Imperial Diplomacy (Sarpedon): Difference between revisions

Caphiria's relationships with nations within the Imperial Space originate with {{wp|Patronage in ancient Rome|ancient Latinic notions of patronage}}, which stressed the hierarchical but mutual nature of client-patron relationships. These concepts exist widely throughout Caphirian society and have been employed in diplomacy since the [[Caphiria#The_First_Imperium|First Imperium]]. Imperial Diplomacy emerged organically throughout the medieval period following the collapse of the First and Second Imperiums, establishing how the [[Caphiria#The_Third_Imperium|Third Imperium]] interacted with states and tribes sitting on previously Imperial-controlled land. Over time, the system and expectations of Imperial Diplomacy became more formalized before reaching their current state in the mid-19th century. Nearly all nations within the Imperial Space adhered by its terms, excluding [[Talionia]] - even [[Veltorina]] before the Tyrian Revolution adhered to it, despite having just won its independence in the [[Veltorine War of Independence]] fought against Caphiria. The unwillingness of the post-revolution socialist government of [[Veltorina]] to participate in the Imperial Diplomatic system was one of the leading causes of the [[First Great War]]. Following Caphiria's victory in that conflict, it began to tighten the obligations of the states within the Imperial space, which had primarily been reduced to just [[Aciria]], [[Pelaxia]], and [[Cartadania]]. These states began to chafe under Caphiric hegemony and prepared for the eventual opening to strike back at Caphiria, which would come in the 1930s with the [[Second Great War]].

Between the end of the [[Second Great War]] in [[1943]] and the Treaty of Gornja in 1970, Caphiria was essentially excluded from the Imperial Diplomatic system. Having been defeated by a coalition that included all other remaining states in the sphere, Caphiria both lost a viable mandate for hegemony while eliminating any chance it had with productive relations with its neighbors. During this period, many of the traditional hallmarks of Imperial Diplomacy were exercised by [[Aciria]] instead within the conceptual [[Eastern Imperium]]. Caphirian hegemony was restored with the 1970 Treaty of Gornja, which returned [[Pelaxia]] and [[Volonia]]'s recognition of Caphirian imperium. [[Cartadania]] would return in 1973. Aciria maintained its claims of Eastern Imperium through 1984, remaining effectively outside the system. The [[Assumption Accords]] ended claims of a separate Eastern Imperium and brought Aciria and [[Talionia]] back into the Imperial Diplomatic system, bringing full participation to the Imperial space for the first time in nearly a century.

The Imperial Space, also known in [[Caphiria]] as the "broader Empire" or "Greater Caphiria," refers to a geographical area that represents the maximum extent of direct control by [[Caphiria]] throughout its history. Consequently, these areas are considered part of a broader "Caphiric civilization." These nations - [[Aciria]], [[Pelaxia]], [[Cartadania]], [[Volonia]], [[Talionia]], and Caphiria itself - are the ones subject to Imperial diplomacy. The states not directly under Caphirian control are typically referred to as "{{wp|Foederati|Federates}}." The term, as well as its extent, has varied over time. Still, its current extent covers an anachronistic combination of the [[Caphiria#The_Third_Imperium|Third Imperium]] and [[Caphiria#The_Fourth_Imperium|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. Nations that are part of the Imperial Space are informally called "Imperial States."

The most visible element of Imperial Diplomacy is the [[Continental Obligations]], a form of symbolic acknowledgment 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 other relationships can exist. As part of the Obligations, and in exchange for the various privileges the nations enjoy within Sarpedon, a separate agreement is arranged between Caphiria and the Obligated on "equal footing," with both parties negotiating as equals. [[Volonia]] has historically submitted to a Caphirian veto over migration agreements with other countries, and its visa and foreign travel policy are subject to Caphirian review. [[Pelaxia]] allows for the [[Imperial Armed Forces of Caphiria]] to travel through its borders with prior notice given, though it does not permit Caphirian bases within the country. [[Cartadania]] also allows the Caphirian military to transit, albeit with strict limitations. [[Aciria]], due to its nominal status as a junior partner of Caphiria, has no outward-facing diplomatic obligation but instead has a responsibility to pursue a diplomatic solution concerning the [[Montanaro]] population in its country. Due to its non-participation in Caphirian domestic affairs and the influence of [[Urcea]], [[Talionia]] has no specific obligation. All nations, to some extent, allow access to Caphirian corporations and economic interests that they would not otherwise allow to foreign firms.

Imperial Diplomacy allows for a broad scope of access by states within the Imperial Space to the domestic affairs of [[Caphiria]]. In contrast, Caphiria's access, in return, is limited to specific actions. States within the Imperial space are free to lobby the [[Government of Caphiria]], contract with influential leaders and corporations, establish firms intended to exert influence over public affairs, and compete with one another for status as the most favored partner of Caphiria. All states within the Imperial space except [[Talionia]] maintain an influence with the [[Imperator]] himself. Imperial Diplomacy also allows the somewhat rarely exercised right of citizens of the space states to stand for public office in [[Caphiria]]. Informal political factions within Caphiria - as well as some of its official [[Political parties of Caphiria|political parties]] - maintain special ties to different sponsoring nations within the Imperial space. Due to its unique status as a state in a {{wp|real union}} with [[Urcea]], [[Talionia]] receives no rights within the Caphirian political system beyond that of being able to maintain normal diplomatic relationships. Its participation within the Imperial Diplomatic system primarily relates to this and its ability to participate in shared infrastructure within the Imperial space.