Imperial Diplomacy (Sarpedon)

Imperial Diplomacy on Sarpedon is a system of diplomatic and domestic relationships between nations within a related concept known as the "Imperial space" which encompasses "Caphiric civilization", whose membership is identical with that of the Continental Diplomatic Arrangement Organization, which provides for Imperial Diplomacy's legal basis.

Imperial Diplomacy provides for a wide range of acceptable diplomatic actions taken between nations on Sarpedon, and particularly sets forth guidelines for the relationship between Caphiria and the space states, including Continental Obligations. Imperial Diplomacy is not only related to the actions between states but also provides for domestic political and social interventions that the members may take within Caphiria and vice versa. Within this system, Caphiria receives nominal submission from the other states in the form of the Continental Obligations as well as broad military and diplomatic latitude over the actions of its neighbors. In exchange, the Imperial space states receive significant influence on the domestic affairs of Caphiria.

Background
Something on Caphirian patronage/hegemony system historically and a brief discussion on notions of imperium

Established in late 60s following Pelaxian defection from Aciria camp and decline of the Western Imperium. Aciria joins at assumption accords

Imperial space
The Imperial space, also known in Caphiria as the "broader Empire", refers to a geographical area which represents the maximum extent of direct control by Caphiria throughout its history, and consequently these areas are thought to be ones which are part of a broader "Caphiric civilization". These nations - Caphiria itself as well as Aciria, Pelaxia, Cartadania, Volonia, and Talionia - are the ones subject to Imperial diplomacy.

Interpretation
Imperial Diplomacy is viewed as an institution and set of relationships entirely unique to Sarpedon, with participants therein viewing it either as a source of pride due to its collegiality or as a source of Caphirian dominion. Many political scientists and scholars have made the claim that the permissions Imperial Diplomacy allows, as well as the general looseness of borders under its parameters, makes Caphiria "not a state as strictly understood by modern definitions", a claim which some have extended to the other members of the Imperial space.