Political: Otso

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Political Overview

Otso is a Constitutional Monarchy, its capital is Otavia. Otso has an area of 133,100 square kilometers (km2) (51,390 square miles), bordering Gulf of Finland in the south, Bothnia in the west, Torrike to the north and Donovia in the east.

Politics: Multi‐party democracy with open elections.

Government: Parliamentary Democracy.

Foreign Relations: Diplomatic relations with all United Nations (UN) countries.

Legal System: Civil Law.

International Agreements: Otso is formally non‐aligned and fully participates in UN. It is a signatory to Helsinki Accords and Mutual and Balanced Force Reduction Agreement.

Historical Summary

Otsonian neutrality is largely modeled on Switzerland; however, its initial construct was heavily influenced by Donovia. A treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was signed in 1948 under which Otso undertook not to join any alliance against Donovia or to allow any other power to use its territory as a base for attacks on Donovia. Additionally, Otso would maintain sufficient armed forces to be able to preserve its neutrality.

Otso portrays itself as a “friend to all and foe to none”, but in reality throughout the Cold War, its neutrality had a distinctively Donovian leaning. The equipment of the armed forces was, for the most part, gifted by Donovia and Otsonian politicians of all stripes were always mindful of Donovian sensibilities. Otso has built a reputation for military assistance to UN peacekeeping missions; however, their experience during the Katangese rebellion in the Congo persuaded Otso’s politicians to avoid large UN military missions and for the most part to avoid Africa as well.

Since the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, Otso has carved a more genuinely independent role. Its politicians have established an enviable reputation as neutral negotiators and go‐betweens, particularly for extremely sensitive issues. Its armed forces have proved to be extremely competent and are regarded as a major asset in any peacekeeping or humanitarian operation. An abiding principle of Otso involvement in any peacekeeping force is that the mission must have UN sanction.

Strategic Aim and Perception

Otso’s main aim since the foundation of the country has been to contribute to regional stability through the application of a firm and fair policy of neutrality. Otso considers that it is setting an enlightened example and to this end support for the UN is a key pillar of their policy. A key aim is to ensure that any dispute is brought to arbitration at the earliest opportunity and full engagement of the relevant international bodies is actively pursued.

From 1991 onward, Otso has demonstrated a much greater freedom of action and has developed a policy of neutrality that is much closer to the normal perception of that term. In particular, Otso has made major contributions to the UN’s various missions throughout the world. From an Otsan point of view, the strategic picture is potentially threatening. Otsan relations with Donovia have been good and while it is less predictable, Donovia is seen as a considerable improvement on its political predecessor. However, notwithstanding this, there is a keen awareness of Donovian military power and it’s potential. At the same time, Bothnia has proved to be increasingly assertive although it has been careful not to present any hint of a threat to either Otso or Donovia. The (comparatively) rapid arrival of NATO and the EU on its doorstep through the Baltic States has added an additional complication to Otsan strategic calculations.

Otsan diplomacy is carefully constructed to alleviate any regional tensions that might lead towards such a conflict, while the Otsan military is designed to protect the nation against the potential impact of this unlikely event. The national policy of active neutrality is seen as a major method of keeping Otso free from any such entanglements.

Political System

Otso is a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy with a Royal Head of State. In practice, the constitutional powers of the Duke of Otso are extremely limited and the position is a purely ceremonial one. The Prime Minister is the main elected official and Head of the Government. Otso is a lively democracy and there are numerous political parties. However, only three of these have any strong following: the Peace Party (PP), the Unity Party (UP) and the Freedom Party (FP). The major parties are variants on the European Social Democratic model, with the PP being the center-left and the FP center-right. The ecological movements have won a number of adherents over the last few years, but the Otso Communist Party (OCP) has withered on the vine since the collapse of the Soviet Union, while the Purity Party has failed to gain much following.

As part of its approach to neutrality, Otso has steadfastly refused to contemplate membership of any formal alliances and is not a member of any of the regional treaties that might be considered as an alliance by outsiders. It is a member of and strong supporter of the UN.

Central Structure

Branches of Government

Executive

Head of State. His Royal Highness the Duke of Otso, Gustaf Peter Niklas Armfelt.

Council Of Ministers. The Prime Minister, Mrs. Elina Ahonen, is also the Head of Government, Chairman Council of Ministers and has the Prime Minister's Office which directs the work of the government and coordinates the preparation and consideration of government business. The Ministers of Otso are as follows:

• Chairman and Prime Minister
• Minister of Justice (MOJ)
• Minister of Employment and the Economy (MEE)
• Minister of Labor (MOL)
• Minister of Finance (MOF)
• Minister of Social Affairs and Health (MSAH)
• Minister of the Interior (MOI)
• Minister for Foreign Affairs (MFA)
• Minister of the Environment (MOTE)
• Minister of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)
• Minister of Transport and Communications (MT&C)
• Minister of Defense (MOD)
• Minister of Education (MOE)
• Ministry of Industry and Technology (MIT)

Legislative

The Assembly of Otso is the highest provisional institution of self‐government and the representative and law‐making institution of Otso. The Assembly has 121 members. 110 members are directly voted into the Assembly, and the remaining 11 seats are set aside for minority communities. The Assembly formally nominates the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Head of State.

Judicial

Under the Constitution of Otso, everyone is entitled to have their case heard by a court or an authority appropriately and without undue delay. This is achieved through the judicial system of Otso. The Otsan judicial system consists of courts, the custody department and legal support.

Otso shares the legal tradition of Otso/Bothnia, including its strong influences from the former Empire. Otso's regular court system is composed of 23 Municipal Courts, five District Courts, a Commercial District Court, and the Supreme Court. The minor offenses court system includes twenty‐four Municipal Courts of Minor Offenses and the High Court for Minor Offenses. Lay Judges serve alongside professional judges on three‐ and five‐judge panels in the municipal courts and the district courts. Lay judges will also serve on three‐judge panels of the economic panel of the Supreme Court, but they have yet to be named. Lay judges have no special legal or other training and have equal votes to those of professional judges.

Legal System. Otso’s legal system is based on Civil Law. In civil law the sources recognized as authoritative are principally legislation ‐ especially codifications in constitutions or statutes enacted by governments ‐ and secondarily, custom. The civil law systems in Otso are based on more than one code.

