People in Terra, governing a weird little country

"To be honest, Kjerag often feels this way."

Chapter 133: Respect for the Future

“Has Mayor Sherman ever felt this way? As an independent city-state, a small country, feeling out of place in this international community dominated by hegemonic empires?”

“Shelagh feels that way.”

Staring into Hermann's eyes, Ernst sincerely stated the second purpose of his trip:

"For a country like ours that is weak but longs for peace, independence, and a fair and just international order, is it possible and necessary to form a united alliance through a treaty, while ensuring our respective independence, to unify our attitudes, our opinions, and our demands, and to make our voices heard loud enough to this land?"

alliance?

The moment he heard this word, Hermann subconsciously wanted to refuse directly.

Xiosta was never willing to form an alliance with anyone.

It is not because they cannot find allies. In fact, Xiosta is not the only independent city-state on earth. After Xiosta rose in the form of tourism, many independent city-states also hoped to form an alliance of independent city-states by nominating Xiosta as the leader to alleviate the increasing pressure from big powers they face.

But Herman never agreed.

He dare not.

Unlike many people who appear glamorous on the surface, Hermann, as the mayor of Xiosta, knows very well that Colombia has made a great contribution to Xiosta's development to where it is today.

Although Xiosta is an independent city-state, Colombia is behind it. It can even be said that apart from the political independence of Xiosta that Hermann tried hard to maintain, every aspect of Xiosta can be said to be deeply influenced by Colombia.

A source of tourists, a creditor of government loans, and even Herman himself, he had to receive a regular year-end "visit" from the Colombian government.

In the final analysis, it is just a semi-independent city-state. If Ernst said so, Xiosta is a semi-colony firmly tied down by Colombian neo-colonialism.

It is precisely because of this that Hermann is very clear that it would be extremely difficult, or even impossible, for Xiosta to form an alliance with any country other than Colombia that might threaten Colombia's status.

But when Ernst finished speaking, Hermann frowned.

He didn't quite understand what Ernst meant.

What does it mean to form an alliance while “ensuring the independence of each party”?

As we all know, alliance means that when faced with choices, one must advance and retreat together. Most of the time, the phrase "advance and retreat together" itself means that one must sacrifice part of one's own national interests in order to safeguard the interests of the entire alliance. Since one has already sacrificed one's own national interests, it naturally cannot be said that "the independence of each country is guaranteed."

In all his years in politics, he had never heard of such an alliance.

Noticing Hermann's confusion, Ernst nodded and explained:

"Mayor Herman, the word 'alliance' is just a modification to make it easier for you to understand what I mean. In fact, according to my idea, we should call this new diplomatic relationship 'partnership'."

Mate, this is an interesting word.

We often use this phrase "they are a good pair of partners" when we are describing a good relationship between two people. But for a country, this phrase is a bit too childish.

why?

Because a country should not be personified.

The country's leaders have personalities, but the country does not have personalities. When making decisions, the entire country must undoubtedly abide by the requirement of "conforming to national interests."

This leads to a paradox, that is, the media, the public and their elected leaders, most of the time, only care about whether that person is a good person or a bad person. And the national interest always involves making deals with people that the people think are bad, and standing idly by when good people don't help us.

So, using the word "partner" which is used to describe a good relationship to describe the diplomacy between two countries sounds like a "child's play"?

Hermann's expression was somewhat resistant. He didn't understand why Ernst said these two words, but Ernst's previous behavior told him that he couldn't look down on the boy in front of him.

So he chose to keep silent for the time being and wait for Ernst's explanation.

Ernst's explanation was simple. He said very frankly:

"I think you must be thinking now that describing the relationship between our countries as partners does not sound serious enough."

"But this is exactly my purpose. Because the international relations that I ultimately want to build are not the Terra Alliance that is united in offense and defense, nor are they the world governments that are united from top to bottom, but groups, communities."

He paused, glanced across the table, reached out and picked up the half-drunk bottle of champagne on the table, looked at Hermann, and asked:

"Mayor Hermann, alliance and community are not the same thing. I can give you an example with this bottle of champagne."

