Commentaries/Rebuttals
Commentaries/Rebuttals
by Sarah Meyers
It’s interesting that your conversation of Regime Structure focuses so strongly on decisions of the “Leader.” How is there one leader for a non-state actor characterized by such varying indigenous cultures?
I appreciate you antecedent to the prescription of all Rodentian adults to serve in the Rodentian Security Force. Disability or child rearing exceptions are indicators that the regime is understanding of liberal values. With that, it surpasses my expectations of an indigenous territory that there can be progress towards representative government and rule of law. Here I wonder, what are the repercussions for qualified individuals that choose not to join the RSF? Banishment to the state of Orissa, a conservative pure democracy that values freedom, consent, and civility? Perhaps we have been too harsh on mandating service in the military, or in Orissa’s case, mandating civil service. Have we gone too far to assume that people are loyal to the needs of a territory and possess civic virtue?
On another note, it is easy to appreciate the concept of a Council in a place such as Rodento. It reminds me of an ancient practice of Native American tribes that came together to dispute issues collectively. But remember, Native Americans in what is now the United States were forced from their land and made to live in isolation from the other states in what we call reservations.
In sum, do you fear the onslaught of military action from a state actor in your region of the world? Look no further than today’s headlines of the Russian invasion of Ukraine to understand the risk of invasion of an indigenous territory.
by Stevie Vega
Redento has a sole leader with a council of advisors and established leadership positions. I understand that indigenous people are free to abide by their existing systems, practices, and governmental structures. Based on Redento’s history and current situation that includes three very different groups of people who only share the desire for statehood and bordering nations. I worry that conflict could arise between such different groups and backgrounds which is what leads them to their current state. They joined together to engage in war against and remove themselves from groups that differed from them or opposed their beliefs. With the division of their military forces into 7 groups with 7 separate leaders is it worrisome they could forge alliances or disagreements with one another, leading to them breaking away from the current Redento region.
The Minsk Protocol (2014) and the current Russian invasion of Ukraine have brought the referendum for Luhansk and Donetsk separatist regions to join the Russian Federation and the efforts to settle tensions into national attention with western countries warning it would violate peace negotiations. February 24, 2022, President Putin signed a decree where he deemed it necessary to recognize the independence of the two Ukrainian republics. Additional referendums to join the Russian Federation or do something else entirely are still in discussion. Redento could possibly face similar issues of groups wishing to reunite with their previous groups or break off entirely to form new states. Russian military involvement in Ukraine and support of separatist groups caused fights between the separatists and Ukrainian military, would Redento military leads be able to avoid, prevent or engage in conflict if separatist groups arose.
Indigenous groups being allowed to govern themselves is a wonderful gesture, but would they face any backlash for failing to assimilate, or taking advantage of their option to not serve in military forces?
Citations:
Institute for Defense Analyses - nsiteam.com. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2022, from http://nsiteam.com/social/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/NS-D-10367-Learning-Lessons-from-Ukraine-Conflict-Final.pdf
Not the time for referendum to annex separatist regions to Russia. The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2022, from https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-702442
by Araceli Lopez
A question that arises from the Energy policy of Rodento is how the nation plans on maintaining the flow of energy. As mentioned in the Energy Independence section, the nation believes in “an inclusive solution that guarantees energy supply and promotes stability and prosperity”. In this case, what are the first steps this nation is planning on taking to tackle this mission of sustainable energy? As we see today, Iceland is largely powered by sustainable green energy with the use of both hydro and geothermal sources (United Nations 1). Iceland began this change in the late 1960s when they decided to plant hydropower plants that would then lead to an independent power system creating sustainable and green energy. To continue, the idea of comparative advantage was brought up in terms of expanding this idea and having nations collaborate with one another to expand the use of renewable energy. This idea was described as energy being supplied by one person in return for supplying another commodity from the trading partner. If this were to occur, what regulations would take place, who would be in charge, and how would it be monitored? Overall, I agree with the importance of diversifying the use of energy and having a diverse set of energy sources in order to supply more tools and take advantage of partnerships within foreign policy. A consensus is essential among nations because as we see today, climate change is only getting worse due to the outcomes like natural disasters. We need to work together to create practical solutions and build an international coalition to combat the seriousness of the environmental threats that continue to increment. Lastly, through the nation’s mission of having “prosperity through cooperation and fair trade”, we can ensure a successful implementation of green energy among various countries and expand on enhancing overall global prosperity.