Courts. This includes the independent courts of law and administrative courts. Overseeing the system of justice are the Chancellor of Justice and the Assembly Ombudsman. Although these two officials have largely parallel functions and each is required to submit an annual report of their activities to the Assembly, the Chancellor of Justice is appointed for life by the President and is a non‐voting member of the Council of State, whereas the Assembly Ombudsman is chosen for a four‐year term by the Assembly. The Otsan courts are divided into two main branches. The two court systems are entirely separate, and they have no jurisdiction over one another:

• The General courts deal with civil suits and criminal cases. The Senate Department of Justice became the Supreme Court.
• The Administrative courts regulate the actions of the administration and litigations between individuals and the administration. The Senate Finance Department was the basis of the Supreme Administrative Court.

The Supreme Court operates as a court of cassation in some cases, hears direct appeals from cases originating in the district courts, serves as a court of first instance in some matters, and it will have a special chamber to address conflicts between laws passed by the Assembly and the Constitutional Framework.

District Courts hear appeals from the decisions of the municipal courts. They also serve as courts of first instance for criminal offences punishable by sentences of more than five years, major property disputes, copyright disputes and suits for the protection of inventions, and other enumerated matters. The Commercial District Court has jurisdiction over economic disputes and economic offenses.

Municipal Courts operate as courts of first instance for criminal offenses punishable with sentences of up to five years imprisonment, for minor property disputes, inheritance matters, labor relations, and other civil matters.

Minor Offenses Courts within the municipalities have jurisdiction over minor offenses, which are punishable by fine or imprisonment of no longer than sixty days.

The Market Court is a special court that hears market law, competition and public procurement cases. It issues injunctions against illegal restrictions of competition and order monetary penalties.

The Labor Court has jurisdiction in disputes on collective agreements and collective civil service agreements. The decisions of the Labor Court are final and not subject to appeal. The procedure followed in the Labor Court resembles the civil procedure.

The Insurance Court has jurisdiction in certain matters of social insurance, such as accident insurance, employment pensions, civil service pensions and national pensions.

The High Court of Impeachment may be convened for cases dealing with criminal charges (for an offense in office) against the Head of State, the justices of the supreme courts, members the Council of State, the Chancellor of Justice and the Ombudsman of the Assembly. The court has convened only four times since its formation in 1922. The Head of State may not pardon persons convicted by the High Court of Impeachment. Only the court itself can reverse or vacate a previous verdict.

Custody Department. The enforcement authorities, who see to the enforcement of judgments. The prison service and the probation service, who see to the enforcement of custodial sentences.

Legal Support. The Bar Association and the other avenues of legal aid.

Political Processes and Culture

Since 1989, no single party has won an electoral majority, so a coalition of the Unity and Freedom parties has ruled, except for in brief period in the early 1990s when the Peace Party ran a minority government. One major point of agreement between all the parties is that Otso will remain neutral and to a great extent non‐aligned. Beyond that, there is agreement that regional stability is essential and Otso’s policies are designed to enhance that stability. While there is considerable enthusiasm for membership of the European Union (EU), this will only be acceptable if an arrangement preserving Otsonian neutrality can be negotiated. The current proposal is similar to the clauses that protect Otso’s neutrality.

Influential Individuals

Outside of the normal political power structure, there are a number of individuals who wield considerable influence within Otso, either because of their role within a region, or their wealth, or because of their contribution to the formation of opinion within the country. Some are influential because of their personality, others because of their contribution to the intellectual life of the country and yet others simply because their handling of publicity gives their views widespread exposure.

Civil Administration

There are eight Regions in Otso.

Regions in English (Otsan):

• Kainuu (Kainuu)
• North Karelia (Pohjois‐Karjala)
• Northern Savonia (Pohjois‐Savo)
• Southern Savonia (Etelä‐Savo)
• South Karelia (Etelä‐Karjala)
• Kymenlaakso (Kymenlaakso)
• East Lapland (Itä‐Lappi)
• Ruka (Ruka)

Major cities:

• Joensuu: 145,362
• Lappeenranta: 118,184
• Kuopia: 116,412
• Otavia: 109,538
• Mikkeli: 97,294

Domestic Policies

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is responsible for visa policy. Otsan missions abroad issue visas and accept residence permit applications and declarations for the acquisition of citizenship.

The Ministry of Labor (MOL) provides national labor policy.

The MSAH provides national policy on health and human services.

Ministry of the Interior (MOI)

The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) is responsible for the overall development in Otso. It maintains public order, security and supervises rescue services. There are four departments at the Ministry: the Police Department, the Department for Rescue Services, the Migration Department and the Border Police Department. The units reporting directly to the Permanent Secretary are the Administration Unit, Finance Unit, Legal Affairs Unit, Internal Audit Unit, Press and Communications Services, International Affairs Unit and the Internal Security Secretariat. These units form the Ministry’s Advisory Staff. The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for internal security and migration.

The Ministry's vision is: Otso will be the safest country in Europe – one in which people feel that they live in a fair and equal society regardless of how they identify themselves.

The strategic priorities, legislative initiatives and other key projects of the Ministry's administrative sector are included in the sector's multi-annual operational and financial plan and the yearly performance plan.

Within its mandate, the MOI deals with matters related to operational and financial planning, performance guidance, law drafting, administration, information systems, research, development and monitoring. The Ministry also handles international matters and other such matters as are to be viewed as part of the discharge of duties falling within its mandate.

The MOI considers matters concerning offices, agencies, companies, extra-budgetary funds and other bodies within its mandate. It also steers the State Provincial Offices in matters pertaining to its competence.

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement in Otso

Police. The Police are responsible to MOI and have a duty:

• To uphold the rule of law
• To maintain public order and security
• To prevent and investigate crimes and forward cases to a prosecutor for consideration of charges.

By maintaining public order and security, the police aim to prevent infringements of citizens' rights and public disturbances. The police also aim to stop those disturbances that do occur and investigate possible infringements of rights as they arise. Ensuring traffic safety is one part of maintaining public order and security.

In cooperation with other bodies, the police draw up local security plans which aim to promote safer communities, reduce and combat crime and disturbances, and foster well‐being in the localities concerned.

National Police Board. The National Police Board, which operates under the MOI, directs and guides operational police activities. Within its direct purview are the local police departments, the national police units, the Police College of Otso and the Police Technical Center. The National Police Board is responsible for the performance guidance of these units.

