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== Discussion of the OEs in the DATE ==
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<!-- Introduction and Discussion of the OEs in the DATE -->[[File:DATE-Pacific Map 202101.png|thumb|1000x1000px|DATE-Pacific Region]]
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Over 200,000 square miles comprise the Caucasus, a mountainous region located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The Caucasus includes Atropia, Limaria, and Gorgas, as well as parts of Ariana, Donovia, and Kalaria. The Caucasus Mountains, consisting of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus ranges, traditionally form the separation between Europe and Asia. The Caucasus region contains two major parts—the North Caucasus and the South Caucasus—that are divided by the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The North Caucasus region is contained entirely within Donovia, while the South Caucasus contains Gorgas, Limaria, Atropia, and parts of Ariana and Kalaria. The Caspian Sea holds large oil and natural gas reserves, potentially as large as those in Saudi Arabia, which contribute to the region’s geostrategic importance.
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The purpose of the '''Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE)-Pacific''' is to provide the US Army training community with a detailed description of the conditions of five composite operational environments (OEs) in the Pacific region. It presents trainers with a tool to assist in the construction of scenarios for specific training events but does not provide a complete scenario. DATE-Pacific offers discussions of OE conditions through the political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time (PMESII-PT) variables. This DATE applies to all US Army units (Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve) and partner nations that participate in DATE-compliant Army or joint training exercises.<ref>The DATE countries listed below are fictionalized territories at the national and first-order administrative levels (i.e. province or county depending on the country). Lower order boundaries such as city wards and municipalities, and physical features such as mountains, rivers, and deserts, have retained their actual names. In many cases literature and media sources will use more than one name for a feature, and may spell them in different ways. As practicable, DATE will follow the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's guidance contained in the [http://geonames.nga.mil/gns/html/ Geonet Names Server] (GNS), "the official repository of standard spellings of all foreign geographic names sanctioned by the United States Board on Geographic Names (US BGN)". However, the reader should be cautioned that reference texts and maps may use these other variants. These common variants are also listed in the GNS.</ref>
  
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The region has a long history of warfare; ethnic and religious factionalism; and general political, military, and civilian unrest. In addition to these internal regional divisions, outside actors like the US, the European Union (EU), China, and Middle East nations have increasing strategic interests in the region. The Caucasus thus represents a flashpoint where highly localized conflict can spill over into widespread unrest or general war.
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The operational environment of DATE-Pacific is a complex and multi-layered set of conditions. From the economic and military hegemony of [[Olvana]], to the persistent tensions between [[North Torbia|North]] and [[South Torbia]], to the developing nations of [[Belesia]] and [[Gabal]], many different potential conflicts may arise. The region has a long history of instability and conflict; ethnic and religious factionalism; and general political, military, and civilian unrest. In addition to these internal regional divisions, outside actors have increasing strategic interests in the region. DATE-Pacific thus represents a flashpoint where highly localized conflict can spill over into widespread unrest or general war.
  
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=== '''Ariana''' ===
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''(See also [[Using the DATE]] and [[TC 7-101 Exercise Design]]).''
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Ariana, the area’s second-largest and second-strongest nation militarily, possesses massive oil and gas reserves in its southwest region along the Persian Gulf. This area and the Strait of Hormuz comprise key terrain assets for the country. Ariana’s government is aggressive, capable, revolutionary, and intent on spreading its vision of Islamic governance and the establishment of a new Arianian hegemony throughout the region. Ariana mobilizes target populations through politicization of Islam to accomplish its long-term goals.
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=== '''Atropia''' ===
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==Discussion of the OEs within the DATE-Pacific Operational Environment==
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Atropia is vulnerable because of its natural resources and as a result of conflicts over the Lower Janga region. Atropia possesses significant oil and gas reserves in both the northeast and the Caspian Sea. Further, the '''''Trans-Caucasus petroleum (TC-P) pipeline''''', one of the most critical infrastructure components in the region, originates near its capital city. These rich natural resources generate potential threats from external forces.
 
  
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Limaria currently occupies Atropia’s Lower Janga region, an area fought over by Atropia  and Limaria for over a quarter of a century. At present, over 95% of the Lower Janga region population belongs to the Limarian ethnic group. Refugees displaced from the Lower Janga dispute amount to over one million people. An estimated 400,000 Atropian Limarians and 30,000 Lower Janga Limarians fled to Limaria or Donovia to avoid the conflict. An estimated 800,000 Atropians from Limaria or Lower Janga sought refuge in Atropia. Various other ethnic groups in Lower Janga also evacuated to refugee camps in Atropia or Ariana. All efforts to settle the dispute since 1997 have failed. Ariana contains a large internal Atropian ethnic minority and disagrees with Atropia over the delineation of Caspian Sea oil and gas fields. Atropia, a majority Shia nation, resists Arianian- sponsored attempts to politicize Islam within Atropia.
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===Belesia===
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{{Main article|Belesia}}
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The Federated States of Belesia is a relatively new democracy in the region. The turbulence of its independence from colonial rule continues to create stability challenges throughout its many member-islands. Political turmoil, popular unrest, and widespread terrorism combine to create a volatile environment for this young federation. One of the few stabilizing factors is the farily recent development of economic opportunities and trade. Despite progress in this area, sufficient infrastructure and business processes have yet to be developed, hampering further Belesian progress. The most significant development of the Belesian Federation Defense Force is the formalization and aggregation of member islands’ inconsistent security efforts. This standardization and professionalism is most evident in the establishment of a national constabulary and a national guard. Maintaining a balance between enforcing nationhood and preserving a degree of local autonomy has been the major challenge to national policy implementation and military stationing efforts.
  
