Aldricism

Aldricism is a multifaceted political ideology that was founded in Shireroth by Hartmut Aldric, Duke of Calezi, Regent, and Steward of Shireroth. It has evolved into a prominent political movement with various interpretations in different nations and political parties.

History

The Duke of Calezi originally stood for election to the Folskraad of Shireroth under an independent banner, hoping to remain above party squabbles and cobble a coalition to govern Shireroth. The Imperial Democratic Party (IDP) was formed in Elsyran, Goldshire by Sean O'Callaghan in 1659 AN. O'Callaghan created the party to support the Duke of Calezi in his election race as Steward. O'Callaghan quickly capitalized on Aldric's popularity in an effort to build political capital behind him and his goals. The Imperial Democratic Party of Shireroth is commonly known as the "mother of Aldricism" because it is the party that first advanced the developing philosophy behind the governance of the Duke of Calezi, Aldricism.

During its start (1659 AN-1667 AN), Aldricism built itself around radical, core tenets to advance in Shireroth such as the expansion of individual rights and freedoms, Economic liberalism, emphasis on making economic and social mobility possible, pragmatism over populism, civic nationalism, and the free flow of trade, services, and goods. These basic principles came to define the policies and platforms of Hartmut Aldric while he served as Regent and Steward of Shireroth and in the administration of the Duchy of Calezi and Brookshire. Despite not being a member nor a founder of the party, Aldric came to lead the party in 1665 AN after their endorsement of his run for Steward in 1663 AN. With his endorsement and leadership, the Imperial Democratic Party of Shireroth became one of the largest parties in both the Folksraad and Landsraad of Shireroth in several elections. Steward of Shireroth, Lord Holly-Wythe, is the leader of the Imperial Democratic Party of Shireroth and leads a coalition government with the Imperial Order and the Kezan Joint List.

After Aldric's assassination in Brookshire on 12.VIII.1667 AN, the Imperial Democratic Party of Shireroth continued under new leadership. However, following the demise of Aldric, Shireroth experienced the Kalirion Fracture, with Ransenar, Elwynn, and the remaining territory of Shireroth carrying on their own regional versions of the Imperial Democratic Party of Shireroth. It was at the start of the 1770 ANs that the definition of what Aldricism was as an ideology began to change, with the Elwynnese Democratic Party and the Shirerithian Imperial Democratic Party taking a more center-right route and the Imperial Democratic Party of Ransenar (and the Aldricist parties abroad such as the Union Democratic Movement in Natopia and the Coalition for Federal Progress in then-Alduria-Wechua) taking a more center-left route.

Since this divergence within Aldricism, its defining features have been the subject of substantial political or scholarly debate. Aldricism has traditionally been associated with policies of economic liberalization including privatization, deregulation, globalization, free trade, austerity, and reductions in government spending in order to increase the role of the private sector in the economy and society. However, modern Aldricist thought has begun to emphasize more and more the need for the state to ensure that the free market produces better results that do not compromise the unity of the country and lead to political and economic instability. In Ransenar, the ruling Aldricist party, the Imperial Democratic Party has begun to promote the concept of the social market economy and a stronger role for the state with respect to the market, especially after its economic crisis from 1679 AN to 1682 AN. In Natopia, the Union Democratic Movement has promoted the concepts of radical expansions of human rights, expanding democracy, and federalism, coupled with many social market economic and social policies as well. Modern Aldricism has come to hold that individuals cannot be thoroughly depended on to act responsibly in all spheres of life, therefore believing that a strong state is necessary to ensure law and order, and that trustworthy social institutions are needed to nurture a sense of duty and responsibility to the nation and to their communities. In Shireroth, the mother Aldricist party, the Imperial Democratic Party of Shireroth served as one of the governing parties under the 38-year long government of Lord Holly-Wythe, the Steward of Shireroth (1680–1718) who was a member of the IDP until 1674 AN.

Currently (as of 1723 AN), the prevailing modern Aldricist thought is that emerging from the "banner parties" of Aldricism, the Union Democratic Movement in Natopia, the Imperial Democratic Party in Ransenar, and the Democratic Socialist Party in Nouvelle Alexandrie (who all belong to the Aldricist and Neoliberal Conference). They all also commonly support civil liberties, the Raspur Pact, an increased role of government in ensuring economic stability and growth, and often embrace cosmopolitanism and internationalism. The Democratic Party in Elwynn has been defunct for many decades. The Imperial Democratic Party of Shireroth is the most conservative of all the modern Aldricist parties, but is currently the only outlier.

Ideology

To understand Aldricism, one must recognized that it emerged in the intricate political landscape of Shireroth as an attempt to harmonize the principles of liberalism, civic nationalism, equality under the law, and democracy. It also sought to marry a progressive entrepreneurial spirit with a strong sense of social responsibility. The underpinnings of Aldricism can be traced back to Hartmut Aldric's seminal work, The Free Individual in a Just Society. In this magnum opus, Aldric articulated his vision for a society where individuals are free to pursue their ambitions without harming others or the nation's stability and unity. He wrote, "The pursuit of ambition must not be a lawless race but a harmonious orchestra where every note is a step toward a greater society." Aldricism draws inspiration from classical liberalism but extends it with a focus on economic and social mobility. It emphasizes free trade, services, and goods, supporting a market-driven economy while recognizing that state intervention is essential for fairness and equity. According to the renowned Aldricist philosopher, Oswald Verethragna, "Aldricism weaves the fabric of individual freedom with the threads of collective responsibility, creating a tapestry where entrepreneurial zeal coexists with social justice."