The Police College of Otso is responsible for recruitment for police training, student selection, diploma and advanced studies, leadership training, further training, and research and development in the police field.

The Police Technical Center specializes in the acquisition of equipment and supplies for the police.

The police service has a three‐tier organization: National Police, Regional Police, and the Police Security Agency.

National Police. The national units of the police comprise the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Traffic Police and the Police Security Agency. The National Bureau of Investigation specializes in combating organized and professional crime, the Police Security Agency in maintaining internal and external security and the National Traffic Police in surveillance of traffic.

Regional Police. The regional police service is made up of 24 police departments; each has a central police station, one or more other police stations, police service points and citizen’s offices. The police employ about 10,900 people, of whom 7,800 are police officers. This means that in Otso there is one police officer per 179 citizens.

Police Security Agency (PSA). PSA has been given a status of a state‐level, inter‐ministerial organization. It is part of the MOI and works under control of the Parliamentary Commission on the security and intelligence services. Therefore, the work of the service and its budget are generally regarded as transparent and public. The PSA consists of six departments, training center and Liaison and coordination branch. The director is a civilian official, appointed by the Prime Minister.

Emergency Services

There are similarities between Bothnia and Otso as a legacy from earlier days.

MOI Department for Rescue Services. The MOI Department for Rescue Services directs and supervises rescue services. Rescue services employ about 8,000 people, of whom some 2,000 are full‐time, 1,000 part‐time and some 5,000 voluntary. The fundamental objective of rescue services is to prevent accidents, particularly fires. In the event of an accident, rescue services must be able to provide help swiftly and efficiently. They must also prepare for various incidents and emergency conditions. Rescue services collaborate with other authorities and organizations and citizens in regions in the prevention of accidents and maintenance of safety. Effective accident risk management requires constant monitoring and evaluation of risks and risk trends. Rescue services have a duty:

• To prevent fires and other accidents
• To carry out rescue operations in the event of an accident
• To carry out civil defense work under emergency conditions and maintain readiness for these duties.

Regional State Administrative Agencies. The RSAAs perform duties relating to rescue services and coordination of preparedness in their regions. They also ensure cooperation in the field of preparedness, coordinate contingency planning, organize regional National Defense Courses, support contingency planning in municipalities, organize preparedness exercises and promote security planning in the regional and local administration.

Otso has eight rescue services regions. These regions operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior. Each region is responsible for the rescue service within the area. The Rescue departments are responsible of the rescue services within a rescue services region and function as the regional rescue authorities. The Rescue Departments in Otso have several responsibilities. They include, but are not limited to:

• Accident prevention, damage mitigation and fire inspections, safety education and advice
• Rescue operations (SAR‐ Land and Inland Waters)
• Civil defense

Rescue departments rarely provide only firefighting services, but also perform several other types of rescue operations and often also ambulance/emergency medical services for the municipalities. The rescues service regions have different risk areas. The risk areas are categorized by time constraints set to the rescue service. For example, in risk area 2, the rescue unit must arrive at the accident site within ten minutes of the emergency call.

The Municipalities are jointly responsible for rescue services within regions determined by the Government. There are 8 rescue service regions in Otso. Regional rescue services are in charge of rescue services in their respective regions. Voluntary, institutional and industrial fire brigades also participate in the provision of rescue services as agreed between the brigades and the region.

Firefighting. Firefighting in Otso is regulated by the MOI. Municipalities in Otso can choose whether the fire and rescue services are provided by a professional fire brigade, a half‐ ordinary fire brigade or a voluntary fire brigade. Half‐ordinary and voluntary fire brigades rely on non‐professional voluntary fire fighters who have been trained appropriately. The main responsibilities of fire brigades are (in decreasing order of importance) rescuing people, protecting property and the environment, limiting damage and consequences. In large fires (particularly forest fires) the rescue services also use the Otsan military.

Professional Firefighting. Otso's professional fire and rescue service is provided by approximately 2,000 full‐time employees. The professional fire fighters are trained in at either the Emergency Services College or City of Otavia rescue school which trains fire fighters in Otavia.

Industrial Fire Brigades. There are over 150 industrial fire brigades in Otso. These fire brigades usually operate in large industrial sites with the fire fighters also work at the site. Their staffs have often received special training for demanding industry area rescue missions. This special training can include dealing with poisonous substances, operating in extremely complex industrial buildings and other similar tasks.

Voluntary Firefighting. A large part of Otsan fire and rescue responsibility is on voluntary fire brigades. They are contracted by the municipality and are usually associations. In some municipalities, the firefighting is entirely a voluntary fire brigade's task. There are over 200 voluntary fire brigades in the country. In the municipalities the voluntary fire brigades provide all the fire and rescue services. The voluntary fire brigades offer approximately 5,000 trained fire fighters that are actively in service. Voluntary fire brigades operate in all risk areas.

Border Control Department

Border Police. The Border Police is one of the key authorities responsible for internal security in the Ministry of the Interior's administrative sector. Its duty is to maintain peaceful conditions in the border and sea areas of Otso and to assist in saving people in distress at sea. Through its activities, the Border Police promotes broad-based cooperation between public authorities that is related to the four‐tier border management model and maritime duties. Among the key partners are the police and customs. Vision of the Border Police for 2018:

1. Otso will have the most secure border in Europe.
2. The Border Police will be an internationally renowned expert in border security and maritime search and rescue that is eager to work with others. It will produce security services to society efficiently and economically.
3. This status will be guaranteed by having reliable and professional personnel.

The main duties of the Border Police are:

• Border control
• Border checks
• Crime prevention
• Maritime safety (SAR – Maritime)
• International cooperation
• National defense (during national emergency or war)

The Border Police is responsible for maintaining order along the State border and ensuring effective border management. It also carries out checks on persons at border crossing points. Furthermore, it investigates border offenses, forgeries and offenses related to drinking and driving, drinking and boating, fishing, hunting and nature conservation, for example.

The Border Police is the leading national search and rescue (SAR) authority at sea and a maritime law enforcement authority with a variety of duties. It is responsible for SAR at sea when human lives or the environment are in danger. The Border Police sees to national defense in collaboration with the armed forces.