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=== '''Donovia''' ===
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===Gabal===
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Donovia is a resurgent nation that, prior to the early 1990s, was the region’s dominant political, economic, military, and social player. Internal turmoil lessened Donovia’s influence  during the period from the 1990s to around 2000. Now, riding a wave of higher oil prices, a reinvigorated Donovia seeks to rebuild its prior levels of regional and international influence through a combination of assertive diplomacy and military power. However, the desire for independence among the other states in the region creates friction between them. Ultimately, Donovia’s neighbors wish to accommodate Donovian power without jeopardizing their core equities.
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{{Main article|Gabal}}
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The Republic of Gabal is a relatively new democracy, having emerged from joint rule by two Western European countries in 1977. Gabal faces numerous political, social, and economic challenges that have undercut the effectiveness and legitimacy of its government since independence was declared. Tribal politics run deep within the government and the country is deeply federalized among tribal lines. Issues associated with climate change, however, have largely united the country in recent years, as Gabal, along with many other small island nations, seek to influence global climate change politics. The Republic of Gabal’s military serves more as a symbol of the country’s independence from its neighbors than it serves as any true fighting force. Due to its small size, the Gabal military possesses little offensive capabilities and is no threat to any of its neighboring countries. The Gabal military also lacks the ability to defend itself against any major external threat. The military’s main purpose is the prevention of illegal fishing activities in the country’s territorial waters.  
  
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=== '''Gorgas''' ===
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===North Torbia===
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Gorgas, like Atropia, is a small yet fiercely independent state in a fragile and dangerous area, but without Atropia’s hydrocarbon assets. The country’s primary strength is geographical—its Black Sea ports and land border with Kalaria make it a logical pipeline route and regional outlet to the outside world. Gorgas remains among the smallest and least economically developed nations in the region. It currently exists in a state of “frozen conflict” with Donovia over Donovian attempts to block Gorgas from NATO and EU membership, as well as Donovian support for Zabzimek and South Ostremek— two breakaway regions formerly part of Gorgas.
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{{Main article|North Torbia}}
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The Democratic People's Republic of Torbia (DPRT), also called North Torbia, is one of the most militarized countries in the world, with more than half a million active duty military personnel and over two million reservists. North Torbia’s military spending is around 20% of its GDP, and about one-quarter of all adults serve in some military capacity. North Torbia is a single-party, despotic state that occupies the northern half of the Island of Luzon. It is self-described as a “self-reliant socialist republic”, but its structure is deeply totalitarian, wholly reliant on a cult-of personality and militarism for survival. DPRT's stated mission is the unification of all of Torbia, but only under the control of the Song family whose family has ran the country since its founding.
  
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The breakaway territory Zabzimek is located in northwest Gorgas and borders Donovia. Currently, a ceasefire and line of separation exist between Gorgas and Zabzimek, but the Zabzimek militia poses a threat to the port of Poti and lines of communication from the Black Sea to the Gorgan capital city of Tbilisi. Zabzimek achieved de facto independence after the conflict with Gorgas in 1992, but only Donovia and Nicaragua recognize the country internationally. Strong criminal elements operate in Zabzimek.
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===Olvana===
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{{Main article|Olvana}}
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Since the People’s Republic of Olvana is the largest country in the region in terms of size and population and with an intent to serve as the regional hegemon, Olvana maintains the largest military in the Pacific. The Olvana People’s Army (OPA) is composed of not only a land force, as the Olvana People’s Navy (OPN) and Olvana People’s Air Force (OPAF) are subordinate to the OPA. The OPN is expanding has been expanding its capability over the last decade with the completed construction of its first two carriers with two more under construction. The OPA has also increased its amphibious capabilities. Both increases in capability provide Olvana with the capability to project its military power to anywhere in the region. Olvana attempts to influence the region by the deployment of advisors to various countries and the sale of military weapons to their allies. Today, the Olvanan Communist Party seeks to change some traditions while preserving others, such as the family structure and culture of obedience to the state as being integral to society.  
  
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South Ostremek, in north-central Gorgas, also wants independence from Gorgas. Like Zabzimek, South Ostremek achieved ''de facto'' independence after the 2008 Donovia-Gorgas War, but only Donovia and Nicaragua recognize the new country internationally. South Ostremek wants to reunite with North Ostremek, a Donovian province. Currently, a ceasefire remains in effect between Gorgas and South Ostremek, primarily monitored by Donovian peacekeepers.
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===South Torbia===
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{{Main article|South Torbia}}
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The Republic of Torbia, also called South Torbia, is a constitutional republic that occupies most of the south half of the island of Luzon. After centuries of foreign occupation and despotic rule, South Torbia emerged in the late 20th century as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and today is one of the world’s wealthiest, most stable, and most militarily powerful nations. However, a massive corruption scandal that included the president has recently rocked the South Torbian government to its core, creating many questions about the stability and viability of the current republic. The South Torbian military is primarily a defensive force aimed at stopping the Democratic People’s Republic of Torbia from taking over the entire country. Many years ago, due to the fear of North Torbia, South Torbia adopted a universal military service of short duration for all its male citizens. After leaving active duty, the military veterans serve in an active or inactive reserve role as a deterrence against external threats to the country’s independence.  
  
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=== '''Limaria''' ===
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==Strategic Positioning==
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Limaria, a small and poor country, neighbors Atropia, Ariana, Gorgas, and Kalaria and also occupies the Lower Janga region. Limaria currently enjoys a strong economic and military relationship with Donovia and a good economic relationship with Ariana. Tensions still exist with Atropia over the disputed Lower Janga region, an Atropian province that is currently occupied by ethnic Limarians. Additionally, Ariana’s and Limaria’s improved trade relations have created tension with the US. Limaria will attempt to maintain relations with all the Caucasus powers due to its precarious economic development and isolated geopolitical position
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Relations among the nations in this region are a tense game of power. As [[Donovia]]'s strategic influence has shifted to [[Europe]] and the [[Caucasus]] regions, [[Olvana]] has aggressively sought to press its will on the region. Similarly, nations such as [[South Torbia]], [[Gabal]], and [[Belesia]] view the shift as an opportunity to grow their influence and develop economic ties both in the region and with external partners. Control of critical mineral and fishing resources, manufacturing, and unfettered transport of goods in the region's shipping lanes is a key point of tension for all. Within the states of the region, groups that had previously seen no opportunity for influence view the instability as a path to develop their voices. Internal conflict is a persistent and potentially destabilizing factor as governments position for legitimacy and consolidate their power. Whether expanding influence or building new power bases, the region will continue to be a driver of worldwide tensions and increasing volatility.
  
