Imperial Diplomacy (Sarpedon)
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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. To the extent that Caphiria views foreign influence within the Imperial space to be unacceptable, the system also partially obligates Caphiria to defend nations on Sarpedon generally and within the space specifically from foreign interference, but also generally allows Caphiria to implement regime change in order to remove foreign influences. These "rights and obligations" were among the primary drivers of the theory of Levantine Creep.
History
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
Diplomatic interactions
The most visible element of Imperial Diplomacy are the Continental Obligations, a form of symbolic acknowledgement of Caphirian hegemony as well as an act of submission and tribute to the Imperator. The Obligations serve as the central legitimizing ritual of Imperial Diplomacy, formally creating the ties under which further relationships can exist.
Domestic interactions
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. The term, as well as its extent, has varied over time, but its current extent covers an anachronistic combination of the Third Imperium and Fourth Imperium at their respective heights. Many locations in Sarpedon - especially those in Istroya - are considered to be "adjacent to" or "in orbit of" the Imperial space without being a part of it.
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.