"Suppose this bottle of champagne is a rare treasure. At this time, Mayor Hermann, as a representative of an alliance formed by a country that desires this bottle of champagne, what would you do?"

Herman squinted his eyes and thought for a moment, then replied, "Bring my allies with you to fight for him."

"What if you are a community?" Ernst asked again.

Hermann frowned. He didn't even understand what the mysterious concept of community Ernst was talking about, and Ernst wanted him to answer?

He glanced at Ernst, but Ernst had no intention of explaining immediately, so he could only answer according to normal logic: "As a community that desires this bottle of champagne, I will still fight for it."

Ernst nodded. Hermann was speechless.

He shrugged. "Then it seems there is no difference between the two."

"No, the difference comes after."

Ernst asked, "As an ally, what would you do after seizing this bottle of champagne?"

Hermann subconsciously opened his mouth to answer, but as soon as his lips opened, he noticed something unusual.

This time, Hermann was silent.

He suddenly realized that he seemed unable to answer this question.

Because in the conditions, the establishment of the alliance stems from the desire of various countries for this bottle of champagne. Therefore, they will maintain the greatest degree of unity in seizing this bottle of champagne, even if it sacrifices their own interests.

And after the champagne was obtained by the alliance, what was the point of the alliance still existing?

Just like NATO, its purpose of establishment originated from the fear of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union among Western European countries during the Cold War. For this purpose, an offensive and defensive alliance was established with the Soviet Union as the imaginary enemy. It is an undoubted product of the Cold War.

But after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the imaginary enemy, what is the significance of NATO's continued existence? Who is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization defending against?

No one can give an answer because the answer no longer exists.

But in order to maintain this alliance that had lost its purpose, the United States had to create countless goals for it.

Guard against Russia, China, North Korea...

Anyway, he has defended everything that can be defended.

And Hermann obviously couldn't use his brain to invent so many enemies for a bottle of champagne.

So he was surprised to find that the moment the enemy disappeared, the ally also disappeared.

Even if they fabricated an enemy and said they wanted to maintain the alliance "to prevent the champagne from being taken away again", this reason would probably be difficult to convince people.

Because, after the goal is achieved, how to divide champagne within the alliance is obviously more concerning than how to protect champagne.

So, after a while, he could only shake his head: "The alliance will collapse."

Ernst nodded without any surprise.

Obviously, he anticipated this result the moment he proposed the Champagne Hypothesis. He immediately said:

"And the Community will not."

"Why?" Hermann questioned.

Ernst smiled and replied: "Because the purpose of the community is to survive."

"Alliances are offensive. No matter what kind of alliance they are, they are formed for a short-term purpose, which may be to defend the country from the enemy or to seize a city from a foreign country. It may be two good men who agree to deal with a bully together, or it may be several gangs that unite to attack a police station. The word alliance is inherently offensive and short-lived. When the interests are realized, the foundation of the alliance will disappear. At this time, the alliance will either create new enemies to continue its existence, or disband or even turn against each other."

"Communities are different. When I visited the Duke of Wellington, I visited their museum, where I saw many artifacts preserved by the Victorians. Among them was a leg bone that was thousands of years old. It was a broken but composite leg bone. I was very curious at the time, why did the Victorians collect such an ancient human bone? The Duke of Wellington's envoy told me that it was because it proved the unity of mankind and the progress of civilization."

"I was deeply shocked. Because that was the first time I realized that when humans first walked upright and faced the wilderness of Terra, we formed a community."

"The owner of the leg bone is injured. According to the concept of alliance, after the enemy is killed, if no one invades, he will get his share."

"But what happens after that?"

Ernst asked, and the answer was simple. Hermann could easily deduce:

"He will die. He is injured and has lost the qualification to form an alliance next time to fight against the beasts. After this alliance ends, he will not be invited to join the next one. He can only take his reward and sit in the wasteland waiting to die."

"But the bone healed," Ernst said.

"This means that during the time he was injured, someone brought him water and food, picked herbs for him, and took care of his life until he recovered. This person could be his wife or his friend, but we can call him a "partner."

"And all that the [Companions] did saved a population for this tribe. The actions of countless [Companions] continued this civilization."