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== Regional PMESII-PT Overview ==
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===Regional Views of the US===
 +
The U.S. has many competing interests in the region, ranging from economic stability and trade to geopolitical influence. The U.S. sees Olvana as both partner and rival. The two economies are intertwined and depend on each other. Olvana's main strategic challenge is that the U.S. controls the seas. Geography means Olvana’s imports and exports must traverse coastal bottlenecks in and among the other nations of the region that either that nation or the U.S. could easily close. Maintaining trade and international shipping through the region, as well as developing new relationships with the emerging economies is vital to ensuring economic growth and continued participation in the region's development.
  
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=== '''Political''' ===
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The United States’ support of anti-terrorism efforts in the region is expected to tamp-down past criticisms of the South Torbian and Belesian governments and lead to renewed cooperation between them despite a wary Olvana. The ongoing political positioning and economic battles waged between the U.S. and the constantly shifting, multi-faceted regional interrelationships will be both a source of opportunity and conflict.
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Since the region’s distancing from Donovian influence, political divisions within the Caucasus have hardened to create deep animosity between some of the countries. A long history of conflict has created borders that are often illogical, with contested boundaries that divide ethnic groups, rupture trade and communication routes, and split previous economic and political interdependencies. Internal and external forces destabilize the relatively weak Caucasus governmental structures make the governments subject to potential breakdown. Ariana and Atropia put up the front of a democracy with elected officials—Ariana with its legislature and Atropia with attempts to follow the Kalarian secular-Muslim model; but in reality, power belongs to a small elite group. In Ariana, the clerical authority roots out serious dissent and liquidates any opposition. In Atropia, a ruling family dominates all political life. Gorgas wants to sever its former ties with Donovia as it courts membership in NATO and the EU. Limaria retains its ties with Donovia but would not hesitate to turn to other countries if such an alliance would ensure its survival.
 
  
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Despite some advances in the creation of parliamentary and electoral mechanisms, enactment of limited liberal legislation, and the development of new leaders, the legitimacy of the region’s governments remains limited. These governments often resort to authoritarian methods to retain control of the state: manipulating elections, stifling opposition, clamping down on dissidents, violating political freedoms, and abusing human rights. As a result, long-term political, economic, and social stability prospects remain uncertain. Oil and natural gas resources draw outside powers  to the Caucasus, but the region’s history of outside interference and ethnic conflict makes its nations wary and prone to vendettas and grudges, whether in the countries’ best interests or not.
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== Regional PMESII-PT Overview ==
  
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Contributing to the inter-regional strife are the various political ideals and goals espoused by each individual nation:
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=== Political ===
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* Ariana is a true theocracy, with every significant political action affected by the clerical class. A brutally efficient military ensures the continuation of the current power structure, while a sham representative government appeases or distracts Western interests.
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The governments in DATE-Pacific tend to fall on opposite ends of the spectrum. Both South Torbia and Gabal are liberal democracies, though not without issues—the former has recently experienced a major political scandal, while the latter is only a few decades old and tribal in nature. Belesia is also a newer democracy that has to continually fight against the autocratic tendencies of its political classes. Both Olvana and North Torbia are one-party autocratic governments that seek to both control their populations and influence their neighbors—the first for hegemonic purposes and the second for regime survival. With economies that are intertwined, the Pacific countries’ political dance is complex and multifaceted, and it is easy for one country to step on the political “toes” of another—either accidentally or intentionally.
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|+Regional Political Comparison
 +
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
|<!-- Belesia -->
 +
*Relatively new democracy
 +
*Political instability still a problem
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*Government varies between autocratic/brutal and ineffective
 +
*Foreign policy mainly limited to enhancing trade
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*High terrorist activity
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*Former colony
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|<!-- Gabal -->
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*Liberal democracy
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*Influenced by tribal traditions
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*Foreign policy focused on regional diplomacy
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*Tenuous bilateral security agreement with South Torbia
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|<!-- North Torbia -->
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*One-party, autocratic system
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*No meaningful political opposition
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*State exists to support/protect the regime
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*Highly centralized
 +
*Foreign policy inconsistent; mainly intended to reinforce the ruling party's authority
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|<!-- Olvana -->
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*One-party, autocratic system
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*Major international political force
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*Foreign policy ranges from diplomatic to bellicose
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*Internal frictions, increasing efforts against threats to ruling party
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*Regional hegemon, reaching into African countries
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|<!-- South Torbia -->
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*Liberal democracy
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*Significant international political influence
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*Varied political spectrum
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*Participant in multiple international treaties and defense cooperation agreements 
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*Complex relationship with North Torbia
 +
|}
  
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* Atropia is a classic dictatorship and uses a dynastic approach to governance. Every national success or failure reflects directly on the ruling family.
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===Military===
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Military forces in the region vary greatly in both size and purpose. Gabal, as the smallest country in terms of both size and population, has an equally small defensive military that is focused on the prevention of illegal fishing in its waters. Belesia also has limited military capability with old (tier 3) equipment and poor training, but the country does have some offensive capability and is working to improve both manpower and equipment. North Torbia’s tier 3 (with some better equipment in niche areas) military is offensive in nature and very large in comparison to its population. The country’s primary goals are self-preservation through the elimination of both internal and external threats, and reunification with South Torbia—by force, if necessary. In response, South Torbia has fashioned its modernized (tier 2) military as primarily defensive, though the country’s use of armed forces in its fight against internal threats—insurgent groups and criminal enterprises—is decidedly offensive in nature. Olvana fields a large,modern offensive military (tier 1–2) that is focused on both self-defense (internal and external) and regional power projection, with the goal of gaining an equal footing with the United States and Donovia.
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|+Regional Military Comparison
 +
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
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|- valign="top"
 +
|<!-- Belesia -->
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*Tier 3 (2/4), inefficient
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*Developing capabilities and doctrine, training 
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*Can project limited power
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|<!-- Gabal -->
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*Police/constabulary
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*No power projection
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*Bilateral security agreement with South Torbia
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|<!-- North Torbia -->
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*Oversized, Tier 3 with some niche equipment of higher quality       
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*Developing long-range missile systems for high-yield munitions
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*No WMD treaties
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|<!-- Olvana -->
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*Large, Tier 2/1
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*Aggressively modernizing
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*Active nuclear program
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|<!-- South Torbia -->
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*Tier 2 (+), modernized
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*Mostly self-defense, but can project power
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*Western military affiliations
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|}
  
