is respected as under control. This view of their government allows them to position themselves as a favorable ally as there is a lack of concern around their ability to control and carry out their obligations. Similarly, Russia uses this structure as it relates to Kurgan because most of the people in Russia in charge are those who are wealthy. These individuals who are key players within Russia have the ability to be a part of the central government because they are seen as knowledgeable and experienced enough to ensure the success of their state. Not only do they possess the skills and knowledge to ensure the success of their state but they also have direct economic influence as those in power within Russia are heads of large industries.
With this, both China and Russia were extremely influential when thinking about the structure and ideology of Kurgan because within Kurgan the central government is composed of individuals who are heads within very important industries that provide great economic return.
Kurgan’s main focus is to increase wealth while maintaining social and economic stability. This is done with guidance from key players within industries such as oil, agriculture, and energy who also form the government that promote economic growth. By effectively maintaining a strong central government not only will this promote domestic economic growth but will make Kurgan more respected and highly favored within other countries which supports our mission of maintaining and developing our economy.
References:
Gaille, Louise. “10 Oligarchy Pros and Cons List.” Vittana.org, 16 Dec. 2019, https://vittana.org/10-oligarchy-pros-and-cons-list.
President, Julia Cusick Interim Vice, et al. “Authoritarian Regimes Seek to Take Advantage of the Coronavirus Pandemic.” Center for American Progress, 7 Nov. 2021, https://www.americanprogress.org/article/authoritarian-regimes-seek-take-advantage-coronavirus-pandemic/.
Created by: Marcus Brown, Patin Oil Oligarch
Regime Structure
Overview:
The Values of Kurgan—as well as the four morals that represent the central circles on the Kurgan flag—are “Order, Structure, Wealth, and Power.” These are the four pillars of the Kurgan oligarchy and the basis as to how different aspects of government are carried through. These values guide the major functions of the Kurgan Council as well as the general functionality of society. Citizens do not take part in any aspect of governance, including but not limited to the establishment of laws, institution of taxes, selection of Council Members, and/or regulation of the economy. Governmental authority lies in the hands of the main elite families—the Patin Oligarch, Barbol Oligarch, Polyarny Oligarch, Ukugan Coastal Tribal Leader, and Ukugan Central Tribal Leader—all of whom are allowed one representative to sit on the Kurgan Council. The source of legitimacy for the five oligarchies is the continuous sense of stability that their work and wealth provide for the nation. It is the significant contributions of each oligarchy that allow these groups to maintain multi-generational governmental influence within Kurgan. In terms of individuals within Kurgan, so long as the actions and intentions of each citizen does not oppose or contradict the pillars of the nation, individuals are free to do as they please.
The Kurgan Council
The Kurgan Council is committed to maintaining order and structure within its borders, accumulating wealth for the nation as a whole, and achieving international power throughout Zemia. The development of a “board of elders”¹ that are responsible for advising goes back to the ideas of ancient philosophers such as Aristotle and Thucydides. In alignment with the more modern example of Iran’s Council of Guardians², the Kurgan Council is composed of five elite members representing each of the oligarchies wielding the most significant power: the Patin Oligarch, Barbol Oligarch, Polyarny Oligarch, Ukugan Coastal Tribal Leader, and Ukugan Central Tribal Leader. However, there is no parliamentary component within the Kurgan Council and thus the elite decide on the legislation that gets passed themselves. The role of the Council is to agree upon and execute beneficial governmental decisions that will promote the Values of Kurgan. This group can exercise their power and influence in any manner they like so long as it can be justified under advancements toward order, structure, power, and/or wealth for the Kurgan nation. This power includes:
[1] Funding for Industries or Structures Within Kurgan
(Since the majority of the governmental revenue comes directly from Council Members and the industries they represent, these individuals control which regions receive federal funding)
[2] National Taxes
[3] International Relations
(Including trade deals, declarations of war, and treaties among other nations within Zemia)
[4] Other Relevant Powers Within the Scope of Power
(Including emergency legislation for unexpected occurrences)
Each Council Member is allowed one vote for or against each decision, and the decision will go into effect if there is a majority consensus, or three of the five Members agree, in favor of the decision. Another aspect that is similar to the Council of Guardians is that each member of the Kurgan Council has individual veto power³ regarding legislation that directly impacts the industry they control and the specific district in which their industry functions and thrives. Therefore, legislation that harms an oligarch’s region in any manner may be vetoed by the respective Council Member. The following is the breakdown of each oligarch’s individual industry or region:
[1] The Patin Oil Oligarch
-Maintains central control of all oil manufacturing within the Patin Sector
-Has the power to veto legislation that directly impacts oil manufacturing, including regulations on air/water pollution.