"This is the ultimate community I want to build. A community that is not centered on confrontation, but on survival, so that small countries like us can survive."

Ernst Road.

Hermann was silent for a moment, then smiled and shook his head:

"You have a point. The concept of community is also very attractive. But I can't promise you, Prime Minister."

Is he interested?

Frankly speaking, as a human being, he was indeed attracted by this novel concept and this logically sound proposal.

From a personal standpoint, he was even convinced.

But he is the mayor of Xiosta, he represents not one person, but all Xiosta people. He must be responsible for every decision he makes, especially the decision that involves the interests of every Xiosta person and the overall future of Xiosta.

As a politician who has been walking on thin ice all his life and doesn't know whether he can reach the other side, he will not be persuaded by a simple truth or two. Unless he sees real benefits that are enough for him to take risks, he must remain rational.

So, he couldn't agree to Ernst.

He could only offer one piece of advice:

"Small countries on Terra, including independent cities like us, are often helpless. Even if we really form a community, what use will it be? When a high-speed warship comes over, expecting [partners] doesn't seem as good as expecting allies."

Ernst wanted to say something, but before he could open his mouth, he stopped talking.

Because he saw deep helplessness and sadness in Hermann's eyes.

He seemed to be saying, "Your goal is too far. So far that it seems to exceed the life of my small country. And I, I can only see tomorrow."

But this emotion only lasted for a short moment. The next second, Herman's face was smiling again, without any trace of sadness.

He patted Ernst on the shoulder and promised solemnly:

"I can't promise you my joining at this moment, but I can promise you my commitment."

He picked up the champagne on the table.

"I will keep this bottle of champagne forever. When Kjerag can show me and a small country like mine [dignity], I will be your [partner] and open this bottle of champagne for you as soon as possible."

Ernst closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and nodded.

The leg bone was fake, but Ernst could tell that Hermann's words were true.

So he also picked up the glass and drank the champagne in it.

"To the future!"

PS: I wrote a lot.

These two chapters are mainly to pave the way for the trip to Lateran. The proposal of the Holy Son of Kalan and the Pope of Lateran to call for the United Nations will be there! And this time, because of the protagonist, Wellington, Windermere, Caster and other Victorian nobles who originally didn't care about the Summit of Nations will also participate. This will be a complete Terra United Nations!

Chapter 134: This story tells us not to speculate in stocks

After finally agreeing on some simple cooperation agreements with Hermann, Ernst set off from Xiosta.

There was really nothing worth staying in this city in winter, and Kjerag was really pressing. Holhayya had already sent Ernst several letters, hoping that he could go back as soon as possible to oversee the reconstruction of the old city of Tukarim and the construction of the dome scientific research station.

These things are indeed inseparable from Ernst. If he, the Holy Son of Kalan and Prime Minister of the government, were not there, the residents of Tukarim would not agree to relocate.

There was no way. Although the Kjerag people were not xenophobic, they were still somewhat resistant to the sudden arrival of a large number of strangers. Not to mention that they came to demolish the house. Fortunately, Ernst and Enthiotis had discussed it in advance and did a lot of ideological work in Tukarim, so this wave of resistance did not escalate into a conflict like the Holy Stone Trial.

But even so, without Ernst, most Kjerag people were still unwilling to let the Colombians touch any plant or tree in Tukarim.

They are not against change, they are just afraid of being at a disadvantage. They are afraid that if no one with enough prestige stands up to speak for them, these outsiders will cheat our fellow villagers.

Ernst understood this feeling very well. So after completing his main goal, he set off directly to leave Xiosta.

However, the only small surprise was that this time, it was not only Jeston and Xinteleya who left with Ernst, but also Miss Ceylon and the taciturn bodyguard named [Black].

"Dad, I want to go to Kjerag."

The night before Ernst left, Ceylon knocked on the door and entered his father's office, announcing this.

Herman Dolkers seemed to have expected this and was not too surprised. After seeing his daughter had packed her things and leaning against the suitcase by the door, he also understood her determination.

She came to state her ideas, not to ask for her opinions.