Citation
United Nations. (n.d.). Iceland's Sustainable Energy Story: A Model for the world? United Nations. Retrieved April 11, 2022, from https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/icelands-sustainable-energy-story-model-world
by Commander Max Sullivan, Redentorian Security Force
To Joint Chief Economist and Press Secretary, Sarah Meyers of Orissa,
Redentorians take pride in our identity as Redentorians, so before engaging further, as chosen representative of Redento in this exchange, we respectfully request the cessation of the comparison of our country's people to rodents. I have taken into consideration this is likely a harmless, innocent mistake, but we take this moment to firmly yet respectfully remind the nation of Orissa that we are Redentorians, not Rodentians.
As to address the submitted diplomatic inquiries, I will now grant you the privilege of my time in addressing each concern, one by one. As mentioned in the regime section, The Leader, who prefers not to be addressed with quotation marks, led a joint force of Tempran and Zemian freedom-fighters during the initial takeover of the Holy City. These two groups of people came together and agreed upon establishing Alexandra Nera as The Leader, which was addressed in the brief this commentary is meant to be a response to. Additionally, the only indigenous culture represented by the unity of three peoples under the Redentorian flag is The Dinuit People. The Dinuit People have freely chosen to embrace a close relationship with Redento, so we see it fit that they are included in our flag and culture but are not required to give up their autonomy. Also, there is a choice to mention Indigenous Peoples, particularly of the stolen land of the United States of America. It goes without saying, Indigenous People were stripped of autonomy and status as human beings by white, European colonizers. Indigenous People did not vanish- the colonizers exterminated them, and this would later influence and inspire Germany to do the same to Jews, Roma, queer, autistic, and other marginalized groups. Rather than take an approach of hostility and offense, we encourage the people of Orissa to examine the concept of autonomy and how fiercely we protect that of The Dinuit People. Historically, Dacca and Donethal have anglicized and threatened the autonomy of The Dinuit People. While we may not exist in complete ideological agreement, The Dinuit People are a valued, autonomous, and voluntary part of Redento.
Finally, it is questioned whether or not Redentorians fear invasion. Ukraine is not indigenous territory, but that point aside, it is the understanding of the Redentorian Security Force that our borders and the borders belonging to The Dinuit People, who graciously allow us to assist in their protection against the colonialistic tendencies of Dacca and Donethal and provide economic support for us to do so, are currently secure. Furthermore, it is our understanding that we successfully drove the oppressive forces of two economic superpower nations away. With the upmost respect, we have no reason to fear for our borders. Our fight is backed by a moral and holy cause that unites peoples as one.
Regards,
Commander Max Sullivan, Redentorian Security Force
To Attorney General of Liberty, Stevie Vega of Cavan,
We recognize and appreciate the concerns for The Dinuit People hypothetically being subject to backlash if they were to fail to adhere to practices compatible with the rest of Redento. This is a valid concern and a question I commend you for asking. To answer- the situation is not perfect and I will not try to convince you or the rest of Cavan otherwise. In the establishment of our government, The Leader established The Council to represent the three peoples of Redento. There is a representative of Zemia, a representative of the Tempran Faithful, and a representative of The Dinuit People in the Council. Each sect holds an equal portion of the power to call for a referendum. Furthermore, we recognize the external coercion The Dinuit People face; to some, it looks as if The Dinuit People must choose between the lesser of three evils, those being Dacca, Donethal and Redento. The Dinuit People freely chose a partnership with Redento, and we see them as entitled to their own established rights as established by their governments, which remain autonomous in our relationship, and entitlted to the rights of any Redentorian citizen. The Dinuit People are entitled to the rights they had before us not out of privilege but because all three peoples agree that anything less is morally wrong and theft of autonomy. Surely a representative of Cavan would understand that we respect the very notion of liberty and will do anything to preserve it for our allies and any of the peoples who inhabit our nation. I hope this successfully addresses the concerns for The Dinuit People.
