Geopolitics in 2023
Superhuman Legislation and Public Sentiment:
In the United States, the emergence of superhumans has created a dilemma that oscillates between public awe and trepidation. Legislation like the Superhuman Registration Act and the License for Utilizing Metahuman Abilities (LUMA) have been controversial yet impactful. European nations, closely aligned with U.S. policies, have also developed their own versions of these protocols, making superhuman regulation a crucial aspect of Western geopolitics. The situation becomes even more complex in China, which pursues a state-controlled approach to its superhuman assets, fostering a new dimension of Sino-Western tension.
Geopolitical Alliances and Conflicts:
NATO remains, for the most part, cohesive, but faces internal disagreements over superhuman engagement. Relations with Russia have grown more strained due to Moscow’s territorial losses to superhuman-empowered independence movements. These losses fuel a rising tide of Russian nationalism. Meanwhile, the Middle East sees the birth of an independent Kurdistan, complicating the dynamics between Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. In South Asia, the emergence of Balochistan disrupts the status quo, affecting mainly its relationships with Iran and Pakistan. All these new entities leverage superhumans as strategic assets, much like a country might use oil or mineral reserves.
Economic Landscapes:
Japan’s rapid recovery from the devastating 2004 earthquakes signals the new era of superhuman contribution to national economies. The economic ramifications are also seen in global crime rates. Events like ‘The Big Raid’ have upended traditional criminal enterprises, disrupting both national economies and global financial systems.
Environmental and Territorial Changes:
In North Africa, a federation of Saharan states gains prominence due to superhuman-enhanced greening of the desert, becoming a point of international interest and environmental hope. South America’s Amazonian Autonomous Zone poses new challenges and opportunities, affecting especially Brazil and its neighbors. Even Antarctica isn’t immune, as nations and corporations show increased interest in the frozen continent, thanks to superhumans who can withstand its harsh conditions.
Terrorism and Global Threats:
The new age of terrorism is complex, often incorporating superhuman individuals. The threats are more potent but so are the defenses, as demonstrated by the international cooperation seen in operations like ‘The Big Raid.’ The event marks a high point in global cooperation against common challenges, indicating a shift in how nations collaborate in this new world.
Space and Cyber Domains:
Space exploration has experienced a seismic shift. Countries with superhumans capable of surviving extreme conditions without life-support systems have a newfound advantage. Meanwhile, the cyber landscape undergoes an overhaul as individuals capable of digital manipulation come into play, raising the stakes in cybersecurity.
Human Rights and International Cooperation:
Finally, at the intersection of all these complex dynamics is the individual superhuman. Their rights and responsibilities become a subject of international law, triggering a wave of debates and discussions at the United Nations. Organizations like Amnesty International spearhead global campaigns advocating for superhuman rights, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in a world adjusting to its superhuman minority.
World Leaders in 2023
United States:
In the United States, President Samuel Rodriguez heads a government perched delicately on razor-thin Democratic majorities in both the Senate and the House. Rodriguez has pushed a moderately progressive domestic agenda, focusing on healthcare reform and infrastructure renewal. However, his efforts are often stymied by the necessity to make political compromises with both the Blue Dog Democrats and centrist Republicans, resulting in watered-down versions of his original legislative proposals. On the international front, Rodriguez aims to mend relations with traditional allies, making a concerted effort to re-establish the U.S. as a trusted partner in global agreements, particularly climate accords and international trade agreements.
In the arena of superhuman issues, Rodriguez faces intense pressure from what could be considered the successor to the Tea Party—a hyperreligious, regressive right-wing faction that seeks not just to register, lock down, and control, but also to “utilize” superhumans for national objectives. The President is keen to strike a balance between national security and individual liberties, a tightrope act that becomes all the more challenging given the fragile power dynamics in Congress, and the presence of these “New Hawks” as they call themselves vying for control.
European Union:
Across the Atlantic, the European Union is led by Sophia Tremblay, the President of the European Commission, a Frenchwoman. Tremblay has prioritized economic revitalization and sustainable energy solutions, as well as cooperation with an increasingly fragile UK that seems to be leaning on the verge of shaking itself apart despite the failure of Brexit. She is also a significant advocate for digital rights and data privacy, spearheading legislation aimed at creating a ‘Digital Single Market’ within the EU. In geopolitical terms, the European Union under Tremblay has been keen to stabilize relations with Russia while acting as a mediator in various international crises, from the Middle East to the Saharan federation.
