External Service of the Benacian Union

The External Service of the Benacian Union is the foreign relations arm of the Benacian Union, responsible for managing the Union-State's diplomatic relations and interactions with foreign powers. It operates under the direction of the Commission for Foreign Affairs which is part of the High Presidium of the Benacian Union.

History

The External Service traces its origins back to the Bureau for Relations with Foreign Powers of Benacia Command during the early years of the Benacian Union's formation. As the Union-State expanded its influence, the need for a dedicated foreign relations body grew.

In 1698 AN, the Legatine College for Foreign Relations was established to oversee the Bureau and serve as the main agency handling foreign affairs. The External Service as it is known today emerged from this college in the early 1700s.

Organisation

The External Service consists of career diplomats and staff organised into various directorates and legations:

• Commission for Foreign Affairs
  • Headed by the Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, a member of the High Presidium
  • Responsible for formulating and executing the Union's foreign policy
  • Oversees the entire External Service
• Directorate for Relations with Foreign Powers
  • Manages the Union's diplomatic missions and legations abroad
  • Divided into geographic directorates like Keltian & Maritime, Cibolan, etc.
• Legatine College for Foreign Relations
  • Training academy for diplomats and foreign service staff
  • Coordinates with other foreign relations agencies as needed

Legations

The External Service maintains a network of legations (diplomatic missions) in dozens of countries across Micras.

In addition to the major legations, the External Service also operates missions and outposts across the Benacian "near abroad" and other areas of strategic interest. Retiring senior military officers are often rewarded with these overseas sinecure appointments.

Visa applications from citizens of other countries are processed through the Union's global network of legations overseen by the External Service.

Pacts and Treaties

The External Service is responsible for negotiating and managing key treaties and diplomatic arrangements on behalf of the Benacian Union:

• Raspur Pact - Guarantees freedom of movement/residency for Pact citizens
• Treaty between Elwynn and Senya - Administered by the Senya legation
• Benacian Union–Çakaristan Joint Communiqué (1717 AN)
• Visa policy and entry requirements for foreign nationals

It also oversees compliance with policies like the Benacian Quarantine System which prohibits contact with certain nations deemed to pose existential threats.

Coordination with Other Agencies

While directing foreign policy, the External Service coordinates closely with other agencies on matters of national security and intelligence:

• Benacian Intelligence Community - Shares information and assessments
• Benacian Security Council - Receives directives aligning diplomacy with security priorities
• Main Directorate for Reconnaissance - Supports covert external operations
• Honourable Company - Advances economic/commercial interests abroad

This inter-agency cooperation ensures the External Service's diplomatic efforts remain synchronised with the Union's overarching strategic objectives in the international arena.