Doctrine: Controversy
Lindsholm Foreign Policy Raises Eyebrows

MAY 17, 2002 - From the moment it was released, the much-anticipated Lindsholm Doctrine has stirred up anxiety, apprehension, anger, and fear in nations near and far. The Doctrine, a public announcement of Lindsholm foreign policy for the near-future, was designed as a unilateral substitute for the failed Siggary Conference, which would have extended protection to Lesser Powers from the Great Powers. Although it had been hinted at for the past year, only now has the Doctrine become public.

However, the Lindsholm Doctrine only extended to former Platinum Nexus nations, and also to countries that the Supreme Viceroy perceive as vital to Lindsholmian political, economic, and military interest. Upon perusing the Doctrine, the Emm of Jared immediately released a statement denouncing it as 'deranged' and a 'declaration of imperialistic overlordship'. A similar harsh reaction was heard from the Adiposia, where the Ethnarch released a statement of his own, albeit with a more softer and diplomatic tone.

In response to the Jaredian (SPQJ) request of Congressional intervention, the Secretary-General convened the Great Powers Forum and asked each power whether the Doctrine should be condemned on the night of May 15, 2002. All three ambassadors who were present in the Great Powers Chamber at the time, that is, Gorditas, Marcusburg, and Siggary, all voted in favour of denouncing the Doctrine. When the Lindsholm ambassador was contacted, he voted against the condemnation. Rattanjeetland has yet to vote.

Some analysts were surprised that the GX did not vote together as a bloc, as had happened many times in Great Powers Forum sessions past. Many are hoping that the vote of non-confidence in the Doctrine by some of his closest allies will force the Supreme Viceroy to reconsider a Doctrine that many feel is dangerous and excessive. However, at the same time, some smaller former Platinum Nexus nations are disappointed at the vote, citing that without this long-awaited Doctrine, their very existence could be at stake.