Lodamun

[imperialpearl]

Although the security and defence relationship between Lodamun and Hutori cannot be described as weak, it also cannot be described as robust. Even as the two nations have maintained their relationship for the better part of the past century through a pact work of treaties, memorandums of understand and ad hoc agreements, the lack of depth, institutional integration, and consistent alignment have forced many to conclude that the two nations maintain a relationship of strategic convenience rather than a genuine partnership. It is perhaps easy for one to draw the inference that the otherwise weak nature of the nations' relationship is a direct result of the schism which once separated the two nations. Professor of International Relations at the University of St. Christopher, Dr Gregory Lawson, reasons that the rift which had existed between the Luthorian Commonwealth and the Anantonese Empire, for which Hutori and Lodamun belonged to, respectively, can be identified as a major contributing factor in the stunted evolution of their bilateral defence relationship. 

According to Dr. Lawson, “The schism that emerged between the Luthorian-led Commonwealth (for which Hutori is associated) and the Anantonese Empire (for which Lodamun was once a member), ultimately limited the broader interactions these two states could have enjoyed, as much of it would have been set against the backdrop of the ever-imposing rivalry between Luthori and Kalistan. Although there exists no mutual suspicion or a lack of trust, there is nonetheless inertia marked by a lack of political will, perhaps between both parties to move beyond the mould.” Pointing to the move made by the Menkyn Administration in establishing stronger bonds, namely through the articulation of Lodamun’s first White Ocean Policy, which placed its relationship with Hutori at the centre of its messaging, Dr. Lawson stated that such initiatives represented a meaningful shift in tone, but not yet in substance.

At a press conference held, Whitehall Press Secretary John Edgar confirmed that President Stedman and Vice-President Hank Wexler would host Hutorian and Dolgavan Prime Ministers, as part of a trilateral security summit between the two nations. According to Edgar, the summit, which is the first of its kind, is being framed as a rare opportunity for both Hutori, Dolgava and Lodamun to reshape the trajectory of their relationship. “This is a first-of-its-kind summit. It builds on the existing relationship we have with Hutori and seeks to establish a shared vision on various regional and global security challenges,” Edgar explained. The agenda is expected to focus on several key issues, including enhancing cooperation between the three nations in the White Ocean, the Lievenian Sea, the Sea of Deliverance and the Mad Dog Ocean, cyber defence and cooperation and the formalisation of numerous exercises between the two countries. 

On cyber defence, Edgar confirmed that the discussion is likely to result in Hutori and Dolgava’s signing of the Common Intelligence Sharing Agreement (CISA), which would govern how intelligence is shared between Lodamun and other states. Director of National Assessments, Oliver Richardson, stated that he intended to use the summit to have a series of discussions with his Hutorian and Dolgavan counterparts, particularly on broader cooperation between the Lodamese, Hutorian and Dolgavan security and intelligence communities. The Office of Defence Intelligence, which has been involved in providing key intelligence in Badara against insurgent forces has expressed its willingness to work with Hutorian and Dolgavan defence intelligence agencies on expanding Lodamese military intelligence hardware well into the upper reaches of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the form of additional satellites sweeps and long-range drone patrols into the White Ocean.

Some analysts have noted that the summit is part of a broader, yet hidden, pretext for a defence alliance between the three nations that could potentially be expanded to include other states. Although there remains historic precedent for such a move, namely in the form of the Northern Council and other (failed) attempts at rebuilding the organisation, officials from the Stedman Administration have not been forthcoming with details as it pertained to these rumours. Press Secretary Egdar noted, however, that at the summit’s conclusion, President Stedman is expected to host a press conference where he is likely to discuss the broader details of the summit’s achievements and how Lodamun’s relationship with the states is likely to be transformed.