Immigration. The Otsan Border Police and the Otsan Police also carry out duties related to immigration within the Ministry’s administrative sector. The Border Police is responsible for border control and takes part in the surveillance of foreign citizens within Otso. In certain exceptional cases, border check authorities decide whether to issue a visa at the border or to refuse entry into the country. The police supervise compliance with the Aliens Act and act as the authority issuing permits and licenses to foreigners. Border check authorities and the police also establish an asylum seeker’s identity and travel route to Otso. The local police accept permit applications in immigration matters as well as citizenship applications and declarations for the acquisition of citizenship. In certain cases, they issue residence permits and re‐entry visas, extend the validity of visas and make decisions on refusal of entry concerning foreigners. As regards EU citizens and their family members, the local police also carry out the registration required in the Aliens Act and issue residence cards.

Organization. The Border Police is the responsibility of the MOI. The key projects are agreed in the performance negotiations between the Ministry and the Border Police. The activities of the Border Police are financed from the State budget, and its expenditure is included in the Ministry of the Interior's draft budget.

The Border Police is headed by the Chief of the Border Police. The responsibility for fulfilling the functions of the Border Police rests with a total of six Border and Coast Police Districts, with air support provided by the Air Patrol Squadron. The Border and Coast Police Academy also operates under the Border Police.

The Border Police Headquarters, which constitute the Ministry's Border Police Department, guide the Border and Coast Guard Districts by means of a performance‐ based military command system.

The Border Police employs some 1,100 people.

Search and Rescue (SAR)

The responsible authority for land and inland water SAR is the Fire Brigade. The Border Police is responsible for SAR at sea when human lives or the environment are in danger. These organizations alert and decide on the most suitable response for the location and situation. The country also has several volunteer organizations such as the volunteer fire department (VFD), the Otsan Lifeboat Institution (OLI) and the Red Cross Otso (RCO).

Civilian Crisis Management

The MOI is responsible for maintaining and developing national readiness for civilian crisis management in order to meet Otso's commitments to take part in international crisis management. The MOI also organizes participation in civilian crisis management operations decided by the MFA. The Crisis Management Center (CMC) Otso, under the MOI, provides expert training and conducts research in civilian crisis management. The Center is located in Kuopio. National readiness comprises:

• Recruitment, appointment and employment relationship matters of civilian experts to be sent abroad
• Crisis management training for civilian personnel and research
• Material and logistic readiness
• Cooperation with NGOs
• Coordination of readiness between • various administrative sectors

The MOI coordinates readiness for civilian crisis management between various administrative sectors in Otso. Among close partners is the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defense.

In Otso, the responsibility for civilian crisis management rests with two ministries:

This division of duties is based on the Act on the Participation of Civilian Personnel in Crisis Management (1287/2004), which came into force on 1 January 2005.

Otso Immigration Service (OIS)

The OIS operates under the MOI, handling and resolving matters related to the entry into and residence in Otso of individual foreigners, removal from the country, refugee status and citizenship. Otso will need immigrants in the future, and in fact, their number has been on the increase in recent years. The largest groups of foreign nationals in Otso are Donovians, Estonians and Bothnian. The MOI develops legislation on migration and is responsible for the integration of immigrants. The MOI also develops measures to prevent trafficking in human beings and to combat illegal immigration, and promotes good ethnic relations and ethnic equality. The MOI guides the work of the OIS and the immigration units of the Centers for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, which are responsible for immigration and integration matters at regional level.

Nationally, immigration services are provided by multiple agencies:

• The MEE and the MOI are jointly responsible for monitoring the volume and structure of labor migration and for developing monitoring methods.
• The MOE develops education and training for immigrants at different levels of education. Its mandate also covers immigration matters relating to culture, sport, youth work and religion.
• The National Board of Education is responsible for matters relating to immigrant education and training and for the recognition of qualifications of foreign nationals.
• The Employment and Economic Development Offices of the Ministry of Labor provide labor market services to immigrants.
• The MSAH is responsible for social and health care services and support: a service package that is of key importance to integration.
• The individual municipalities have general and coordinative responsibility for developing, planning and monitoring the integration of immigrants within their areas. They also organize measures and services promoting and supporting the integration of immigrants.
• The Ombudsman for Minorities works to advance the status and legal protection of ethnic minorities and foreigners as well as equality and good ethnic relations in Otso. The Ombudsman is also a national body reporting on human trafficking.
• Non‐governmental organizations, along with public authorities, provide assistance and advice to asylum seekers.

Government Effectiveness and Legitimacy

State Security

The Otsan security and intelligence services were reorganized in 1998. The MOI maintains a close over watch of security within Otso. The Police Security Agency is responsible for all aspects of internal security and counter‐intelligence. The MFA maintains a close overwatch of geopolitical security outside of Otso through the official duties of the diplomatic personnel abroad. The National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) is responsible for all aspects of external intelligence. There is a Central Intelligence Committee which reports to the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by the Minister of Interior. However, each of the agencies reports functionally to the relevant Minister.

National Intelligence Bureau (NIB)

The NIB is a combined civil‐military state level agency. The service is predominantly regionally focused. It has strategic assessment capabilities and provides information in support of the main foreign policy goal, i.e. maintaining neutrality. The agency is open to the establishment and maintenance of bilateral relations with the regional players in order to keep the government informed on the development of the situation around Otso, in both regional and European dimensions. The new political setting in Europe and particularly in the Gulf of Bothnia area has given rise to more challenging risks. Therefore, the NIB develops capabilities to face not only the classic threats, but also the asymmetric ones, including oppression, ethnic conflict, economic distress, and the collapse of political order, transnational terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In the light of these, a new Indications and Warnings system was introduced at the beginning of 21st century, including political, social, religious, information‐related and economic triggers.

Departments of the Otsonian National Intelligence Bureau

Organization. The NIB is headed by a director, a military officer, whose deputy is a civilian official. The service consists of Liaison and Coordination Branch, five departments and a training center.

Liaison and Coordination Branch. The Branch coordinates the information gathering activities with other state institutions. Within the branch, there is a section responsible for the Military Attaché Apparatus that works closely with the MFA. The branch performs also the duties of Public Information Office and protocol.

NIB Departments.

Operations and Plans Department. It consists of: a planning division; collection divisions by source type (human, signals, technical and open‐source intelligence), that collect information from a variety of subject areas (armed forces intelligence, biographic, economic, political, scientific and technical, sociological, infrastructure, topographic); Situational Center, that is believed to have 24/7 capabilities and a UN Operations section. Intelligence collection work is streamlined alongside the two main information gathering courses: strategic and tactical.