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* Donovia is an authoritarian state led by a small, incestuous elite. This group uses state power and resources to enrich itself and secure both domestic and international political support. The Donovian elite wants to return Donovia to a co-equal place with the Great Powers of the world.
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===Economic===
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The economic conditions in the five countries cover a wide spectrum, ranging from strong capitalistic market systems to oppressive state-controlled ones. Despite their vast differences, the countries’ economies are heavily intertwined. Gabal relies on South Torbia for economic aid while it tries to find its feet after exhausting its natural resources. North Torbia’s command economy is mostly cut off from the rest of the world, but it still trades heavily with Olvana and, to a lesser extent, Belesia. South Torbia’s modern capitalistic economy also relies on trade with Olvana, whose mixed command/free market system is used by its government to buy influence with other nations through a carrot-and-stick approach. Belesia is attempting to diversify its emerging agrarian-based economy via manufacturing and trade with its neighbors, but a lack of high-skilled employment opportunities continues to be an issue. Any major change to just one of the regional economies will have significant ripple effects on those of the others.
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
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|+Regional Economics Comparison
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!Belesia
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!Gabal
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!North Torbia
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!Olvana
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!South Torbia
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|- valign="top"
 +
|<!-- Belesia -->
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*Emerging mixed-market economy
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*Agricultural/industrial split
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*Developing international trade
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|<!-- Gabal -->
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*Service-oriented economy
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*Import dependent
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*Limited natural resources
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|<!-- North Torbia -->
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*Closed, command-directed Communism
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*Plagued by inefficiencies
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*Constrained by economic sanctions
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|<!-- Olvana -->
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*Mixed-market Socialism
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*Export-heavy manufacturing sector
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*Burgeoning domestic demand
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|<!-- South Torbia -->
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*Developed mixed-market Capitalism
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*Numerous trade agreements
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*Industrial sector shifting to services
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|}
  
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* Gorgas is a political oddity in the region as an emerging representative democracy. In a region driven by group politics and ethnic nationalism, Gorgas is trying to make a democracy work and stands to lose much if let down by Western interests.
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===Social===
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The countries in the region present a mix of social influences. Three of the countries have a large number of diverse ethnicities—of which a specific one may or may not make up a majority of the population—and multiple languages and dialects. North and South Torbia fall on the other end of the spectrum, with a nearly homogeneous population in terms of ethnicity and language. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are the most common faiths; though indigenous religions are present, only a small minority of the populations follows them. While large youth bulges and continued high birth rates are common in Belesia and Gabal, the opposite is true in Olvana and South Torbia. North Torbia falls between the two, primarily due to high disease levels decreasing the population by default. Education is highly valued in all countries as a way for individuals to improve their socioeconomic situations. Crime and terrorism reflect the diversity and political freedom of the country in question: the more diverse and free, the greater the level of criminal and/or terrorist activity.
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
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|+Regional Social Comparison
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!Belesia
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!Gabal
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!North Torbia
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!Olvana
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!South Torbia
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
|<!-- Belesia -->
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*~87% Muslim, 10% Christian, 3% Buddhist
 +
*Literacy rate: 95%
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*90% access to water, 75% access to sanitation
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*High risk of infectious disease
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*Local language and English are official   
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*25-30% unemployment
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*Dense population
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*Multi-active
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|<!-- Gabal -->
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*Majority Protestant (~68%), 24% Roman Catholic, 5% Buddhist
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*64% literacy rate
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*Small
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*Over 90% have access to clean water, but only 60% have access to modern sanitation
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*Over 90 local languages, English is official
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*Seasonally affected high unemployment
 +
*Multi-active
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|<!-- North Torbia -->
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*Ethnically homogenous (99.8% Torbian)
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*No religious freedom
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*High literacy, near 100% claimed
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*80%+ have access to clean water and sanitation
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*Torbian is almost universal language
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*Low official unemployment (<5%)
 +
*Dense population clusters
 +
*Linear-active/Reactive
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|<!-- Olvana -->
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*34% Hindu; 32% Olvan Folk Religion; 25.2% Unaffiliated; 2.5% Islam (mostly in the west); small pockets of other religions
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*Literacy 96% (higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas)
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*90%+ potable water access, sanitation access highly dependent on urban/rural environment
 +
*High HIV/AIDS rates
 +
*1000s of dialects
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*5% unemployment, much higher in rural areas
 +
*Most populous country, mostly dense
 +
*Multi-active/Reactive
 +
|<!-- South Torbia -->
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*~57% Christian (42% Roman Catholic); ~8% Buddhist; ~6% Islam; 25% not affiliated
 +
*High literacy, near 100%
 +
*100% access to water and sanitation
 +
*Torbian is primary language, but English is common in business
 +
*Low unemployment (<5%)
 +
*Extremely dense urban terrain
 +
*Reactive
 +
|}
  