When it comes to superhumans, Tremblay and the EU have adopted policies similar to those of the United States, albeit with a heavier focus on human rights. Registration is encouraged but balanced with stringent protections against exploitation. The European Union collaborates closely with the United States in monitoring superhuman activities, yet it also plays a significant role in global debates about ethical considerations surrounding superhumans, especially in platforms like the United Nations and the ISC.
China:
China, led by President Li Wei, has evolved into a more mixed economy, blending elements of market capitalism with state oversight—a model they refer to as “Balanced Socialism.” Economic growth remains crucial, but the approach is increasingly diversified, moving beyond manufacturing and heavy industry to focus on renewable energy, technology, and cultural exports. Domestically, President Li has eased some of the more draconian social policies, partially in an effort to prevent the rise of discontented, superhuman-powered subgroups. International observers have noted a slight but noticeable improvement in human rights conditions, particularly in historically marginalized regions.
When it comes to superhuman policy, China has adopted a state-managed approach, albeit less militaristically than one might expect. Recognizing the potential backlash of too much government control over superhumans, the government categorizes them as “Special Citizens,” offering them access to specialized education and job opportunities, as long as they register and go through state-monitored training. This “gilded cage” approach has drawn both praise and criticism, with some lauding the support and infrastructure provided to superhumans, while others argue it’s a subtle form of exploitation and control. China’s superhuman policy inevitably becomes a major point of contention in diplomatic circles, particularly in discussions with democratic nations that advocate for superhuman liberties.
Russia:
Russia is led by President Mikhail Ivanov, a hardliner with strong nationalist convictions. His domestic policies aim to modernize Russia’s economy by reducing dependency on oil and investing in technology and alternative energies. However, Russia’s territorial losses to superhuman-empowered independence movements have fueled a nationalist fervor, leading to tightened domestic security measures and a stronger push against Western influence.
Superhuman policy in Russia is shaped heavily by the emerging independence movements within its borders. Ivanov’s administration regards superhumans as both threats and potential assets, attempting to either control or neutralize them to maintain territorial integrity. This policy, however, has led to escalating tensions both domestically and with NATO countries.
India:
In India, Prime Minister Arjun Desai presides over a government highly focused on economic development and modernization. Infrastructure expansion, technological innovation, and education form the backbone of Desai’s policies, aimed at accelerating India’s growth trajectory. On the international stage, India maintains its non-aligned status but has made concerted efforts to bolster ties with Western democracies, especially in technology and defense sectors.
When it comes to superhuman policies, India holds a unique position given its history as the birthplace of the first recognized superhuman, a point of immense national pride. As such, the Desai administration is committed to creating a superhuman-friendly state, striking a balance between integrating superhumans into society and utilizing their unique skills for national advancement. Public sentiment, fueled by historical pride, largely supports an inclusive approach, making India one of the more progressive countries in the arena of superhuman policy. Government initiatives provide specialized training and education for superhumans, aiming to create an environment where they can contribute constructively while enjoying their civil liberties.
Dubai:
Seven years after the disbandment of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has undergone substantial changes, politically and economically. Now an independent city-state, Dubai has continued to focus on becoming a global hub for tourism, finance, and technology. The ruling Al Maktoum family, under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, still holds significant power, but there has been a modest move towards political pluralism to better manage the diversity of interests in the city. This has come in the form of consultative councils and increased representation of various sectors in decision-making, although ultimate power still resides with the ruling family.
The city-state has leveraged its financial clout to invest heavily in renewable energy projects and other sustainable initiatives to lessen its historic reliance on fossil fuels. Its real estate and construction sectors have seen a slight dip due to the initial chaos of the split but are recovering thanks to foreign investments and the city’s ability to attract international corporations. Dubai has also pushed ahead with ambitious technology projects, seeking to become a global leader in fields like artificial intelligence, fintech, and blockchain technology.
In terms of superhuman policy, Dubai has adopted a fairly libertarian stance, seeing superhumans more as potential assets than threats. There’s a burgeoning industry around superhuman tourism—offering high-paying clientele a controlled environment to “let loose”—which has its critics but also brings significant revenue. However, the government is also cautious, implementing stringent security protocols to monitor superhuman activities, especially those of international visitors. The city-state has expressed interest in cooperating with other nations on global superhuman regulation, although it leans more towards the European Union’s human-rights-centric approach than the more militaristic attitudes of China and Russia.
Chum 