[Lauchenoiria]

Liaville Times – Referendum Special

17th February 2019

Issue Focus – International Relations

Independence would be a chance for Aeluria to truly have a place on the world stage, and to advance their interests without the interference of the Lauchenoirian central government. At least, that is how supporters view it. Opponents claim that such a small island, and consequently such a small country, would have no real representation, and that Aeluria is better off as part of Lauchenoiria in terms of international relations and trade.

When the topic of international relations comes up, proponents of independence are likely to point out that, following the unilateral declaration of independence in May 2018 (since retracted), the would-be fledgling Aelurian state was quickly recognised by both Gnejs and Kivasek, the latter of whom provided military support to the island during the war. Meanwhile opponents will add that there were far more nations unwilling to accept Aeluria than those who were.

According to the AIP, an independent Aeluria would seek to maintain friendly relations with almost the exact same list of countries that Lauchenoiria was on friendly terms with prior to the war. In the aftermath of the war, independence supporters have begun to argue that Lauchenoiria has lost a lot of goodwill in the international community, and that Aeluria has a better chance of making their voice heard as an independent country rather than a Federation which faces suspicion from many other nations after the brutal war in which so many of them were involved.

Both the Liberal Party and Communist Party have stated that only together can Lauchenoiria start to rebuild the relationships with other nations that deteriorated during the war. They argue that an independent Aeluria could indeed face more suspicion, as a breakaway state from a nation recently embroiled in civil war only serves to increase division and prevent healing.

One of the most controversial questions in the Aelurian debate is over what the relationship between an independent Aeluria and the matriarchal state of Kerlile would be. The Feminist Party, who officially support independence, have stated that they would like to see improved relations between Aeluria and Kerlile (and between Lauchenoiria and Kerlile, in fact), although they are quick to clarify that they do not condone some of the more violent parts of the Kerlian justice system. The AIP, however, have remained silent on the Kerlian question.

It is likely, given the agreed nature of the referendum, that in the event of a vote for independence, the international community would respect the result. This counters many of the arguments of the anti-independence campaign from the past, who argue that Aeluria would be abandoned and ignored. Aelurians eagerly await the response from foreign nations to the referendum campaign.