-Has the power to veto legislation that directly impacts the manufacturing and export of Kurgan goods, including tariffs on imported lumber.
-Has the power to veto legislation that directly impacts the Patin Sector, including the capital of Akaban and the major port cities such as the Port of Revda.
-Has the power to veto legislation that can otherwise be related to the Patin Sector
[2] The Barbol Potato Oligarch
-Maintains central control of all agriculture and land within the Barbol Plains
-Has the power to veto legislation that directly impacts the export of goods grown in this area, including the domestic and international pricing of crops.
-Has the power to veto legislation that can otherwise be related to the Barbol Plains
[3] The Polyarny Military Oligarch
-Maintains central control of the Polyarny Base, including the training academy, submarines, warships, other navy vessels, and military personnel.
-Has the power to veto legislation that directly impacts the nuclear power facilities, including pollution of air and water as well as regulation of possible toxins produced at facilities
-Has the power to veto legislation that can otherwise be related to the Polyarny Base.
[4] The Ukugan Coastal Tribe
-Maintains central control of all coal production within the Ukugan Coastal Land
-Has the power to veto legislation that directly impacts the production and export of coal, including domestic and international pricing.
-Has the power to veto legislation that can otherwise be related to the Ukugan Coastal Land
[4] The Ukugan Central Tribe
-Maintains central control of all agriculture and land within the Ukugan Central Land
-Has the power to veto legislation that directly impacts the export of goods grown in this area, including the domestic and international pricing of crops.
-Has the power to veto legislation that can otherwise be related to the Ukugan Central Land
However, even this power can be overturned. Since the Council Members are the most powerful groups within Kurgan, if the remaining four Members—excluding the Member that uses his or her veto power—unanimously agree with the piece of legislation in question, the veto will be overruled and it will become law.
¹ Christopher W. Blackwell, “The History of the Council.” Stoa. (Stoa, January 23, 2003), 4.
² National Geographic Society. “Oligarchy.” National Geographic Society, (July 31, 2020), 1.
³ Mehrzad Boroujerdi and Kouorsh Rahimkhani Postrevolutionary Iran: A Political Handbook. (New York: Syracuse University Press, 2018), 58
Individual Freedoms
In terms of individual freedoms within the nation of Kurgan, as long as these freedoms do not impede on the order within, the structures implemented throughout, the accumulation of wealth for, and the international advancement of the power of Kurgan, individuals can do as they please. The singular reason individuals are awarded the opportunity to live a pleasurable life within Kurgan is because of the generosity of the elite oligarchies. Thus it is important for every Kurgan citizen to recognize the stability the Council provides the nation. Overall, diversity in ethnicity, race, is widely accepted within Kurgan. As long as individuals are capable of meaningfully contributing to the Kurgan Nation, all are welcome. Additionally, though the Ukugan Coastal and Central Tribal Leaders sit on the Kurgan Council, citizens are also given the freedom of religion. There is no cultural preference nor is there a mandated faith for Kurgans, however since the Coastal and Central Tribes have significant power within the government, funding or legislation created by the Kurgan Council may favor this specific culture and faith.
References
Blackwell, Christopher W. “The History of the Council.” Stoa. Stoa, January 23, 2003. https://www.stoa.org/demos/article_council_history@page=4&greekEncoding=UnicodeC.html.
Boroujerdi, Mehrzad and Rahimkhani, Kouorsh, Postrevolutionary Iran: A Political Handbook. New York: Syracuse University Press, 2018. https://irandataportal.syr.edu/the-guardian-council.
National Geographic Society. “Oligarchy.” National Geographic Society, July 31, 2020. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/oligarchy/.