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* Limaria is an autocracy. Limaria’s key political goal is the survival and advancement of the Limarian ethnicity. Any argument for action between Limarians can be won by the side offering better protection for the local and Diaspora population.
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===Information===
 +
The countries all recognize the importance and influence of media and its control. Approaches range from low-level to modern technical capabilities and from extremely loose to tight governmental control. Olvana and North Torbia practice strong control over public communications media in an attempt to control their populations, while South Torbia and Gabal do the opposite; Belesia maintains some media control, but the government has started relaxing restrictions in recent years. The population rapidly adopts new means of information-sharing using modern technology, unless the government intervenes in an attempt to control information flow.
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Information warfare (INFOWAR) capabilities run the gamut—from Gabal’s basic attempts to portray the country in a positive light to Olvana’s full range of capabilities. INFOWAR is usually directed externally in the region, with countries focusing on their regional opponents in an effort to gain an advantage, no matter how minor. North Torbia is an exception to this rule, as it focuses equally on internal and external targets.
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Intelligence capabilities are as varied as the region’s countries. Gabal has minimal collection capabilities and relies on either open-source intelligence or support from friendly countries. Belesia’s capabilities are greater, and focused on electronic warfare and cyber security. The remaining countries have large and sophisticated intelligence programs. As with INFOWAR, these are primarily focused on regional opponents except for North Torbia, which also uses its capabilities against its own populace.
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|+Regional Information Environment Comparison
 +
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
|<!-- Belesia -->
 +
*Decreasing government info control
 +
*Improving telecom architecture
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*EW & cyber security
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|<!-- Gabal -->
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*Limited telecom - satellites
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|<!-- North Torbia -->
 +
*Severely restrictive
 +
*Underdeveloped telecom
 +
*Large INFOWAR capability
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|<!-- Olvana -->
 +
*Diversified telecom system
 +
*Restrictive media
 +
*Robust INFOWAR
 +
*Robust space program - manufacturing & capabilities
 +
|<!-- South Torbia -->
 +
*High level of freedom of communications, socially regulated/loyalty to nation
 +
*Abundant/modern telecom
 +
*Growing INFOWAR
 +
|}
  
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=== '''Military''' ===
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===Infrastructure===
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Because of ties to Donovia, most Caucasus countries use primarily Donovian-sourced military doctrine and equipment. Some of the countries, however, recently purchased Western hardware, and their interactions with NATO forces in operations around the world caused them to adopt more Western doctrine and technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced anti-armor capabilities.
+
The region displays a great mix of infrastructure levels throughout the countries, from old and dilapidated to modern and robust. Around half of the populace resides in cities; the notable exceptions are South Torbia, where nine out of ten residents live in an urban environment, and the eastern portion of Olvana. As is common worldwide, utilities and transportation are both more modern and more prevalent/available in urban than rural areas. Power generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, though hydropower and geothermal are also used. All countries have mass transit, airports, and seaports, though condition and usage varies. The easiest and most common method of international travel in the region is by water, mainly due to abundant sea access and the relatively high cost of airfare. South Torbia and Olvana display the most modern and capable infrastructure, while North Torbia falls at the opposite end of the spectrum. Belesia and Gabal are attempting to expand and improve their infrastructure systems, but are limited by lack of available funds.
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|+Regional Infrastructure Comparison
 +
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
|<!-- Belesia -->
 +
*Coal & natural gas energy
 +
*Limited power in rural
 +
*Updating roads
 +
*Two megacities
 +
*Seaports - 11 major ports, 25 minor ports
 +
|<!-- Gabal -->
 +
*Oil energy
 +
*Few small paved roads
 +
*Few highways
 +
*Limited airfields
 +
*Seaports - 2 ports
 +
|| <!-- North Torbia -->
 +
*Coal depenedent
 +
*Many roads, only 15% paved-the rest gravel or dirt
 +
*Aging rail w/ 2 gauges
 +
*Widespread subterranean development
 +
*Seaports - 1 major port, 1 minor port
 +
|<!-- Olvana -->
 +
*Heavy reliance on coal for power generation, with resulting severe air pollution
 +
*Vast power, water, and transportation networks
 +
*Nearly universal distribution of utilities
 +
*Infrastructure not keeping pace with economic development
 +
*Numerous megacities
 +
*Seaports - 33 major, over 2000 minor ports
 +
|<!-- South Torbia -->
 +
*Vast geothermal energy
 +
*Modern air & roads
 +
*One extremely dense megacity
 +
*Seaports - 4 major ports, 2 minor ports
 +
|}
  
−
Several factors threaten security and stability throughout the Caucasus region. For the most part, the region has no functional border guard units, so the borders remain quite porous. Secessionist conflicts, limited political and economic reforms, and increased social problems provide a fertile ground for germination of radical groups, infiltration of foreign Islamic networks, and formation of militant organizations. Overall, unresolved territorial conflicts pose the most dangerous and immediate threat to the region’s security.
+
===Physical Environment===
 +
Four of the five countries in DATE-Pacific lie in an archipelago bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. While Gabal, North Torbia, and South Torbia lie entirely within this island group, Belesia also possesses the northernmost part of the island of Borneo, which lies to the southwest. The islands are mountainous in nature, with interspersed lowland valleys and low coastal plains on the larger islands. Mountain ranges are heavily forested, while valleys are typically fertile and comprise most of the subregion’s arable land. Vegetation and climate are tropical in nature. Major geographic features include peninsulas, volcanoes—both active and inactive—and both surface and subsurface caves. Though common, rivers are not long and are only navigable for short distances, if at all. The most important bodies of water are the seas, which provide both sustenance and a means of transportation. Multiple natural hazards exist, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, forest fires, land and mudslides, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.
 +
The fifth country, Olvana, lies in the eastern portion of the Asian continent and borders the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea from north to south. Its terrain contains a mix of mountains, basins, plateaus, and plains, with the only major difference between north and south is that the northern part has highlands, while the south has river deltas. The terrain in the west is extremely mountainous, progressing into basins, plateaus and plains as one progresses eastward. The eastern coast is a mix of plains and urban terrain, with some mountains in the southeast. The fertile Yangtze River Valley starts in the center of the country and flows east to East China Sea. Both vegetation and climate vary greatly, based on location and elevation, and arable land is relatively scarce. Natural hazards include typhoons, flash floods, land and mudslides, earthquakes, droughts and tsunamis.
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|+Regional Physical Environment Comparison
 +
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
|<!-- Belesia -->
 +
*Many islands
 +
*Large crops
 +
|| <!-- Gabal -->
 +
*2 main islands; others relatively small
 +
*Minimal crops
 +
*Concern over rising sea levels
 +
|<!-- North Torbia -->
 +
*Medium-sized
 +
*Large crops
 +
|<!-- Olvana -->
 +
*Huge land mass
 +
*Somewhat inefficient crop output
 +
|<!-- South Torbia -->
 +
*Medium-sized
 +
*Medium crops
 +
|}
  
