About Micronations
(An Antican view, going back to 2006 or earlier)
What is a micronation?
Some definitions:
A micronation is an entity created and maintained as if it were a nation and/or a state, and generally carrying with it some, most or all of the attributes of nationhood, and likewise generally carrying with it some of the attributes of statehood. Though a micronation may well have begun as a mere drollery, it has the potential (given the evolution of a sufficiently vital national culture) to develop into a true nation, and possibly to achieve statehood.
-Peter Ravn Rasmussen
Apart from a few serious secessionist movements, most micronations are essentially nation-state simulations, with varying degrees of seriousness. Unlike role-playing games, micronations have real people who compete for fame, fortune and power, and engage in lively debate and entertainment. Many nations incorporate popular sports and economic simulations.
Altogether, they are an ideal environment for those who are interested in politics and communities to experiment with and experience different types of government, and to meet a diverse range of interesting people. It's a whole world unto itself...
More resources and information is available from Micronations.net or by doing a general search on search engines such as Google or by Googles directory listing.
Micronations take on varying forms, from the small discussion forum based nation, which can be quite lively to the more complex and sometimes industrial nations who exist both online and offline, with several hundred Active citizens. The scope of micronationalism is only limited by the inventors imagination.
Another conceptualization scheme which may be useful in understanding micronationalism identify their promotion of one of three "real-world" objectives or two "virtual" objectives:
"Real-World" Objectives:
- they might advocate the status of a state that has real sovereignty in the real world state system;
- ¹they might present themselves as a model state or a work of political science fiction, which shows how states could or should be designed in the real world;
- ¹they might provide a vehicle for the creation of a national community of the like-minded in the real world.
"Virtual" Objectives:
- ¹they might present the opportunity of packaging the trappings of nationhood as the basis of a political role-playing game;
- they might set themselves up merely as a vehicle for the amusement of their designers, participants or observers.
(¹ denotes an Antican objective)
What does this have to do with me?
Surprisingly, a lot. This nation, Antica, is a simulation of a style of government that might possibly work in the real world. We have legislative (Assembly), executive (Speaker of the Assembly), and judicial (The Court) branches of the government, but they are all based on the idea that the people (this means YOU) hold the supreme power, and their job is to carry out your will.
What can I do here?
Thankfully, there isn't just one reason to become involved. In fact, there are many, and the list keeps expanding. Here are a short list of the ones we have known to keep people involved the longest:
Politician
Antica offers a rich political experience. Here, you can practice formatting legislation, debating legislation, learn about parliamentary procedure, and even involve yourself in political parties and eventually elections. All you need to do to start down this path is become a citizen and start debating in the Assembly.
Diplomat
We aren't the only show in town. There are other micronations around us that we interact with on a regular basis. This means plenty of diplomatic positions, ranging from run-of-the-mill ambassadors to covert operations specialists, also known as spies. To start this line of work, become a citizen and speak to the Chief Relations Officer.
Lawyer
With the laws made by the Politicians and the treaties made by the Diplomats, there emerges the need for people to interperet, question, and defend the laws of Antica, as well as the people. These people are, in a word, special. They are able, in the words of Johnathan Swift, "if my Neighbour hath a Mind to my Cow, ...prove that he ought to have my Cow from me. I must then hire another to defend my Right, it being against all Rules of Law that any Man should be allowed to speak for himself." To follow this path, simply become a citizen, read up on the legislation in this Wiki, and then jump into the courtroom.
Military Leader
Someone once wisely noted that war is an extension of diplomacy through other means. Thus, we couldn't hope to be a full nation without the possibility of warfare. If you have military leanings, become a citizen and report to the Nafticon Command Center. And if you're a Counter-Strike player, stick around for a while. We're going to need your expertise. No good deed goes unrewarded around here.
Show off your 1337 haxxoring skills
English translation: Hackers welcome.
We're a web-based nation. Thus, we need people to maintain the sites, and (every once in a while) find out what other nations are doing. If you're up to the challenge, become a citizen and report to General Administration.
Journalist/Dissident
Unimpressed with the career fields listed above? Dissatisfied with the government? Join the Antican Press! The Antican Liberator is always looking for new contributors, but don't feel pressured to go with the status quo, you can always create your own media company!
Good luck!
We hope that you'll enjoy your stay here, and maybe even learn something new. Good luck!
Resource Links
- Micronations.net - Micronational news, resources, discussion boards, and much more.
- How to start your own micronation
- Google's micronations directory