Before my closing notes, I would like to address the point of the 7 sectors of military. This was an example of the FARC, not Redento. The concerns you have addressed about our military structure actually were the examples we gave as to justify how our military structure would NOT be built. I apologize for the confusion.
Regards,
Commander Max Sullivan, Redentorian Security Force
Post Notes, Max Sullivan, Continued:
I just want to address a moral concern outside of the context of the Nation Sim, so let's just take a step back into real life for a second. What is about to be said does not pertain to anything about my assigned nation, so read on with that in mind. I made the regime brief with the intention of the most respect and sensitivity to Indigenous People as possible. I would like to make it very clear that I do not like the idea of a nation effectively acting as a savior to fictional Indigenous People because I think it could, if not handled correctly, feed into a White Savior narrative. This is why I wrote with the intention to avoid Redento as a savior but rather as an equal to The Dinuit People- such close allies they unite under the same flag and contribute to the same wars. The savior narrative, when writing this, was to be avoided. I wrote my regime brief with the most sensitivity and respect possible given the circumstances and the established facts of the fictional separatist nation of Redento. This autonomy is so important and so frequently mentioned. It is one thing to respect the existence of fictional Indigenous People, but it is not the same as establishing the recognition of cultural differences and rights to self-governance and separate definitions of human rights which those nations abide by.
Just to be clear, it is not my intent to speak over BIPOC and Indigenous People or to sugarcoat the atrocities of colonialism. I highly encourage folks in SPGS to also partake in Ethnic Studies classes, but notably, this does not authorize students to somehow think they can "solve" any of these issues or speak over those who the issues directly harm. I do not claim to be an expert on these issues, and I do not have the right to define how they should be talked about. Once again, these Post Notes are not happening in the realm of the Nations Sim- they are my personal addition I have an urge to add based on icky feeligns of immorality, and I wrote this, for the record, of my own accord. Fictional or not, it still feels gross to authorize myself to speak for The Indigenous Dinuit People because I am white, but because it is fiction, there's no member of The Dinuit People to ask for the privilege of speaking on the issues presented in their relationship with the other two thirds of Redento. Because of this fictional nature of the ethnicity of the Dinuit People, I also feel that it would be innapropriate to assign someone the role of Representative of The Dinuit People. If there are ever any concerns regarding this issue, please contact me, and I would graciously accept the privilege of correcting it.
-Max Sullivan
by [enter name of person writing 1st commentary]
[insert Commentary1 text]
by [enter name of person writing 2nd commentary]
[insert Commentary2 text]
by [enter name of person writing 3rd commentary]
[insert Commentary3 text]
by [author of Ideology section]
by [Jackiee Sapon Lopez, Science Officer]
A concern with this education policy is that is not at hundred percent that it will happen/ if it will make into a policy. Education is important role into children’s life. Education helps shape what children will want to be when they grow and help them know what’s going on the world. Knowledge is a powerful thing and should be handle wisely. These are children’s future that are taking a risk. Knowing that they are not getting the right education is a problem is an issue that needs to be solve. Be one sided does not benefit anyone. Redento lacks core curriculum between its populations. Due to the fact of three distinct groups (Dinuit Tribe, Zemani Pilgrims, and the Temrpan farmers) not having an inclusive knowledge about each other. This creates an inequality of education. Meaning that education isn’t taught correctly because the full history isn’t being taught to its full knowledge. Redento’s ideology supports the idea of freedom for all its people in their regional autonomy. Every tribe has its own right to teach and establish how their education should be learned and desired. This can cause another problem if this policy is established, there can be a clash within. Since its within their rights on how they can run their education system. Also establishing a policy that benefits all is the goal but having a goal like that will cost money. Meaning that it will cost, and it’s funded by taxes. Not everyone will like the idea of taxes especially if it goes up even more that what it is currently at. There are a few issues at play that needs to be consider and thought thru carefully. The important goal is that children get the education that they will need at its fullest potential.
by Marina Aukon-Page, Chief Diplomat of Amuria
This education policy as outlined is very interesting as it seems to almost go against the core beliefs of Redento discussed in the ideology and regime briefs. It is noted that within Redento there is “only one system of education” but the very structure of Redento seems to be around a very limited central government, with the individual communities being able to make most decisions locally. You note that there is a lack of core curriculum because the groups within Redento remain autonomous in making decisions, but I question what the alternative for those schools is that do not adhere to the “Redento Renowed Education policy.” The result of adhering to this policy is said to be “an equal access to education” but if certain regions prefer to remain autonomous and not adhere to this policy, do they lose all funding? Are they just not granted this “equal access”? and what does equal access entail exactly?