−
Ariana maintains the second-largest military of the five Caucasus countries—behind Donovia. Militarily, it is a dominant actor within the region, capable of conducting military action across the spectrum of operations. The Arianian military conducts overt, covert, and clandestine operations  with ripple effects across the region. Reporting also suggests ties between elements of Ariana’s military to criminal and terror groups within the region, which further extends the potential for a global threat. Ariana has generally antagonistic relations with Atropia and maintains good ties with Limaria. Ariana is focused on keeping Western influence out of the region and maintaining its current status and self-perceived logical role as a regional strongman. Reports indicate that Ariana possesses nuclear weapons, with three nuclear sites identified at Qom, Isfahan, and Natanz.
+
===Time===
 +
All DATE-Pacific countries use the Gregorian calendar. Belesia, Gabal, and South Torbia are in time zone GMT +8.0, Olvana is an hour different at GMT +7.0, and North Torbia sets its clocks at GMT +8.5. None of the regional countries observe Daylight Savings Time (DST). Approaches to time vary throughout the region. Gabal and Belesia have a relaxed approach to time and people often work on several tasks simultaneously; doing things “in order” is a foreign concept. South Torbians follow a cyclic approach to time, believing that all opportunities, like the sun, will set and then rise again later on. However, this is not taken as an invitation to slowness or laziness, as their concept of harmony requires an ultra-politeness that extends to strict observation of timetables. The Olvanans are very conscious of time and live by the adage, “He who arrives on time is already late.” North Torbians follow an exacting view of time and are neither early nor late, with the added impetus of extremely negative consequences if one should be tardy.
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
 +
|+Regional Time Perceptions Comparison
 +
!Belesia
 +
!Gabal
 +
!North Torbia
 +
!Olvana
 +
!South Torbia
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
|<!-- Belesia -->
 +
*Traditionally polychronic; shifting to monochronic
 +
|<!-- Gabal -->
 +
*Relaxed attitude to time
 +
*Polychronic
 +
|<!-- North Torbia -->
 +
*Strictly enforced
 +
*Monochronic
 +
|<!-- Olvana -->
 +
*Monochronic
 +
|<!-- South Torbia -->
 +
*Reactive, grounded in history
 +
*Cyclic
 +
|}
  
−
Atropia’s military forces consist of a small army, navy, and air force that have limited offensive capability, with doctrine and structure that reflect decades of Donovian influence. Due to the military’s small size, Atropia restricts its scope to defending the country’s borders and regional operations, mostly directed at Limaria. Atropian military forces emulate Limaria’s in size and capability, and the two nations are currently engaged in an ongoing arms race. Enduring skirmishes with Limaria over disputed territory drive Atropia’s deployment of forces. To counter Donovian support for Limaria, the Atropian military is attempting to gain Arianian military support to help reclaim lost territory. Atropia’s hydrocarbon revenue is currently allowing its military to modernize its equipment. The Atropian military’s current key mission is to defend its oil and gas infrastructure. Atropia hopes its oil and gas revenues—and the resulting prestige and power—will translate into a more robust military and overall regional power.
+
==Hybrid Irregular Armed Groups==
−
 
+
{{Main article|DATE Pacific Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions}}
−
Donovia maintains a strong military, partially as an inheritance from its pre-1991 strength and partially through economic wealth being used to transform the pre-1991 military remnants into a modern military. Donovian doctrine and tactics are complex, supple, and competent, making Donovia a capable opponent. Donovia’s military capability ranges from irregular forces to nuclear weapons and anti-space capability. This strong military, combined with its assertive political agenda, make Donovia a prime consideration for all nations in the region.
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
 
+
|+ Significant Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions in DATE-Pacific
−
Like the rest of the Caucasus region, Gorgas has an extensive history of irregular and regular warfare. Of the five countries, Gorgas maintains the smallest military—consisting of a ground force, air force, and sea force (coast guard) capability for defensive operations, with limited offensive capabilities. Gorgas uses the military for defense and to maintain territorial sovereignty that includes regaining breakaway regions. Gorgas is currently attempting to join NATO and is the most accepting of Western influence.
+
!Group Name!!Type!!Country!! class="unsortable" |Description
−
 
+
|-
−
Regular and irregular warfare also permeate Limaria’s history. Limaria is heavily influenced by Donovia, which currently has advisors in the country. Limaria would most likely remain neutral if conflict began with Ariana. The Limarian military consists of only an army and an air force, and is roughly the size of the Atropian military. The Limarian military, heavily influenced by the territorial dispute with Atropia, cannot project forces outside of the region.
+
|[[Free Sulu Movement]]
−
 
+
|Separatist
−
=== '''Economic''' ===
+
|Belesia
−
Oil and gas resources drive the region’s economy. All international commerce centers around oil drilling and refining, and development of a transportation corridor. Significantly, the corridor serves as the main world market outlet for hydrocarbon resources from both the Caucasus region and the Central Asian countries. In addition, China and Japan continue to extend their influence into the region through financial involvement with Caspian energy projects. Ariana, Atropia, and Donovia possess the fossil fuels, while Gorgas provides the pipeline access required to ship oil and gas abroad. Limaria would like to participate in the transshipment of petroleum products, but its dispute with Atropia over the Lower Janga region precludes this possibility.
+
|The FSM is a conglomerate of anti-federation and independence factions of the Belesian archipelago.  The group seeks to break free of the alleged overreach of the Belesian central government and abuses of the Belesia Federation National Guard.
−
 
+
|-
−
Regional conflicts compound local economic problems, generating hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and encouraging many others to leave their country, especially for Donovia. Donovia serves as the main market for regional goods, primarily hydrocarbon products and foodstuffs for several reasons, including international markets closed because of political instability, insufficient alternate transit routes, and stiff trade tariffs. With domestic markets contracted and trade opportunities constrained, all five Caucasus nations have limited potential for economic development outside the energy sector. The economic challenge is to identify ways to diversify the region’s economies through restoration and development of critical water resources, agriculture, and the ailing manufacturing sector. The region’s relatively weak central governments focus more on control than on the fledgling market economies, so inefficiency and criminal elements freely flourish. Its minimal diversity places the region’s economies in danger of stagnating, with  daily commerce and utilities degrading and the general standard of living falling. Because of this threat, some of the region’s inhabitants are returning to the countryside to survive from the land or seeking permission to migrate abroad.
+
|[[Gabal Forever]]
−
 
