Lodamun

[imperialpearl]

Although the diplomatic/geopolitical quagmire of Lodamun’s decision to place an advanced expeditionary warfare group in Malivia can be seen as a largely forgettable departure in the nation’s historically level-headed geopolitical strategy, the outgoing administration believes that where Lodamun stands on the global stage ought to be one guided by much of its founding principles, namely respect for international law and common harmony with the wider nations of the world. Secretary of State Ester Kenly believes that whereas Lodamun maintains an inherent right to see to the defence of its interests, both foreign and abroad, particular attention ought to be placed on a weighted assessment of the relative importance of said interests. At a seminar held by Drumford University on Lodamun’s relationship with the wider world, Kenly noted that there had to be a major realignment of the nation’s foreign policy objectives with a clear goal of ensuring that Lodamese prosperity above all other goals endures. “Our fortune, our prosperity and progress are inherently connected to various parts of the world and thus historically we have maintained a particular apprehension towards the various “sensitive” zones of the global economy,” he explained. “Lodamese geostrategic objectives have thus been traditionally married to the Harrington Company by virtue of the fact that it remains the singular entity responsible for Lodamun’s profound economic progress. Although there is an argument that said progress is meagre when compared to other states, the Lodamese economy has certainly come a long way, especially as it pertains to its increasing complexity.” He spoke in largely unplain terms surrounding the origins of the supposed militarism numerous nations have noted both during and after the “Migrant’s Pass imbroglio”, offering that although many nations can speak as though Lodamun’s actions had existed in a vacuum, there was nonetheless considerable background related to that decision. “There has been no time wherein Lodamun’s foreign policy decisions have been made by virtue of hastened/rushed thought, nor has there ever been a moment where there not been considerable/reasonable precedent as to not justify such decisions. Lodamun’s decision in the migrant’s pass, particularly the deployment of the EAG (Expeditionary Action Group) is largely set against the backdrop of a historic mistrust of the Beiteynuese-led order in the part of the world. As had been articulated ad nasseum by previous administrations but which has seemingly fallen on deaf ears, the Hubris War had left Lodamun with a clear sense that it could no longer rely on the world’s foremost states to protect its interests in a particular region by proxy.”

“That conflict, alongside their subsequent withdrawal from various parts of the world underscored to policymakers in Kensington that when the going got tough, they would have no qualms in cutting their losses and putting themselves above all. The sinking of the Harrington Company ship coupled with this ultimately sent shockwaves throughout the Lodamese political establishment as it became clear to them that where matters related to the security of Lodamese trade assets (i.e. the Harrington Company) was concerned, they’d have to go about it themselves.” Kenly noted that Lodamun’s increased focus on expeditionary warfare is herein brought into context, pointing to self-serving conclusions of supposed “Lodamese imperialism” as advanced by some states, most notably Xsampa, as being broadly ignorant of the context in which much of Lodamun’s actions had been rooted. “The Commonwealth of Lodamun has never been interested in the ideas of imperialism and has historically been at odds with those nations that advance such agendas. If the conclusions as drawn up by tabloids in Xsampa and other territories are to be believed, then Lodamun’s decades-long policy of patrols throughout western Seleya including the Mad Dog Ocean, the Artanian Sea and the South Ocean can be easily said to be the opening twitches of a nation bent on imperial ambitions. Yet, these conclusions ultimately ignore this important context: Lodamun being an export-orientated nation is largely dependent on foreign trade and thus wherein it may be feasible for some nations to rely on other states to protect their interests on their behalf, the Lodamese experiences is ultimately different.” In reiterating the founding principle surrounding initiatives such as the Lodamese Coast Guard’s Operation Barracuda, Kenly draws the inference that the vast majority of Lodamese military activity (be it on the form of maritime patrols or bases) had been largely concentrated throughout western seleya (Aldegar, Saridan, Luthori) as the South Ocean, Artanian Sea and Mad Dog Ocean underscore the primary supply routes of the Harrington Company from Vascania. According to the HC, Lodamun remains the nation’s largest consumer of rare earth minerals (REM) which it needs for semiconductor manufacturing alongside other products. The semiconductor industry remains the single most important sector of the Lodamese economy owing to its multiplier effect. 

Here he [Kenly], contends that Lodamun’s military base in Malivia is also brought into context. “Although overtures towards the militarisation of the Migrant’s Pass have been lamented by Yishelem and Bannerhafen, there have been no clear assurances towards the protection of crucial economic assets traversing through this part of the world by either state. This is the soft underbelly of the Lodamese economy and remains an inherent vulnerability and thus it is only natural for Lodamun, given the context that has been outlined, to have come to an agreement with Malivia on the construction of Naval Base Crockett in the first place. That base stands as the nation’s only respite against uncertainty and provides the nation with an ability to look into this crucial economic chokepoint,” he explained. “Lodamun is not an irrational state, nor has it ever acted on its basic instincts. We may be prideful but we are by no means fools. When it is clear that we can no longer trust others to see to the protection of its interests anywhere throughout the world, we have never hesitated to protect said interests ourselves.” According to Kenly, although the enduring geopolitical climate may lean towards a potential Lodamun-Beiteynu rift, he nonetheless underscored that there was certainly room for improvement both on the part of Kensington and Yishelem. “Although our nations have maintained cordial relations before, there is certainly room to enhance this relationship albeit in the context of what has occurred thus far.” He lamented that notions towards “Azharas” ultimately dance in the face of any real progress, offering that they only serve to draw nations closer to conflict. “Lodamun has never expressed opinions against nations basing military forces in Seleya, as it is our view that the apprehension surrounding things such as Azharas only lend credence to the notion of spheres of influences, which in itself draws much of its energy from imperialism and doctrine of grand strategy.”