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National Policies of The Holy Empire of Opekian
The following are all the NationStates policies considered with descriptions as canon and practised within the extent of the law of The Holy Empire of Opekian.
Autocracy - The system will be firmly rooted in a centralized, autocratic leadership under Adram Devecz. The decision-making power rests with him alone, ensuring efficiency and clarity in governance. However, this model is tempered with advisory bodies and direct accountability, ensuring that the autocracy does not descend into unchecked tyranny. By allowing advisors to offer critical perspectives, the central leadership remains strong but not arbitrary, fostering a balance between decisiveness and guidance.
Monarchy - The monarchy will remain a symbolic institution, preserving national unity and tradition, but it will not wield executive power. While the monarch's role is ceremonial, it will carry weight as a sign of historical continuity, offering stability to the people. The monarchy's status helps legitimize the authority of Adram Devecz, grounding his power in a sense of national heritage. The monarchy serves as a tool to reinforce unity, giving the population a shared symbol while ensuring political power remains firmly with the autocratic leadership.
State Press - The state press will be a key instrument in maintaining national cohesion and ensuring a unified narrative. Managed by state authorities, the media will promote a controlled dissemination of information that aligns with the goals of the state. It will serve as both an educational tool and a means of fostering loyalty. While content will be guided by state ideology, care will be taken to prevent total censorship, allowing space for controlled criticism and public feedback. The state press will maintain transparency where possible while safeguarding national interests.
No Dissent - To protect the stability of the state, dissent will be tightly controlled and suppressed. Public opposition to state policies or leadership is seen as a destabilizing force that can fracture unity. While totalitarian in nature, the approach will focus on maintaining order through both deterrence and rehabilitation. Alternative viewpoints will be channeled through controlled, state-approved platforms, allowing for feedback without threatening the cohesion of the system. Law enforcement and regional officers will ensure swift, efficient suppression of dissent while balancing this with the need for some degree of controlled expression.
Permanent Marriage - Marriage will be formalized as a lifelong, sacred commitment between a man and a woman, sanctioned by both the state and the Opekian Orthodox Church. The institution of marriage will be held in the highest regard, with societal expectations ensuring that couples remain together for life. Divorce will be strictly regulated, only allowed under exceptional circumstances where the sanctity of marriage is irreparably damaged. This policy reinforces the stability of family units as the cornerstone of societal order and discipline, contributing to a strong, cohesive state.
Heterosexuality - The state will uphold heterosexuality as the only acceptable form of sexual relationship. Same-sex relationships will be prohibited, reflecting the values of the Opekian Orthodox Church and aligning with traditional cultural norms. Individuals who engage in same-sex acts will face legal penalties, as the state prioritizes the preservation of family structures and the propagation of future generations. This policy reflects the belief that the family, based on heterosexual unions, is the foundation of both social order and moral integrity, which the state seeks to protect and promote.
Body Integrity - In alignment with the principles of discipline and moral rectitude, the state will enforce strict body integrity laws. Modifications such as tattoos, piercings, and other forms of body alteration will be banned, as they are viewed as defiling the body and undermining the state’s ideals of purity. The sanctity of the human body is emphasized as a sacred vessel that must remain unaltered, aligning with the Opekian Orthodox Church's teachings. This policy serves both as a form of cultural preservation and a means of fostering respect for oneself and the state.
Prudism - Prudism will be enforced as the guiding moral code for public and private behavior. The state will impose strict regulations on clothing and conduct, ensuring that individuals dress in a manner that reflects the values of modesty, respect, and propriety. The Opekian government will closely monitor public and private spaces, ensuring that individuals adhere to these standards. The policy aims to cultivate a culture of restraint and discipline, reinforcing societal values of decency and ensuring that the state remains a beacon of moral order. Disregarding prudism will result in penalties and social ostracism, fostering a collective commitment to the moral ideals upheld by the state.
Capital Punishment - Reserved for violent and horrendous offenders, capital punishment will serve as a clear demonstration of the state’s resolve to protect its citizens from the most egregious crimes. It will be applied sparingly, ensuring it remains a powerful deterrent.
Corporal Punishment - Non-violent offenders and those committing lesser crimes will face physical punishment, administered under strict guidelines to maintain discipline without dehumanization. Indentured servitude will supplement this as a path to repay debts and serve the state.
No Judiciary - The judicial system is dissolved in favour of a direct enforcement model. Regional officers, appointed by Adram Devecz himself, will handle all legal matters, ensuring swift and centralized justice.
Capitalism - Capitalism will be maintained within the Opekian economic model, though under a tightly regulated framework to align with state interests. The state will intervene to ensure that private industries operate in ways that support national priorities, with a focus on key sectors such as defense, infrastructure, and heavy industry. A 50/50 balance will be sought between state-owned industries and private enterprises, with the state gradually taking control of essential industries, while still allowing for the private sector to thrive under its guidance. Economic freedoms will be reduced to prevent market excesses and ensure a controlled, disciplined economy that supports both individual productivity and collective national growth.
Child Labor - Child labor will be strictly regulated under the state’s industrial policies, ensuring that minors are not exploited or placed in hazardous working conditions. While children of working age may contribute to certain sectors, such as agricultural or factory work, their labor will be permitted only under controlled environments where they can learn valuable skills for their future roles in the state’s economy. The primary goal is to strike a balance between work and education, ensuring that children can develop within a structured system that also emphasizes discipline, respect, and societal contribution. The state will oversee apprenticeship programs designed to teach children practical skills without compromising their safety, well-being, or educational development. These measures will ensure that the state’s industrial and economic needs are met while prioritizing the long-term potential of the younger generation.
Slavery (as Indentured Servitude) - Formalized as a rehabilitative and productive measure, offenders will serve the state through structured labor. This approach combines discipline with societal contribution, aligning with the philosophy of restoring individuals to usefulness while maintaining order.
Autarky - Opekian will pursue an autarkic policy, striving for self-sufficiency in all areas essential to national survival and prosperity. The state will prioritize domestic production, focusing on developing internal industries to meet the needs of the population without reliance on foreign imports. While trade will still occur, it will be heavily controlled, ensuring that any foreign relations serve the state’s strategic interests. The emphasis will be on local resource management, industrial growth, and innovation to reduce dependency on external forces, while bolstering national security and sovereignty. This policy ensures that Opekian can weather any external pressures or economic crises by fostering a robust, self-reliant economy.
Nuclear Power - Opekian will invest in the development and expansion of nuclear power plants as a cornerstone of its energy infrastructure. The state will oversee the construction and operation of nuclear power plants to ensure they align with national priorities of energy independence and long-term sustainability. These plants will provide a reliable, efficient, and large-scale source of electricity to meet the needs of Opekian industries and citizens, while reducing dependence on external energy sources. Strict regulations and security measures will be in place to ensure the safety and environmental integrity of these facilities. Nuclear energy will be seen as an essential part of Opekian’s move towards self-sufficiency, helping to power the nation’s growing economy while minimizing the environmental impact of traditional fossil fuels.
Weapons of Mass Destruction - Weapons of mass destruction will be maintained in limited capacity as a deterrence tool, for national security. Strict oversight will govern their storage and potential use, ensuring they exist solely as a means to prevent aggression against Opekian. This measured approach preserves sovereignty while avoiding the risks of overreach or unnecessary escalation.
No Immigration - Immigration will be restricted but not entirely banned, Skilled individuals and culturally compatible immigrants may be admitted under strict vetting processes, ensuring their contributions align with Opekian values and long-term goals. This policy supports national unity while leveraging external expertise to drive progress.