fandomhigh | Nation Building and the Origin of Government, Period 5, Class 11, Thursday, 3-24

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Nation Building and the Origin of Government, Period 5, Class 11, Thursday, 3-24

Alex was, thankfully, not green today. And she was even in a good mood, thanks to socializing, beer, and Tyra Banks. Stranger things had happened, but not many.

"Today," Alex said, "we're going to talk about international relations. Thus far we've been focusing on getting your own country up and running, and how to maintain order and promote the welfare of your citizens. But your country is part of a larger, global community, and you'll have to deal with fitting your country into the established framework. Other countries won't want to give up their sovereign rights, and won't necessarily care what it is that you want."

She lifted a shoulder. "Your country should never compromise its own integrity, to bow to foreign interests, but there's no need to alienate all of your neighbors, either. Where, in the middle, do you meet, in the interests of keeping the peace?"

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Like you are fierce.

Write notes, pass notes, consider the concept.

Your country borders a country known as Northia, and shares a separate border with Westerley. Northia and Westerley also have a common border between them. Two months ago, Westerley declared war on Northia.

Northia would like you to sign a non-aggression pact, promising to not interfere. Westerley insists that Northia has committed numerous crimes against Westerley, and demands your help.

What actions (or inactions) do you take? Does your answer change if Northia has, demonstrably, committed inhuman crimes against Westerley? Does your answer change if you have pre-existing treaties with either country, or both?

The foreign nation of Grand Island is able to produce goods more cheaply than your own nation. Domestic companies insist that you place an import tax on Grand Islandian goods. Meanwhile, other companies are closing their plants and moving their factories to Grand Island, leaving many of your citizens out of work.

Do you tax Grand Islandian goods, or companies which move facilities to Grand Island? Do you incentivize companies that leave their facilities in your own nation? If not, how do you ensure job security for your own citizens?

Lastly: if information came to light that Grand Island was engaging in questionable labor practices, would your answer(s) change?

A citizen of Sylvania has illegally entered your country, seeking asylum. He has been arrested on charges which are serious crimes in Sylvania, but not against any law in your own country. Sylvania's government is demanding his immediate return. Do you grant asylum, or extradite? (Or, if the answer varies based on the crime involved, what sorts of crimes would you or wouldn't you grant asylum for?) Does your answer change if the Sylvanian entered your country legally?

Reverse the roles. A wanted criminal has fled your country across the border to Southland. Southland does not agree with the severity of punishment that your country was seeking to impose. Southland will return the criminal if you agree to reduce the charges and seek a lighter sentence. What do you do?

(I believe she is still kittified, is she not?)

She's here!

Edited 2011-03-24 11:50 (UTC)

A: I have started watching season 1 of ANTM as a result of last night's common room. Damn you, Elaine!

B: the second half of the "Fugitive" question is very, VERY loosely based on one L&O:SVU episode where a serial killer fled NY for Canada, and Canada was refusing to extradite unless the US agreed not to seek the death penalty.

C: I desperately need sleep, but pings will be forthcoming when I reawaken.

D: ..... there was something else but I forget.

Cara

Prince Alexander of Daventry

Tahiri Veila

Warren Worthington III

Sov Thade Tage em Ereb

Squall Leonhart

"Pre-existing treaties ought to be followed," Squall mused. "The other countries' problems are their own, otherwise. I don't like politics."

Squall frowned. "I don't know?" he answered. "If Grand Island is only able to produce goods cheaper by mistreating its workers, that's not fair."

He considered the question.

"What if I only allow companies to sell goods in my country if they comply with my country's laws? I'm not sure how to enforce that, but it should remove the advantage of moving overseas."

"If what he's done isn't a crime, then I'm not going to extradite him," Squall answered, obviously confused. "If Sylvania's laws are stupid, then I'd be the criminal if I handed him over."

Faramir

"Many countries are reluctant to play watchdog for the rest of the world," Alex said. "Of course, if these countries share a border with you, it may be impossible to stay neutral in their conflict."

"What's 'fair' is hardly ever what's 'legal,'" Alex said wryly. "You could absolutely place restrictions against imports from countries with improper labor laws. Unfortunately, you run the risk of creating a thriving black market."

"Some countries criminalize behaviors that others don't," Alex noted. "If you remember previous weeks, when we were dealing with thieves, murderers, and protesters? You and your classmates had different ideas on where to draw the line."

Squall frowned.

(That's a good point.)

"I thought you meant that he had been arrested for wearing the wrong color or something," he admitted. "I guess... if it's just a question of nuance, that's different."

"Even if they don't share a border with me," Squall admitted. "If there really are crimes being committed, my advisers would make me intervene."

"...Is there a way to tax the black market?"

Anduin Wrynn

Karla was there and still kittified. She alternated between chasing her own tail and stalking Warren's feathers.

Karla

Medusalith Amaquelin

Bruce Wayne

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Nation Building and the Origin of Government, Period 5, Class 11, Thursday, 3-24

Sign In - NAT11

During the Lecture - NAT11

Discussion - International Military Matters - NAT11

Discussion - Imports and Exports - NAT11

Discussion - Fugitives - NAT11

Talk to the TA - NAT11

Talk to Alex - NAT11

OOC - NAT11

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Re: Discussion - Fugitives - NAT11

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Re: Discussion - International Military Matters - NAT11

Re: Discussion - Imports and Exports - NAT11

Re: Sign In - NAT11

Re: Talk to the TA - NAT11

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