• Operations and Plans Department. It consists of: a planning division; collection divisions by source type (human, signals, technical and open‐source intelligence), that collect information from a variety of subject areas (armed forces intelligence, biographic, economic, political, scientific and technical, sociological, infrastructure, topographic); Situational Center, that is believed to have 24/7 capabilities and a UN Operations section. Intelligence collection work is streamlined alongside the two main information gathering courses: strategic and tactical.
• Information and Analysis Department. This is responsible for the Service’s information products and provides the senior political and military leadership with a range of assessments, evaluations, reports, analysis, reference materials from different information domains and areas of specialization (military, economic, political, environmental, and cultural), in order to find the exact nature of the threat. In this regard, the department and the Service as whole are important part of the national decision‐making process.
• Geospatial Department. This is in fact a nation‐wide asset and provide a variety of national customers with a range of topographic and geospatial products.
• Resources Department. This has three divisions: personnel, materiel and communications.
• Research and Development. The department is the newest structure and is regarded as a nation‐wide technological research and development body on budget support that works closely with a variety of private companies, scientific organizations and technical institutes.
• Training Center. This provides training and testing of all the personnel assigned to the Service, in three main courses: analyst training, foreign area officers training, doctrine and tactics, techniques and procedures. In this regard, the training center cooperates with different national educational and training institutions.

Police Security Agency

Structure of Otso’s Police Security Agency

The main focus of the Police Security Agency is the internal security and counterintelligence. It provides services to the armed forces of the country in the areas of military counterintelligence, information security and security of military installations and materiel. Counter‐intelligence Department is the core of the agency and provides intelligence on foreign intelligence systems, terrorist and criminal organizations that pose or may pose a threat to the national security of Otso in many aspects.

The PSA is made up of seven departments:

• Intelligence Department.
• Assessments and Analysis Department. This provides the director and thus the political leadership with a variety of reports, reference materials, analysis and recommendations that are needed for the processes of the national decision‐making. It consists of three divisions: internal threats, external threats and future threats.
• Government Communications Department. It consists of four divisions: National C2 system; Frequency Spectrum Distribution and Control; Document Exploitation; Cryptographic Protection.
• Resources Department. This comprises three divisions: personnel management; technical equipment; transport.
• Internal Security and Public Order Department. This is responsible for protection of foreign diplomatic representations and personnel as well as coordination with the National Police.
• National Vetting and Codifying Department. This is responsible for information security, and national security clearances issuance. It has also an archive section, which keeps all the files and information records, related to individuals and organizations that PSA has been working on or with.
• Training Center. Supplies training for the PSA.

Ministry of Defense

As a functioning democracy, the direction of the armed forces is vested in the Head of Government. However, members of the armed forces swear an oath of loyalty to the Head of State. This means that regardless of the political situation within the country, the loyalty of the armed forces to the state is never in question.

The Minister of Defense sits on the Council of Ministers and is a senior member of the government. As such, the position carries significant weight within the government and is a keenly sought after career post for ambitious politicians. Defense diplomacy is seen as a major contributor to a positive world view of Otso. There is a high degree of consensus among the major political parties on defense matters, subject to the normal cut and thrust of political competition. The net result is that issues relating to defense are given a degree of parliamentary attention and consideration that other nations might envy.

The professional Head of the Armed Forces is appointed by the Prime Minister (on the advice of the Minister of Defense), while the heads of service and all the major Command appointments are approved personally by the Minister of Defense. Political control is exercised through the Ministry of Defense effectively and the lively nature of Otsan politics prevents any tendency towards cronyism. While members of the armed forces undoubtedly have political affiliations and some senior figures are known to favor the policies of particular political parties, on the whole, the armed forces have not become either politicized, or a political plaything among the parties. The Head of the Armed Forces (CHOD) is responsible for providing professional advice to Ministers, and for the professional development of the armed forces to meet the nation’s goals, but the final decision is always political and the policy is laid down by politicians, not the military.

Civil Defense

The MOD with the MFA and the MOJ are close partners coordinating civilian crisis management under the direction of the MOI. There is a sophisticated national warning system that coordinates the national and the local warning systems. Public service announcements are regularly made and training and practices undertaken at irregular intervals to ensure full compliance and knowledge.

Regional and Military Alliances

Security of Neutrality. The creation of two states out of the former Otsobothnia and the conditions agreed by the former Warsaw pact allowed Otso to declare itself to be independent as the Royal Duchy of Otso and a neutral state. The neutrality status, internationally recognized, allows neighboring states to use Otso as an intermediary and buffer zone. This helps provide its security.

Elections

The political parties are elected by popular vote for a five‐year term; the Duke appoints the prime minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the majority coalition after parliamentary elections.

In the Legislative Branch, the Parliament has 121 seats. It’s members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve five‐year terms.

Suffrage. In order to be able to vote in a general election the person must be a citizen of Otso and 18 years of age on the day of the election.

The National elections have been fought over the center ground of a social liberal attitude to politics. There is little difference in the three main parties’ manifestos. The Government is formed by the two parties who are able to form a coalition. The Head of State then invites the most appropriate individual to be Prime Minister, not necessarily majority member of the coalition.

Regional elections. The last Regional and Municipal elections show that the center ground of politics is heavily contested, with the Regional elections reflecting the main economic ‐social issues.

International Relationships

Foreign Policy

Otsan foreign policy emphasizes its participation in multilateral organizations. Otso joined the United Nations in 1955. 35% of foreign trade is with the GBCC and 30% with the EU. Other large trade partners are Donovia and the Baltic States. Otso is well represented in the UN civil service in proportion to its population and belongs to several of its specialized and related agencies. Otso is a participant in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Cooperation with the Scandinavian and Gulf of Bothnia countries also is important to Otso, and it has been a member of the Nordic Council since 1955. The council serves to coordinate immigration, labor, social and cultural policies of the participating countries and has promoted increased cooperation in many fields.

In addition to the organizations already mentioned, Otso is a member of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WHO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Development Association (IDA), the Bank for International Settlements, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Inter‐ American Development Bank and the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD).

