The Policy of Empire
The Policy of Empire was an theoretical framework devised by the Raskvaerii political and military elites, to help them exert control over newly conquered territories. Initially informal in its nature, the Policy was codified in 27SGC.
The Policy of Empire: Theory and Practice in the Early Years of Conquest
The method created by the Raskvaerii conquerors to subdue and control their new lands and its people, was multifaceted and complex. It was largely devised by trial and error, employing varying levels of brutality.- Control key economic resources and infrastructure.
- Establish trade agreements that heavily favor the conquering country.
- Introduce a common currency or economic policies that favor the conqueror.
- Promote the conqueror's culture and language as superior.
- Encourage the adoption of the conqueror's customs and traditions.
- Influence education to teach the conqueror's version of history and values.
- Install puppet leaders or collaborate with local elites loyal to the conqueror.
- Establish a network of spies and informants to monitor dissent.
- Manipulate or control key political institutions.
- Maintain a visible military presence to deter rebellion.
- Place strategically important military bases in key locations.
- Ensure that the conquered country relies on the conqueror for defense.
- Control media and information flow to shape public opinion.
- Censor or limit access to information that may incite resistance.
- Utilize propaganda to portray the conqueror as a benevolent force.
- Establish a legal system that is favorable to the conqueror.
- Codify laws that ensure the conqueror's interests are protected.
- Use legal mechanisms to suppress dissent and opposition.
- Exploit the conquered country's natural resources for the conqueror's benefit.
- Control access to valuable resources to maintain leverage.
- Ensure that key industries are under the control of the conqueror.
- Control vital infrastructure like transportation, communication, and energy.
- Invest in infrastructure projects that benefit the conqueror more than the conquered.
- Leverage religious institutions to support the conqueror's rule.
- Align the conqueror's objectives with the dominant religious beliefs.
- Manipulate religious leaders to discourage opposition.
- Divide and conquer by exploiting existing social, ethnic, or cultural divisions.
- Foster a sense of dependency on the conqueror for stability and order.
- Use social programs and policies to maintain control over the population.
Economic Dependency:
Example:
The creation of Guilds to control trading standards, and enforcing the formal training of apprentices.Cultural Hegemony:
Example:
Under the new Raskvaerii-Kohnyg, Miron I, Raskvaerii became the primary language of the royal court and nobility.Political Subjugation:
Example:
As a result of the invasion, many of the traditional ruling lords, or Klansheers, and their heirs were slain, either in battle or in military courts. Daughters or cousin of these men were then married to loyal military or political leaders from within the ranks of the invaders; the title of 'Klansheer' was changed to 'Duke'.Military Presence:
Example:
Mounted patrols travel the roads between the heavily-manned toll gates.Communication Control:
Example:
The Guild of Honourable Printers was responsible for the creation of many sympathetic publications. Any rogue presses that were discovered were raided and destroyed.Legal Framework:
Example:
The traditional role of Klansheer, or local leader, was reimagined as a nobleman whose primary role was to act as a local and centralised judge. They would spend most of their year overseeing cases in the capital of Rykfonteyn, travelling to their territories four times a year to preside over the more serious cases that could not be left to lesser judges. This led to the creation of Kredashmi's Six Judges.Resource Exploitation:
Infrastructure Dominance:
Example:
The main roads across the country were widened and repaved, and others create for the military's ease of travel.Religious Influence:
Example:
Kredashmi was allowed to keep it's traditional faith in the Everyman. However, Raskvaerii's newly created Holy Chorus of Saints was introduced as a central pillar of the royal court, and the religion was quickly adopted by the nobility.Social Engineering:
Example:
The Raskvaerii made it difficult for people of lower social standing to move outside of their localities for work. Written permission had to be sought from local officials, accompanied by a large, monetary fee. Anyone found trying to enter towns and cities without formal permission, or trying to evade checks at tolls, were severely punished.Policy Origins: A Timeline
Wow, they really thought things through, didn't they? Yikes. I can see how this would bring most people into line.