Recently came across a book, World Order by Henry Kissinger, which vividly articulates the existence of a preeminent world order governing military and diplomatic relationships among political entities. Interesting read may I say.
Westphalian regional order based on pluralism
For example, the regional order that governed Europe after the thirty years war is the Westphalian model, a system which serves as the balance and check mechanism to preserve territorial integrity and advocate legal equality between Western states. The period, known as Westphalian peace, probably prevented the continent from falling into continuous warfare, and technological and economic advancement following the peace gave Europe an edge, and spurred on the colonialage. Its essence is pluralism, diverse and competing nations, though the occasional usurpers would arise challenging the existing order, such as Napoleon’s ill-fated endeavor at uniting Europe.
Far eastern regional order based on the ideal of sinocentrism
In the far-east, the contemporary regional order of that time period was more of a Chinese dominated Sino-centric suzerainty model, relative to the European Westphalian philosophy. In the West, states were kept in place by intricate checks and balances, while in the Far East, business were conducted under the auspices the Emperor. Nations paid tributes and recognized China as their suzerain lord. Sinocentrism existed until the combination of mismanagement, colonialism and industrialization ushered the Far East into a New Order modeled after the Westphalian ideal.
The concept of order and its possible implication in EUIV gameplay
How about incorporating world order into the gameplay mechanics, and I foresee several interesting possibilities.
1. European states uniting and checking against Napoleon France, Ottoman and Czarist Russia, as their empire building endeavors directly clashes with Westphalian concept of pluralism, resulting in interesting coalitions, diplomatic intrigues and continental-scale warfare not seen until the Great War.
2. While in the Far East, ambitious rebel leaders and foreign nations (Jurchens, Oirats, Japan etc) will be able to lay claim on the Mandate of Heaven, and assume leadership of the Sinocentric world order, if they are successful in usurping the rule of the predecessor (Ming). As the suzerain lord of Far East, Emperor also inherits the responsibility to guarantee the independence of his tributaries. Regional rebellions and colonialism of her subjects will exhaust China, but failing to do so will do greater damage to the prevailing order, leading nations to break away from the Sinocentrism regional order.
Pertaining to the regional orders of the Islamic Middle East, Americas and Africa, I do not think I am qualified to comment of them. But from the point of view of an history enthusiast, I see the implementation of a world or regional order as a way to make sense of history. Thank you very much for reading.
Westphalian regional order based on pluralism
For example, the regional order that governed Europe after the thirty years war is the Westphalian model, a system which serves as the balance and check mechanism to preserve territorial integrity and advocate legal equality between Western states. The period, known as Westphalian peace, probably prevented the continent from falling into continuous warfare, and technological and economic advancement following the peace gave Europe an edge, and spurred on the colonialage. Its essence is pluralism, diverse and competing nations, though the occasional usurpers would arise challenging the existing order, such as Napoleon’s ill-fated endeavor at uniting Europe.
Far eastern regional order based on the ideal of sinocentrism
In the far-east, the contemporary regional order of that time period was more of a Chinese dominated Sino-centric suzerainty model, relative to the European Westphalian philosophy. In the West, states were kept in place by intricate checks and balances, while in the Far East, business were conducted under the auspices the Emperor. Nations paid tributes and recognized China as their suzerain lord. Sinocentrism existed until the combination of mismanagement, colonialism and industrialization ushered the Far East into a New Order modeled after the Westphalian ideal.
The concept of order and its possible implication in EUIV gameplay
How about incorporating world order into the gameplay mechanics, and I foresee several interesting possibilities.
1. European states uniting and checking against Napoleon France, Ottoman and Czarist Russia, as their empire building endeavors directly clashes with Westphalian concept of pluralism, resulting in interesting coalitions, diplomatic intrigues and continental-scale warfare not seen until the Great War.
2. While in the Far East, ambitious rebel leaders and foreign nations (Jurchens, Oirats, Japan etc) will be able to lay claim on the Mandate of Heaven, and assume leadership of the Sinocentric world order, if they are successful in usurping the rule of the predecessor (Ming). As the suzerain lord of Far East, Emperor also inherits the responsibility to guarantee the independence of his tributaries. Regional rebellions and colonialism of her subjects will exhaust China, but failing to do so will do greater damage to the prevailing order, leading nations to break away from the Sinocentrism regional order.
Pertaining to the regional orders of the Islamic Middle East, Americas and Africa, I do not think I am qualified to comment of them. But from the point of view of an history enthusiast, I see the implementation of a world or regional order as a way to make sense of history. Thank you very much for reading.