Global Politics

Since the early 1990s, Otso has expand its economic ties with the industrial societies of Europe, GBCC countries, Donovia and North America. Since the mid‐1990s Otso’s economy has become increasingly tied to the market systems of Europe. Although the relative volume of its trade with those systems remained small, significant import and export growth has still been registered.

United Nations

Otsonian policy contributes to the common good through support for UN missions. Otso is committed to a strong role for international organizations, in particular the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe. As part of its contribution to alleviating tension throughout the world, Otso has been a major contributor to UN missions. The basic premises under which Otso will participate are that there must be a clear mandate from the international community and that they will contribute to peace keeping and peace enforcement operations, but participation in peace making operations will only be contemplated under exceptional circumstances. Otso is reluctant to be a part of missions led by the EU, or NATO, but where these organizations are operating at the behest of the UN, then Otso will consider participation. From a political perspective, participation in HA and PSO operations builds Otso’s credibility with the international community and shows the Otsonian commitment to international order.

International Treaties

Otso is a signatory to the following major treaties: The UN Charter (1945), Convention on International Civil Aviation (1944), General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1947), , The fourth Geneva Convention (1949), Convention on the Territorial Sea & Contiguous Zone (1958), Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO 1967) Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (1968), Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969), Patent Cooperation Treaty (1970 – mod 2001), Ramsar Convention (1971), IPC Agreement (1971), Biological Weapons Convention (1972), London Convention (1972), Sulphur Emissions Reduction Protocol (1985), UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988), the Montreal Protocol (1989), un Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992), Treaty on Open Skies (1992), UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1994), GATT (1995), WIPO Copyright Treaty; the UN Convention on Law of the Sea, The Ottawa Convention on Landmines (1997), Chemical Weapons Convention (1997); the Kyoto Protocol (1997), Patent Law Treaty (2000).

International Organizations

UN since 1955, IMF, WB. ADB (non-regional member), AfDB (non-regional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNICEF, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNCYP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, World Bank Group, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, and the WTO.

GBCC

Gulf of Bothnia Cooperation Council (GBCC)

Otso is a member of the Gulf of Bothnia Cooperation Council (GBCC). The GBCC is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union. Member States consist of all the countries of the Gulf of Bothnia: Arnland, Bothnia, Framland, Otso, and Torrike.

Relations with the EU

Otso is a major trading partner with the EU. However, it finds the constant stream of regulations, standards and directives flowing from the EU to be a major challenge for a small country. Although Otso is under no obligation to comply, it must do so if it wishes to trade with the EU countries but it tries to follow the EU set. In effect its manufacturing, transportation and related industries are being forced to conform to rules and regulations over which it not only has no control, but for the most part, over which it does not even have a say. However, politically the EU is a counter balance to its relations with the GBCC and Donovia, enabling it to appear truly neutral and transparent.

Relations with Bothnia

At the end of WWII, Otso declared itself to be independent as the Royal Duchy of Otso, which they declared would be a neutral state along the lines of Switzerland. This proposal actually suited Bothnia, who assessed that the eastern provinces would be a drain on their resources. Additionally, a buffer between Donovia and Bothnia would give them more room for maneuver in rebuilding their state. As a result, the creation of Bothnia and Otso as independent states was part of the overall settlement of WWII.

Otso’s relations with Bothnia are surprisingly cordial given the latter’s aggressive stance on many issues. Except on matters of territorial integrity, Otso prefers to negotiate quietly and without fuss. Since Bothnia vigorously suppresses any commentator who raises the possibility of territorial ambitions on Otso, this is perhaps less surprising than it looks. The border between the two countries was delineated by an independent commission in 1948/9 and formally ratified by the two states in 1951. For the most part, the border is marked only by lines on a map and signs at crossing points – on the Otso side of the boundary; Bothnia has more a restrictive approach. The Border Polices mount regular foot, vehicle and air patrols along the border, but there have been few incidents with Bothnia. A joint Border Commission meets quarterly to investigate and resolve any issues between the two nations. While Otsonian vehicles and nationals can cross into Bothnia fairly freely, Bothnians are much more closely controlled. There are the normal courtesies between bordering nations and extensive cooperation on SAR, border and ATC.

There are two major agreements; the Transit Agreement and the Basic Treaty were negotiated between Brahea and Otavia in 1982, subsequently serving to expand and improve bilateral relations. The Transit Agreement regulates civilian passenger and goods transit between Bothnia and Otso, this was particularly important in the days of the Warsaw Pact. The agreed‐upon transportation links (road, rail, and water) will be maintained by the respective parties. In the past, the Bothnian authorities had occasionally disrupted traffic as a means of communicating dissatisfaction with one or another aspect of Otso's neutral activities. During the 1980s and 1990s, the two countries have disagreed occasionally, but both sides have, for the most part, observed the inviolability of the Transit Agreement. The Basic Treaty provided the two states with a long‐ term framework for the conduct of their diplomatic, economic, and political relations. Signed in 1983, the treaty covers a broad range of common problems, ranging from environmental issues, trade and commercial relations, rights of citizens while visiting the other country, and an agreement jointly to negotiate minor rectifications of the common border. The treaty enjoyed the full support of both governments in the 1980s, and major changes in their relationship subsequently occurred. From 1980 to 1998, trade between the two countries more than doubled. Travel between Bothnia and Otso has also grown substantially.

The normalization of relations between the two former Skolkan states manifests several inconsistencies. On the one hand, Bothnia has agreed to extensive economic and cultural contacts with Otso. On the other hand, the regime has pursued a policy of Separation, designed to encourage a feeling of separate national identity on the part of the Bothnian population.

Bothnia's original intention was to unite Otso and Bothnia but since 1971 this has been shelved and is no longer mentioned. By 2000, much of the border required limited attention and few incidents between Otso and Bothnia occurred. Illegal immigration from Bothnia to Otso was almost negligible as the Otso authorities always ensured they were returned to Bothnia under their treaty obligations.

Although there is a clear historic link between Bothnia and Otso, their views on political and economic development are very different. But their close ties mean that trade continues much as it did before although Otso has expanded towards the EU rather than the GBCC economy. Otso has focused on providing an infrastructure for economic development. On the border the Basic Treaty ensures a common and mutually beneficial maintenance of the infrastructure.

