Ple-Sen
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Exam: Laphrenia
Question 1: Describe your thoughts on the completed course. Examples of suitable topics for reflection:
- assessment of the geopolitical situation in Laphrenia and its future in the coming years.
- assessment of the role of Sakumoriamoria in the life of Laphrenia.
As amusing as it may sound, to some extent this state of affairs forces certain rulers to think twice before declaring yet another war on their long-time foe. Because otherwise, they might find armies of other foes on their borders, ready to exploit the situation. At the same time, this fragmentation helps truly powerful states, capable of repelling possible attacks from their other neighbors, to expand relatively freely. But the main danger of the current geopolitical situation, in my opinion, lies in a conflict between two more or less equal sides, as in such a case, the conflict could engulf a significant part of the continent. Everything is interconnected, and ill-considered actions, especially on this scale, can have very unpredictable consequences both for the country itself and for the geopolitical picture of Laphrenia as a whole.
Being one of those states that, against the backdrop of general fragmentation, has significantly expanded its territories and cemented its position on the world stage, Sakumoriamoria currently has very strained relations with all its immediate neighbors. Perhaps the worst-case scenario for future developments would be one where we become that very “common enemy” for our neighbors, against which they would unite. And the best way to prevent such an outcome is to develop closer diplomatic relations with bordering countries.
However, even in the event of war, if Sakumoriamoria finds itself at war, it does not mean all our neighbors will join the conflict on the side of a hypothetical opponent. If we consider the option you mentioned, war with the Aokami, it could become a catalyst for the rapprochement of our kingdom with the Kermia-Elysium-Oleander coalition. Kermia would only be glad to be rid of a long-time ideological opponent. Oleander could resolve at least some of its territorial disputes. For Elysium, having the homeland of two goddesses within its sphere of influence is a great advantage. Not to mention that they could position their entry into the conflict as support for the faithful inhabitants of Sakumoriamoria in such difficult times, using the conflict as a way to advance their own ideological interests within the kingdom.
Another option is possible, where the coalition offers to help Sakumoriamoria in exchange for certain concessions. For example, resolving territorial issues with Oleander, allowing Kermia to open casinos in any part of the country, or even declaring the Pantheon of Seven the state religion. But I can only imagine the last demands in an extremely dire scenario for Sakumoriamoria. Say, if Sanguinaria decides to weaken a potentially dangerous neighbor in our person. Or if Lethargy and Levie not only resume their raids on our territories but openly declare war on us and achieve certain successes in it. But such an option, it seems to me, is likely only if our fleet is occupied with the war against Elysium. Be that as it may, if Sakumoriamoria's rapprochement with this coalition does occur, after the victory over the Aokami, the attention of such an alliance could shift to the pirate alliance, Lethargy and Levie. Opening the southern sea to trade would benefit everyone.
I will also consider another conflict, this time by no means hypothetical — the war between Altinia and Refitea. Altinia's victory in this confrontation would deal a huge blow to one of Laphrenia's main giants, significantly shaking its position on the continent. In itself, such a resolution of the conflict would demonstrate the failure of Refitea's technophobic position, becoming the final and most weighty argument in favor of using Altinian developments in war. It would forever change the methods of waging military conflicts. But it wouldn't stop there, as Refitea would find itself in a rather vulnerable position. Ditlind would surely decide to take advantage of the weakness of its old ideological rival to “liberate” its Laphrenian territories, or might even form a temporary alliance with Altinia even before all this. Refitea's plans for Eolia would likely also collapse, which could push the latter, against the backdrop of strained relations with Ditlind, straight into the arms of the Eastern Federation.
If, in the war between Altinia and Refitea, the latter emerges victorious, it would be its ideological victory. It would show the whole world that “unnatural” technologies alone are not enough for success, and that those who go against the natural order of things face inevitable punishment. But this would not convince everyone, and many states, I am sure, would be only too happy to welcome fugitive researchers. It would be quite naive to refuse the opportunity to acquire Altinian developments. Refitea itself could devote full attention to its plans for Eolia, strengthening its own influence in that region.
But whatever happens, considering that my assumptions may be fundamentally wrong, it seems to me that in the coming years, the geopolitical landscape of Laphrenia may be in for big changes, as the current situation seems very unstable to me.
Question 2: Name three countries from the list that you liked the most and explain why your choice fell on them.
In this case, to make it easier for myself, I will choose countries based on the principle “where I would have liked to be born, if I hadn’t been born in Sakumoriamoria.” With this approach, my list would consist of Sanguinaria, Emeralrdia, and the Eastern Federation. States that are quite stable in themselves, not economically distressed, and at the same time open up wide opportunities for their citizens to develop their talents. As additional advantages, Sanguinaria and the Eastern Federation combine a number of different cultures, each with its own traditions, which promotes a broad outlook and an open approach to everything new. Emeralrdia, meanwhile, can boast a long and rich history rooted in the distant past, being a rare example in current Laphrenia of a culture that developed without excessive influence from any of the dominant pantheons.
Question 3: Name three countries from the list that you liked the least and explain why your choice fell on them.
Although such capabilities are impressive in their own way, especially for lovers of high technology, the reasonableness of this approach is, to me, highly questionable. If you have an army of oppressed intelligent beings at your side, created for combat and in many ways superior to ordinary people, what are the chances that they will not, sooner or later, turn against you? And what will such beings, who have known no peaceful life, do after their inevitable victory? Without at least some reliable way to guarantee the loyalty of their creations, Altinia's leadership is doomed to defeat. One could argue that at the head of this state are some of the brightest minds in Laphrenia, experts in their fields of science... but this does not necessarily mean they will be wise and far-sighted leaders. It only means that instead of doing the work they know and love, Altinia's best scientists end up engaged in administrative activities.
All this assumes, of course, that the Altinian council actually consists of talented people who achieved everything on their own, and not power-hungry charlatans. People everywhere are still people, after all. One person achieves success through their own efforts and talents, while another does so through their own cunning and by using the talents of those around them. It is enough to put your name on work written for you by your talented protégé, who has no choice but to remain in the shadows. He understands perfectly well that a single word from you could destroy his entire life, put an end to his scientific career.
Question 4: Which countries' students would you like to see among your ranks after the start of the next quarter, and why them?
However, natives of Altinia, famous for its wonders of technological progress, also arouse my curiosity. Moreover, the active use of magic-capable androids has surely led to an in-depth study of sorcery as a very useful tool. Perhaps even the invention of special devices, which only someone capable of magic can fully utilize. I would be interested to learn more about developments of this kind.
Question 5: Which countries' students would you NOT like to see among your ranks after the start of the next quarter, and why them?
Question 6: If a military conflict breaks out between Sakumormoria and another country in the coming years, what emotions would you have about it, and would you go to the front?
If I answer very generally, there would be no positive emotions. The details already depend on how serious this conflict is and whether it directly affects people dear to me. I wouldn't want to go to the front either, but everything will depend on the obligations placed upon me. It is difficult to say anything more precisely, considering that I cannot reliably say what I will be doing in this hypothetical future. A talented mage, if I take up the study of magic, might well be sent to the front. But I would prefer to do the work I have chosen rather than go to war. Even in such times, it is not just about armed clashes, and the importance of certain peaceful professions only increases.