[Shuell]

National Shuellian Broadcasting Network

02.19

The Hoffman Doctrine - What is it?

After the announcement of the Iustonian campaign coming to a close, Director of International Affairs Hoffman has made a rare press release, stating his intentions to rebuild regions that have been damaged by war, modernize industry, improve international prosperity, remove trade barriers, and most important of all, prevent the spread of Communism.

While other issues were addressed in this press relief, the parts of his speech related to the Doctrine will be the only parts included in this article - recordings of the release are available on your public database.

Director Hoffman: I know many of you are surprised at my relatively sudden press release, especially considering the fact that my last one was of last year.

Director Hoffman: Believe me, however, that this release is important, considering the fact that our brave troops are finishing off the Iustonian rebels thanks to the wonderful work of Director Fischer.

Director Hoffman: As our manpower and power is limited - until Director Schmidt manages to finish up the initiative on cloning and matter replication, at least.

[pause for laughter]

Director Hoffman: I intend to prevent, or at least reduce the risk of further conflicts in regions around the world through foreign aid and relief. For instance, starting in month 06 of this year, we'll begin to dedicate resources to Iustos in an effort to quell communist sympathies as well as ensure a safer life for Iustonians.

Director Hoffman: As well, after a meeting with Director Goudier, I've managed to come to an agreement with her - restrictions and taxes on foreign goods in Shuell will be lowered, allowing more economic freedom - do not think, however, that they will be completely removed, especially with agriculture and steel. It is both Director Goudier's belief and mine that the lowering or even complete removal of most of these tariffs will increase our economic efficiency and help promote free trade.

Director Hoffman: And if you all were wondering, yes, taxes will be lowered.

[applause]

Director Hoffman: As an addition to these plans, we intend to attempt to modernize and industrialize poorer, more rural nations - helping them switch from agriculture or farming based economies to industrial ones. It is intended that by doing so, these nations will enter the international stage sooner, and that by our hand in helping guide them, they will share many of our core values, if not necessarily practices. Of course, modernization will take a long time and isn't just a singular point - it's continuous. However, it'll provide a jumpstart or boost to these nations. Every little bit helps, or so the saying goes.

Director Hoffman: I'm sure you're wondering how exactly we're planning on doing this to the myriad underdeveloped or war-torn nations around the globe. After all, these nations vary on a case-to-case basis, with some larger or smaller than others. It is planned that aid will be distributed on a per capita basis, due to the fact that resuscitation of industrial powers damaged by war is essential for helping nearby nations. Of course, there isn't an exact scale; we could choose to give more aid to an allied nation than a former rival. As well, more effort will be placed in industrializing areas with those we see as having more potential than others.

[OTHER TOPICS ADDRESSED REMOVED FOR BREVITY]

Director Hoffman: Now, as I'm sure I've taken enough of your valuable time, my closing statement. While my doctrine is a far cry from our former isolationist policies, it is the general belief of the directors and President Sloan that we have the potential to be a great power, taking our place in the sun alongside the likes of Laeral and Sanctaria! While our lands will most likely never be as great as they used to be, we will no longer stay constrained to this archipelago, content to simply endure. It is my hope that by aiding others and spreading our values, Shuell will stand stronger!

[cheers, large amounts of applause]

The Department of Patriotism conducted a poll shortly after, and saw a 10 percent increase of Shuellian loyalty towards the state, up from 83 percent. While, of course, it is preferable to have 100% of citizens loyal to the state, some simply are apathetic or content towards it.

Roughly 40% of Shuellians showed interest in helping achieve the "Hoffman Doctrine," with many hoping to help volunteer abroad by helping with foreign aid. A large increase in the newly made SFAIP-00079 forms, which allow those interested in helping the Incorporated States to travel abroad to assist in various operations.

President Sloan and Chief of Directors Kruger both expressed their enthusiastic support for the Hoffman Doctrine. As well, the Department of International Affairs has created a Committee for International Aid, with senior staff of the DoIA currently in command of it.

The NSBN and their reporters eagerly await to see what good comes from the Hoffman Doctrine.

Shuell Stands Strong!