Otso shares in areas of common interest only and this is limited as they are aware that Bothnia may exploit information which may not be in Otso’s interests. Otso’s international broadcasts in Bothnia are interrupted and on occasions blocked to ensure control of information by the Bothnian government.

Relations with Framland

Otso has strong political relations with Framland. It is seen as a relatively neutral ally within the challenging Gulf of Bothnia area. They have had mutually supporting neutral political positions on many issues within the region. Both are GBCC member States and use sidebar (informal) discussions to influence the organization. They have a very transparent bi‐lateral relationship which has been regularly utilized during periods of instability in the region.

They have no military physical ties but have been regionally cooperative when assisting with natural disasters or accidents such as SAR assets assisting Framland when a ferry was in trouble in 1998. They are not strong trading partners.

There is little discussion on social regional issues with the common exception of the Sami dialogue. Other than an interest in maintaining regional stability both governments maintain a reasonable information exchange between two similar types of governmental systems.

Relations with Torrike

Otso has good relations with Torrike. In the 1980s, Torrike along with Bothnia recognized that the neutrality of Otso ensured security on its north eastern border. Trade relations are prosperous. Respect is maintained in keeping with Otso’s neutral status declaration. Otso is a GBCC member State and is able to maintain a diplomatic awareness of the main issues within the GBCC membership. Strictly maintaining its neutrality can be a challenge but is a diplomatic imperative for Otso. There is more open bilateral exchange of information at government to government level. Otso sees Torrike as the dominant Gulf of Bothnia power base and closely monitors the political rhetoric.

There are no military ties with Torrike other than defense attaches. But it is in Otso’s interests to ensure normal regional cooperation. It has been an occasional observer of exercises particularly in Bothnia and Torrike Border area, which are very close to Otso’s northern border. Otso has the closest economic ties with Torrike of all the Gulf of Bothnia countries so as to benefit from Torrike’s considerable technological knowledge. Economically it is in Otso’s interests to cooperate particularly as Torrike is seen as a gateway to the other GBCC countries.

There is very little interaction between the people of Otso and Torrike other than a constant open line on the migrations of the Sami population. This is the main driver for maintaining the common border areas ensuring that there is little reason for discontent.

Otso has an embassy in Tyr and an honorary consulate in Goteborg.

Relations with Arnland

Otso maintains good relations with Arnland ensuring that Otso trade through the Oresund is uninterrupted. Otso has on occasions supported Arnland in international relations whilst maintaining its neutral position. It has been willing to assist as a neutral arbiter on issues between Denmark and Arnland. Its overall aim is to support a functioning and stable Arnland in order to sustain regional stability and keep the trade routes open. It has been very careful to not to express any view on internal Arnland politics. Any military or civil cooperation with Arnland has been in areas of Otsonian interest only. This is usually in relation to the trading infrastructure. Trade between the countries is limited. There are no historical social ties and Otso has no historical reason to dislike the Arns.

Relations with the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania)

In direct contrast to Bothnia, Otso’s attitude to the Baltic States is open, transparent and supportive. It has a good normal political relationship on regional and International issues. The Baltics are viewed as the gateway to EU and therefore economic and political growth. There is an increasing desire to develop stronger relations and trade. In line with its neutral stance Otso has intentionally developed no military ties with any Baltic State but has engaged in neutral civil/economic regional cooperation (SAR, route clearance during winter, assisting the maritime corridor with Donovia in cooperation with Estonia). There are some strong cultural, linguistic, historical ties with the people of Estonia but this is kept at the local level and is not elevated to the governmental level, for fear of upsetting Otso’s neighbors. There are strong maritime and air inter country links to achieve trade and social goals.

In particular Otso and Estonia restored diplomatic relations on August 29, 1991. Otso's main language, Otsan, is related to Estonian, and there is and has been a certain feeling of kinship. Seventy‐six percent of Otsan have visited Estonia and in 2004, 25,000 Otsans visited Estonia. Otso has invested in Estonia. Both Otso and Estonia have free trade agreements, freeing international travel and trade between the countries. Otso has an embassy in Tallinn and an honorary consulate in Tartu.

Relations with Lithuania reflect the growing tourist and economic links as it has an embassy in Vilnius and an honorary consulate in Klaipeda.

Relations with Donovia

Encouraged by the Donovians, Otso declared itself to be independent as the Royal Duchy of Otso, which they declared would be a neutral state along the lines of Switzerland. Bothnia acquiesced to the Donovian acquisition of parts of the Otso eastern provinces. Additionally, a buffer between Donovia and their provinces would give them more room for maneuver in rebuilding their state.

In practical terms, Donovia found Otso to be a useful interlocutor between East and West and was careful to allow the state a reasonable degree of leeway in diplomatic terms. Since the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, Otso has carved a more genuinely independent role.

Relations with Donovia are peaceful. Otso imports a lot of goods and basic necessities, such as fuel, and the two nations agree on issues more than they disagree. Contemporary issues include problems with border controls causing persistent truck queues at the border, airspace violations, pollution of the Baltic Sea, and Donovian duties on exported wood to Otso's pulp and paper industry.

Donovia has an embassy in Otavia. Otso has an embassy in Moscow, a consulate‐general in Saint Petersburg, and two branches of the consulate (in Murmansk and Petrozavodsk).

Treaty of Good‐Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation

Otso is not a member

GBCC Interbank Association

Otso is not a member.

Political Entities

Political Parties

The major parties are variants on the European Social Democratic model, with the OCP being the most left leaning and the FP the furthest to the right.

• Peace Party (PP): Center‐Left
• Unity Party (UP): Centrism
• Freedom Party (FP): Center‐Right
• Otso Communist Party (OCP): Left
• Purity Party (PPY): Fiscal: Center‐Left ‐ Social: Right

Party membership in Framland has been fairly consistent except for the OCP.

Coalition. The Coalition is made up of an alliance between The UP and the FP. The opposition is composed of the PP, the OCP with the PPY maintaining an independent view.

The Unity Party (UP). The UP is a centrist and agrarian political party in Otso. It is one of the four largest political parties in the country, along with the PP, the FP and the PPY. It won 33 seats in the last parliamentary elections.The party was founded in 1926 as a movement of citizens in the Otsonian countryside. Before Otsonian independence, political power in Otso was centralized in the capital and to the estates of the realm. The centralization gave space for a new political movement. From the very beginning of its presence, the party has supported the idea of decentralization. At the dawn of Otsonian independence the party supported republicanism as opposed to a monarchy backed by conservative social forces, but this is no longer party policy. Soon the ideas of humanity, education, the spirit of the land, peasant‐like freedom, decentralization, "the issue of poor people", progressivism, and later the "green wave" became the main political phrases used to describe the ideology of the party. It continues to espouse the centrist tradition to defend equal political and economic rights of peripheries.