Individual Focus

In Aldricism, the individual stands as both the starting point and the ultimate goal of political action. It believes in fostering an environment where individuals can pursue personal growth, economic freedom, and social mobility without undue constraints. In his book, The Free Individual in a Just Society, the Duke of Calezi wrote, "The true measure of a society is how it treats its individual members, empowering them to become the architects of their destiny."

Social Market Economy

A cornerstone of Aldricism is the concept of a social market economy, which seeks to balance the mechanics of a free market with robust social policies. This model recognizes that while the market may drive economic growth, state intervention is necessary to ensure access to basic necessities and equal opportunities. Livia Caelum, Morticia Vegas Campao, Federico Santamarina, and Herbert Lausanne are prominent Aldricist economists and financiers. Writing in her book Aldricist Economics, Morticia Vegas Campao once described the quest for balance between the state and the free market as "a symphony where the market plays the melody and social policies provide the harmony."

Commitment to Internationalism

Aldricism extends its principles beyond national borders, advocating for international collaboration and adherence to global human rights norms. It is a strong supporter of the Raspur Pact and the Micras Treaty Organization, fostering a world built on collective defense and equality. The Raspur Pact, in particular, is a focus of support in Aldricism, believing in a doctrine of "collective defense and support", as written by the Duke of Calezi in The Free Individual in a Just Society.

Civic Nationalism

The ideology emphasizes a shared national identity that transcends ethnic or cultural divisions. Aldricists advocate for a common set of civic values and responsibilities that bind a nation together. According to Helena DuVrais, a prominent Aldricist writer and former personal aide to the Duke of Calezi, "It's not our blood that makes us a nation; it's our shared dreams, our commitment to each other, and the principles we uphold together."

Political Policy Aspects

• Economic Policy: Aldricists call for privatization, deregulation, globalization, and state interventions to prevent economic instability.
• Social Policy: Advocacy for human rights, democracy, federalism, and social market economics to balance individual freedom and societal welfare.

Criticisms

Aldricism has faced criticism from various quarters. Its perceived ambiguity and disparities between theoretical principles and practical applications have led some to argue that it lacks a coherent definition. Some critics, like political theorist Marcus Tullin, argue that "Aldricism's attempt to be all things to all people leads to inconsistencies and compromises that dilute its core principles."

Organizations and parties

Since the Kalirion Fracture, Aldricism is also represented in other countries by the following parties:

•  Shireroth: Imperial Democratic Party of Shireroth;
•  Elwynn: Democratic Party of Elwynn (1680 AN-1684 AN);
•  Natopia: Union Democratic Movement;
•  Normark: Democratic Party of Normark;
•  Ransenar: Imperial Democratic Party of Ransenar;
•  Constancia: Imperial Democratic Party of Constancia;
•  Nouvelle Alexandrie: Democratic Socialist Party of Nouvelle Alexandrie.

The principal international body for Aldricism is the Aldricist and Neoliberal Conference.

References

Given the multifaceted nature of Aldricism, it would be beneficial to explore further the writings, speeches, and other primary sources related to this political ideology. Academic research, historical analyses, and political critiques have also contributed to the understanding of Aldricism.

Books

• Hartmut Aldric, The Free Individual in a Just Society – The seminal work that outlines the philosophy of Aldricism.
• Morticia Vegas Campao, Aldricist Economics – A comprehensive study of the economic aspects of Aldricism, especially the social market economy.
• Oswald Verethragna, Aldricism: A Contemporary Interpretation – A scholarly investigation into the modern evolution of Aldricism.
• Alejandro Campos, Mi Vida Alduriana - The memoirs of prominent New Alexandrian statesman Alejandro Campos, writings develop an Aldricism that uses government to shape economic outcomes and lays the groundwork for modern Aldricist thought.

Articles and Papers

• Helena DuVrais, "Aldricism and Civic Nationalism: Bridging Divides" – An examination of the role of civic nationalism within Aldricism.
• Alejandro Campos, "The Record As It Stands" - A paper introducing the release of a trove of documents and papers from Campos' service as President of Alduria and later, Premier of Nouvelle Alexandrie.

Speeches

• Speeches of Hartmut Aldric – Various speeches by the founder of Aldricism, addressing both the overarching philosophy and specific policies.
• Lord Holly-Wythe's Stewardship Addresses – A collection of addresses that shed light on the practical application of Aldricism in governance.
• Speeches of Alejandro Campos - Various speeches by prominent New Alexandrian statesman as President of Alduria and later Premier of Nouvelle Alexandrie that layout policies, arguments, and key values that form the bedrock of modern Aldricist thought.

See also

• Aldricist and Neoliberal Conference.