Created by: Bella Sasselli, Ukugan Costal Tribal Leader
People and Culture
The Kurgan is composed of a large population of working class people, as well as wealthy elites, within each of the nation’s five districts: the Patin Sector, Barbol Plains, Polyarny Base, Ukugan Coast, and the Ukugan Center. Though the vast majority of Kurgans are uneducated, the Kurgan market thrives and each district is highly functioning. Additionally, Kurgan is culturally rich. Almost 50% of Kurgans practice the Tempran faith, making these individuals members of the second largest religion in all of Zemia. The remaining half of Kurgans belong to one of the two Ukugan Tribes that have long histories and established traditions within their communities.
The Patin Sector is the manufacturing center of Kurgan, and thus the people in this district specialize in the production of specifically lumber goods, such as paper and furniture. The Patin Sector is also home to merchants who work in the major port cities, specifically the Port of Revda, that has access to all of Zemia. Additionally, the Patin Sector is home to the oil industry. This resource is what gives the Patin Oil Oligarch their significant power on Kurgan’s council, however due to the pollution, the majority of the people who actually live in the Patin Sector are poor and experience polluted air and water.
The Barbol Plains are one of the most important regions in Kurgan because of it’s widespread fertile lands. Also known as the “Potato-Bread Basket,” the people who work within the Barbol Plains specialize in agriculture, specifically potatoes. On average, this district grows ten times the amount of crops to feed the Kurgan people and therefore potatoes are the main food export for Kurgan. Additionally, this district is resilient and the farmers who work and live in the Barbol Plains manage to feed the entire nation, even during economic hardship. Because of the high levels of efficiency in the agricultural industry, oftentimes teenagers do not go to college and instead go right into working on the farms. However, the Barbol Plains are beautiful and because of this, many of the wealthy oligarchs—specifically the Barbol Potato Oligarch—also choose to live in this region of Kurgan.
The Polyarny Base is the sector of Kurgan that is tasked with protecting Kurgan’s two nuclear power facilities. Home to Kurgan’s largest naval base, this region is home to 15,000 military personnel and 5,000 civilians, most of which are either in the Kurgan Navy or working at the nuclear power plants. Like the rest of Kurgan, the low levels of average education in this district makes those who live here unable to actually manage the power plants—this job is left to close associates from Prenza—there are many other jobs that the people of the Polyarny Base have. On the other hand, because this district includes a training academy, the younger inhabitants of the Polyarny Base choose to join the navy instead of continuing on to higher education. The sense of community among the naval workers is particularly strong with great loyalty, however after a rumored leak of radioactive tritium into coastal waters, the civilians living on the base—as well as many others surrounding this region who have also experienced the negative effects—do not like the Polyarny Military Oligarch and are demanding change.
Lastly, the Ukugan Tribes—both coastal and central—are strong with a deep history and cultural connection to one another. The Coastal Tribe is known for its coal production that fuel the Polyarny power plants, as well as the regional, cross-national events celebrating Ukugan culture that even the neighboring Amurian Ukugans attend, making this relationship a major source of strength for the tribes. The Central Tribe is composed of a large farming community made of several family farms and is known for its agriculture production. This tribe is hierarchical, so powerful families own the land and share-cropping families work it. Due to this social class system, children of share-cropping families who need to earn more money will choose not to continue their education and work instead, thus contributing to Kurgan’s uneducated population. Overall, most of the Kurgan districts get along with one another, especially these two tribes. The Central Tribe oftentimes gets the lowest rates for power due to their histories and shared cultures, but this favored status has caused them to be in debt to the Coastal Tribe. There is no bad blood between the two tribes, though, and the two have even had discussions about merging the districts in the future. However, the Coastal and Central Tribes do not favor every sector of Kurgan equally. After the “Barbol Betrayal,” as well as the increasing rates of cancer and genetic defects from tritium exposure, the two tribal communities have some resentment for the Barbol Potato Oligarch or the Polyarny Military Oligarch.
Created by: Bella Sasselli, Ukugan Costal Tribal Leader
Motto: "Order, Structure, Wealth, and Power"
Created by: Bella Sasselli, Ukugan Costal Tribal Leader
and Marcus Brown, Patin Oil Oligarch
Leadership in Kurgan
Patin Oil Oligarch, Marcus Brown
Barbol Potato Oligarch
Polyarny Base Military Oligarch, Matt Meyers
Ukugan Coastal Tribal Leader, Bella Sasselli
Ukugan Central Tribal Leader, Emily Garcia
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