I do acknowledge the importance of the standardized historical teaching of Zemia, but it seems that is the largest if not the only focus of the education of children aged 5 to 9. Are there other required courses? Or other focuses during these four years? As outlined in the brief it seems these four years are devoted entirely to the history of Zemia and developing an understanding of “their various sets of beliefs and accustoms” which I find quite concerning as there is typically a vast amount of foundational knowledge learned between the ages of 5 and 9 in other parts of the world. Further, is the only education offered after age 18 regarding “new ideas for the future of energy”? It seems there is much more to be learned that the Redento Renowed Education Policy does not include, either because it is vague to allow for autonomy of the regions, but if so this is not made clear, or because this is thought to be the only important information to be learned in Redento, which I would find concerning for the future of this rebel nation.
Overall, the ideas discussed behind the Redento Renowed Education policy, particularly the focus on “maximizing the self-fulfillment of its citizens” are noble, but I do not see enough details of the system to believe it would be effective in educating a population to form a successful state in the future.
By Emily Garcia, Ukugan Central Tribal Leader
Overall, I think the education policy, especially the "Redento Renewed Education" policy is quite interesting and I think could be helpful for your country. Especially, the points of having an education that is meant to encourage students to be curious and to adopt the mindset of lifelong learners that your policy seems to imply.
As noted by previous commentators, I am curious about how as a country you are going to enforce this policy and what steps you will take if a people group within your country does not adopt it? From my understanding of your policy proposal, there will be no negative consequences because as a country, you are trying to honor the individual sovereignties of each people group. However, I was wondering if you have an education plan in place for the countries that choose to not adopt the "Redento Renewed Education" policy? Also, will you adopt a policy that requires each people group to have to develop and implement some kind of education policy of their own? The reason why I am bringing up these questions is that if there is no method of enforcing the education policy on the people groups that reside within your territory then your country could face high levels of illiteracy and uneducated citizens. Furthermore, it might be worthwhile to look into offering positive incentives for the people groups that do adopt the education policy. These incentives could look like extra funding for their schools or a special event.
The main concern that I have regarding your education policy is the part that states, "From 10 years old to 18 years old, the curriculum then shifts the focus to vocational studies...". I find this troubling because there is limited research on the benefits of students attending vocational schools and there needs to be more studies conducted to show that it benefits students after graduation (Jacob, 2017). For example, a European study found that students who attend vocational schools had higher rates of employment until the age of 50 (Hanushek et al., 2017). The authors argued that this was due to the students only being taught limited skills instead of a liberal education that would allow them to easily change careers later in life. Due to the lack of long-term research on the success of vocational schools, I would be cautious in adopting a curriculum that is centered on vocational schooling. Instead, it might be wise to adopt a curriculum that integrates both a liberal and vocational education.
Sources:
"What we know about Career and Technical Education in high school". Brian A. Jacob. 2017. Brookings Institute. https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-we-know-about-career-and-technical-education-in-high-school/
Among younger people, employment rates are higher among those with vocational education. However, this pattern reverses by age 50. These patterns are most pronounced in countries that have highly developed work-based education systems such as Germany, Denmark and Switzerland. See Hanushek et al. (2017). “General Education, Vocational Education, and Labor-Market Outcomes over the Life-Cycle.” Journal of Human Resources. 52(1): 49-88.
by [author of Energy Policy]
by Sisto Jacobo
Hello Almothana Alkhalil and Redento’s officials,
I agree with your assessment that energy is the building block of modern nations and that the world must be protected in order to ensure that every nation can continue to provide energy for its citizens, however, how can Redento guarantee that every nation will fall in line with this vision? You described your idea of energy interdependence, rather than independence, but I believe that competition will always be inherently a part of something like energy production. With two nations entering an agreement over energy as you described, with them being their lowest trading partners in order to make it as economic as possible, what happens to the other nations? Other nations will not sit idly by and watch their economies suffer so that two nations can enjoy low prices on their energy; other nations will naturally lower their prices or offer alternate forms of energy which will force one of the partners to break away. Also, with nations like Redento, who lack traditional sources of energy, and must rely on imported energy, there is nothing preventing the nations who control the energy from raising their prices or limiting the amount of energy they trade in order to abuse Redento and other smaller nations who lack valuable energy resources.