+
||Insurgency
−
The Arianian economy primarily centers on its petroleum industry, though it is highly diversified compared to other petroleum-dependent economies. The Arianians have attempted to create an industrial manufacturing sector, especially as international sanctions require them to increasingly in-source manufactured goods. Ariana also has a large agriculture sector.
+
||Gabal
−
 
+
||Gabal Forever is a very small group (less than 100) of boisterous people who do not like the way the government and business leaders are catering to foreigners in attempt to chase the tourist dollar. Many of these are 85%-95% ethnically native to the local islands and trace their ancestry back beyond written history through the oral history tradition of their ancestors. These people are upset about the change in their island’s life and would like it to return to what it was 200 years ago before Westerners arrived.
−
Atropia’s economy is also dependent on hydrocarbon extraction. Most industry other than oil and gas is engaged in subsistence-level agriculture or services. Atropia has attempted to diversify its  economy with little success. It is likely that hydrocarbon dependence will be the hallmark of the Atropian economy indefinitely.
+
|-
−
 
+
|[[Islamic Torbian Army]]
−
Donovia is using its petrochemical wealth to climb out of economic stagnation. However, beneath the veneer of a market economy, former command elements have morphed into a crony capitalist economy. State-associated businesses dominate the economic landscape, and businesses not  affiliated with the government face significant hurdles from a variety of government bureaucracies. The general response to massive corruption is more corruption, which affects nearly every element of Donovian economic life. Services are an important element of the Donovian economy, but export of non-military manufactured goods and services remain dwarfed by hydrocarbon-based exports.
+
||Insurgency
−
 
+
||South Torbia
−
Gorgas is primarily a service economy, with many citizens also engaged in subsistence agriculture as a secondary sector. While the Gorgan economy is relatively free, development has been slow. The most likely growth opportunity will be as a petroleum transshipment point. Even this bright spot in the economy is overshadowed by the lingering, cooling effects of the Donovian-Gorgas War.
+
||The ITA began on Mindoro as a movement to convert the country into an Islamic Republic. The ITA has expanded to many parts of South Torbia, especially those that contain a large number of Muslims. Since the ITA normally attacks non-Muslims, most other Muslims remain neutral or provide tacit support to the ITA.
−
 
+
|-
−
Limaria, like Gorgas, is a service and agriculture-based economy. While not as politically free as Gorgas, Limaria benefits from overseas investment from the Limarian Diaspora and Donovia. Due to a  near blockade  of  goods  and  services from  Kalaria  and Atropia,  Limaria  is dependent  on  its relationships with Ariana and Gorgas for the movement of goods and services. However, international sanctions against Ariana and a limited Gorgan trade embargo against Limaria hamper the effectiveness of these partnerships.
+
|[[Olvana Jemaah Islamiyah]]
−
 
+
||Insurgency
−
=== '''Social''' ===
+
||Olvana
−
All countries in the region can trace their cultures back for centuries, and most ethnic groups retain rivalries against each other that date back just as far. The countries have long histories of internal and external volatility, usually over disputed territory. Each country possesses strong ethnic groups that do not tolerate others, and each is home to displaced persons who originated from the others’ territory. Many of the IDPs are born into a refugee situation and harbor resentment and intolerance to other displaced groups. This violent history keeps the countries and their people wary of each  other and of regional outsiders.
+
||The OJI is a Muslim insurgent group that operates primarily in Western Olvana with many of its leaders training in the Middle East. As the OJI becomes stronger, the group continues to push further to the east. The mainline OJI is usually content to slowly convert people to Islam by providing services to the poor rural people that the central Olvana government seems to forget. There are OJI cells that do not feel the conversion process is occurring fast enough, however, and are trying to convert the rural villages by force.
−
 
+
|-
−
Literacy rates are high in the region, with only Ariana possessing a rate lower than 98%. Atropia, Gorgas, Limaria, and Donovia have all instituted educational reforms during the past two decades, with the aim of producing qualified, internationally competitive citizens who will reduce poverty, improve social welfare, and encourage economic growth.
+
|[[Olvana Mission]]
−
 
+
||Insurgency
−
The vast majority of Ariana’s citizens are Shia Muslim and view themselves as either Persian or Arianian, depending on ethnicity. With a rich culture and heritage, Ariana’s social issues stem not from its people but from its leaders, whose actions are considered corrupt and repressive. Protests over government corruption, unequal wealth distribution, high inflation, and high unemployment rates occur often, despite the government’s frequent use of force to put them down.
+
||Olvana
−
 
+
||The Olvana Mission is not a political party, but a group of Christian missionaries whose obhjective is to make the lives of rural Olvanans better while converting them. The Olvana central government is not extreme in its denunciation of religion and will generally allow various religions to practice as long as those practicing their faith seek to use it as a means to overturn the current political structure. The Olvana Mission is on the cusp of going from a group tolerated by the Olvana government in the northwestern part of the country to one that the communists will seek to destroy.
−
Atropia consists mainly of ethnic Atropian Shia Muslim, with small ethnic and religious minorities. Most Atropians choose to support the government, which may well be due to the continuing dispute with Limaria over the Lower Janga region. Those that do not usually fall into two categories: separatists who wish to create a new country from southern Atropia and northwest Ariana; and those upset over taxation, lack of utilities, substandard social services, and judicial favoritism.
+
|-
−
 
+
|[[OHF|One Hui Front]]
−
Donovia’s population is predominately Arab Sunni, with significant social-related issues that retard economic and political development. In addition, certain Donovian social fabric elements, such as massive smoking, pervasive corruption, and endemic violence, have created significant social volatility that is manifested through gender imbalance, high crime rates, and systemic discrimination against ethnic minorities.
+
|Insurgency
−
 
+
|Olvana
−
Most Gorgan citizens are of the same ethnicity and practice Orthodox Christianity. Though attacks do occur against other ethnic groups and religions, the government is working to protect the rights of minorities, as well as freedom of speech and of the press. Most social unrest revolves around Gorgas’ breakaway republics, which both the government and its citizens would like to see returned to Gorgan control.
+
|The OHF is an ethno-nationalist organization, rather than an Islamist organization, but Islam remains a large part of its identity. It likely receives support from sympathetic actors of the Islamic faith and have been known to cooperate with OJI on some occasions. Mostly in populated areas in northwest Olvana, but also operates in rural areas conducting terrorist attacks against members of the central Olvanan government. The OHF is heavily involved in Information Operations in attempt to unify the Hui people, exploit sectarian tensions, and limit the influence of religious extremism.
−
 
 
−
Nearly all Limarians are ethnic Limarian Christians. Those that are not suffer some discrimination, but not at the levels experienced in neighboring countries. Major social issues that shape Limarian thinking are hatred of the Kalarians—a residue of '''''loss of territory in the 1940s'''''—and support for the autonomous Lower Janga region in Atropia.
 