Alliances: The UP has been the ruling party in Otso a number of times since the Otsonian independence. Its main coalition partner is the FP but it has been allied with the PP on two occasions in Government, but these were very short term, no longer than two years.

The Freedom Party (FP). The FP is a liberal conservative political party in Otso founded in 1928. The FP is one of the four largest parties in Otso, along with the PP, the UP and the PPY. The party bases its politics on "individual freedom and responsibility, equality, Western democracy and economic system, humane principles and caring." The FP has been in the Cabinet for long periods of time, and is present in the current cabinet, and has set many fundamental policies of the Otsonian state. It won 32 seats in the last parliamentary elections.

Alliances: The FP has been the ruling party in Otso a number of times since the Otsonian independence. Its main coalition party is the UP.

The Peace Party (PP). The PP is one of the major political parties in Otso, along with the UP and the FP. PP's social‐democratic policies are generally more moderate than those of the parliament's other left-leaning party, the Communists. PP aims to group together people in order to achieve social-democratic goals: a society in which "freedom, equality, solidarity and co‐operation thrives in a peaceful and clean environment". The PP is a member of the Socialist International and Party of European Socialists. The PP has a close relationship with the Central Organization of Otsonian Trade Unions. It won 35 seats in the last parliamentary elections. It failed to form a Government and is in opposition.

Alliances: The Peace Party has been in Government a number of times since the Otsonian independence. Its main coalition party is the UP.

The Purity Party (PPY). PPY is a populist and nationalist political party in Otso, founded in 1995 following the dissolution of the Otsonian Rural Party. It won three seats in the last parliamentary elections.

Alliances: Both the UP and FP has been able to gain support from the PPY in Parliament.

The Otso Communist Party (OCP). OCP's social‐democratic policies are generally more extreme than those of the parliament's other left‐leaning party, the PP. OCP aims to group together people in order to achieve social-democratic goals: a society in which "freedom, equality, solidarity and co‐operation thrives in a peaceful and clean environment". The OCP is a member of the Socialist International and Party of European Communists. The OCP has a close relationship with the Central Organization of Otsonian Trade Unions. It won seven seats in the last parliamentary elections. It has constantly failed to form any alliance with the PP.

The Communist Party was illegal in Otso until 1944. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to ideological conflicts within the party, and bitter internal disputes plagued the party. Bad investments resulted in financial bankruptcy in 1992. The OCP's main rival for domination of the political left was the Peace Party. The competition was very bitter in trade unions and other leftist organizations. The Communists gradually lost ground and were weakened by internal disputes. The OCP never recovered. In 1985, hundreds of party organizations with thousands of members were expelled. They regrouped as Communist Party of Otso (Unity) which later evolved into the current Otso Communist Party. It has been unable to regain the former Communist Party's parliamentary representation.

Alliances: It has a close association with the Socialist Party of Bothnia.

Other Political Entities

Minority Seats

The Otso Parliament allocates 11 permanent seats to the indigenous groups of Otso. This was in recognition of the need for minority views to be discussed in the State Legislature. Minority groups vote in their own representatives. The elected members have full membership and powers of an elected Member of Parliament. Historically, they have determined the future of many coalitions and are therefore very influential.

Pressure and Interest Groups

The main pressure and interest groups are the Confederation of Otsonian Industries (Employers), the Central Organization of Otsonian Trade Unions (Employees), Otsonian Confederation of Salaried Employees and the Confederation of Unions for Academic Professionals in Otso.

Political Elite

The political elite are an informal mixture of government representatives, including politicians and civil administrators from the regional level.

National Arctic Strategy

Otso is an Arctic state with roughly a third of the country above the Arctic Circle. Therefore Arctic affairs are a top priority in Otso’s foreign policy. Otso’s Arctic policy is based on  active participation in international organizations and cooperation regarding the Polar region. The foundation of the country’s strategy has been to contribute to regional stability through the application of a firm and fair policy of neutrality which includes the Arctic. However, there are historic treaties that exist between Otso and Donovia which essentially state that Otso will not join any alliance against Donovia or to allow any other power to use its territory as a base for attacks on Donovia. Otso views Donovia as a key state in Arctic regional stability. Access to Donovia’s ports and infrastructure are seen as essential to establishing routine trade routes and operations in the Arctic region. However, Otso continues to focus on taking a firm and fair policy of neutrality and actively seeks cooperation with neighboring countries. Otso’s National Arctic Strategy is based on five key tenets: 

1. International Cooperation, Law and Trade. Otso desires to continue support for Arctic organizations like the Arctic Council that consolidate regional issues and encourage international cooperation. Otso wishes to further trade, cooperation on commerce, education and services in the Arctic region. Otso promotes the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and international human rights treaties.
2. Sustainable Development Goals. Otso’s primary stance is to put environmental protection and conservation above any economic development of it’s Arctic region. The Arctic is a vast global resource which must be understood and safeguarded. Otso believes that any development, by any nation should be sustainable, specifically fisheries and mining industries.  
3. Navigational Improvements. Otso wishes to lead and cooperate with Arctic nations on improved technological developments which make navigating the Arctic safer and more accurate. Otso desires to work towards safer Arctic transit by sea and air, including improved and shared satellite navigational systems.
4. Undestanding and Countering Climate Change. The Otsonian scientific community is focused on understating climate change, reducing fossil fuels, and improving access to renewable energy sources.  It is the hope of the Otsonian government that this will ensure a smooth energy transistion in the region.
5. The Welfare of the Otsonian Arctic Peoples. Otso desires to create a future framework of non-profit foundations that will contribute to a National Arctic Cultural Center that will focus solely on the welfare of the Otsonian Arctic indigenous tribes. 

Arctic International Organizations

• Arctic Council
• Barent Euro-Arctic Council
• The Standing Committee of the Parliamentarians of the
• Arctic Region
• International Seabed Authority (ISA)
• International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)
• International Maritime Organization (IMO) 
• Nordic Council