There is no system in place to ensure that every nation follows this practice, and it is not logical for them to do so. No nation will be satisfied trading with only one other nation, and if a nation does begin to trade with multiple nations, other nations will begin to be left out, which will again create natural competition. Energy is a resource, and like any other resource nations will attempt to profit from it and ensure that it is secured for their people before it is secured for any other nations. It has been seen throughout history that nations will exploit other nations for their natural resources, as the British, Spanish, and French colonial empires did for example, or that nations will drive up their prices as leverage for trade deals, just as OPEC did in the 1970s. These are all natural consequences of owning something that is valuable, and Redento would need to establish a series of agreements with every nation, and every nation would need to recognize them and their member states, in order to have nations cooperate with one another on their energy.
by [Ari Ortega]
[Energy is a resource that everyone needs and is trying to obtain energy by multiple means. You claim to not have energy but in the near future you hope that the people come up with a way to make more energy. This is not a reliable source of energy. We have proof of countries that are still a third world country and the people that are smart enough move out of the country and shine somewhere else. If you are relying on the people of Redento then you must have programs in place to help the people of Redento. Programs in education and ones that provide experience. Programs that encourage innovation and creativity would be ideal in the advancement of your state. Instead of hoping that your people will improve themselves this way the state is actively doing something to ensure their improvements.
You are not wrong that the ideal is to have pure energy independence but this could be a burden. Once a state reaches a place where they need no energy from neighboring states they become a threat. Surrounding states will want the energy and possibly go to war. Would it be better to stay under radar to prevent other states from seeing you as a threat. If a state proves that they are able to provide energy independently they invite challenge by proving that they are capable of bigger things. I admire that Redento is trying to strive towards sustainable and clean energy sources but this will be a struggle. Most of your energy is obtained through trade and surrounding countries but if you are able to achieve clean energy you will be the leading energy provider. I understand that you want global peace and prosperity but you will never have an agreement with every state. You may have a chance if you become the leading provider for energy but this seems highly unlikely.]
by [author of Energy Policy]
by [enter name of person writing 1st commentary]
[insert Commentary of 1st person]
by Ivan Modesto
Regardless of the structure of a state, certain realities cannot be avoided and must be addressed by the state. Immigration is one such issue that even the most isolationist state would need to have a comprehensive policy about.
Redento, being a unique nation with an even more unique governmental structure, encounters problems with this issue. As stated in the ideological statement of Redento, it lays out the fragmentation and independence of the three nations that form Redento. With this being the case, each of the three nations retains a separate cultural identity. Cultural differences may include unique religions, languages, social norms, ideals, etc. Although these differences represent a beautiful diversity, this same idea turned on its head can be seen as barriers. Naturally, these circumstances lend themselves to creating internal frictions and perhaps hostilities between each culture. As a result, immigration between each region is hindered by the fragmented structure of Redento.
The ideology section also notes the tumultuous relationship that Redento has with its neighbors, the Daccans and Donethalans, that necessitated the formation of Redento. It seems that due to the hostility between the peoples of Redento and their neighboring countries, Redento adopts a militaristic strategy. Additionally, Redento seems to have significant ideological differences from its neighbors. These conflicts would make immigration between Redento and its neighboring countries a difficult, if not impossible, process.
Lastly, Redento faces logistical problems as a direct result of its governmental structure. Redento is comprised of three independent nations with complete autonomy over their own region. The only ties between each nation are the opposition to their neighbors. As stated in official documents, Redento lacks a strong federal government and each nation exercises sovereignty over its region. Therefore, immigration policy is completely dependent to the nation governing that region. The Zemani have no control over the immigration policies of the Dinuit, yet, free movement of the citizens of Redento is allowed. This makes any attempt at an immigration policy pointless and merely performative.
by [author of Immigration Policy]