−
 
 
−
=== '''Information''' ===
 
−
The Caucasus region receives the majority of its news and information through television, but Internet and mobile phone usage are growing. The region continues to evolve slowly from state- controlled media and information delivery. While governments still attempt to control information, satellite and computer technology enable many of the region’s people to bypass governmental controls. Information-based technologies sustained by the use of satellites will become more and
 
−
 
 
−
more important as the need to communicate quickly, easily, and reliably increases. Satellites not only enable telecommunication across a wide spectrum, but also support economic growth and development, support transportation sectors, and assist with meteorological forecasting. Additional use of commercial satellites also supports navigation, enabling both public and commercial sectors to capitalize on the use of satellite technologies.
 
−
 
 
−
As more international companies move into the growing information market, technology and access continue to become more affordable to the average citizen. The mass use of television keeps perception management at the forefront of all political and military operations. Computer attacks have occurred in the region, and each country continues to expand both its Intelligence and Information Warfare (INFOWAR) capabilities.
 
−
 
 
−
Ariana is a highly-controlled information environment. The government controls all media outlets and attempts to limit its citizens’ access to outside sources of information like the Internet and satellite TV broadcasts. Despite the government’s actions, Arianian citizens—especially the educated urban elite—have aggressively attempted to circumvent the government-imposed information embargo.
 
−
 
 
−
The Atropian government attempts to regulate the information environment through ownership control of the main media outlets and occasional arrests of bloggers and reporters. No significant nongovernment-affiliated media outlets exist. The Atropian government also attempts to control the content of religious messages through the selection of religious authorities. If Atropians avoid messages with a strong religious or antigovernment tone, the content is generally allowed by the government.
 
−
 
 
−
Donovia is a world leader in INFOWAR. While information is subject to government pressure and outright censorship, censorship is usually self-imposed. Opinions contrary to the standing government line are primarily found in social media, which is outside the government oversight imposed on other mass media communications.
 
−
 
 
−
Gorgas maintains a generally free press, though government ownership and connections with media owners make certain subjects off limits. Unlike other countries in the region, Gorgas does have some media outlets that are independent, so debate in Gorgas is the freest among Caucasian countries.
 
−
 
 
−
Limaria follows the pattern set by Gorgas and Atropia, falling between the two in overall control of the information environment. The Limarian government controls the media environment, but only to a degree that does not antagonize its neighbors or the West. In this fashion, the Limarian government maintains the most flexible information posture.
 
−
 
 
−
=== '''Infrastructure''' ===
 
−
The Caucasus countries face several hurdles to infrastructure development. Atropia, Gorgas, Limaria, and Donovia rely on infrastructure mainly built decades ago, while Ariana possesses a somewhat newer infrastructure. The region remains dependent on oil and natural gas reserves in Ariana, Atropia, and Donovia. While these countries possess the financial resources to improve their infrastructure, Western embargos against Ariana, ethno-political issues in Atropia, and lack of government priority in Donovia prevent most infrastructure improvement outside the hydrocarbon industries. This aging infrastructure is affected by natural disasters such as landslides, mudslides, and floods, which routinely cause evacuation of local populations, loss of life, infrastructural damage and heavy material losses. Development of the Caucasus as a transportation corridor will not only increase incomes and boost the Atropian and Gorgan economies, but will also expand air pollution and noise issues. Construction of roads, railways, and pipelines may cause the loss of valuable agriculture land. Waste dumping along the transportation routes will become a growing issue.
 
−
 
 
−
Ariana has the second most modern infrastructure in the Caucasus region because of wealth generated by hydrocarbon exports. Ariana contains 12 cities with a population of over one million residents, high building density, and developed power, water, and sewage utilities that can reach at least 75% of the urban residents. Ariana operates complex transportation architecture with abundant multi-lane hard-surface highway networks, railway lines, and many operational airports. Ariana also possesses nuclear power plants, nuclear research facilities, and civilian industrial plants with the capacity to produce military-grade nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.
 
−
 
 
−
Atropia’s largest cities possess a high building density and over 75% of the residents in the 10 largest cities enjoy access to modern power, water, and sewage utilities. The country has only moderate transportation architecture due to limited railroad lines. Conversely, it possesses considerable hydrocarbon resource infrastructure to export crude oil and natural gas to the outside world. Atropia has no nuclear power plants and only limited industrial capacity outside the hydrocarbon industry.
 
−
 
 
−
Despite years of neglect, Donovia still possesses the most modern infrastructure in the region. Of Donovia’s five largest cities, two have more than 1 million residents and lie outside its Northern Caucasus provinces. The remaining three are within the Caucasus region and have less than 1.1 million residents combined. All five provide more than 75% of their residents with access to modern utilities. The country has a complex transportation architecture with paved roads, railroads, and multiple airports. Dozens of nuclear power plants exist, as do nuclear research and industrial plants that can produce military-grade nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.
 
−
 
 
−
The five largest Gorgan cities exhibit a high building density and in four these, 75% of residents have access to modern power, water, and sewer utilities. Zugdidi and all smaller Gorgan cities have only a utility access rate of 25-50%. Due to limited railroad lines and a lack of secondary roads between major cities, Gorgas has moderate transportation architecture. The country contains no nuclear power plants and little major industrial capacity.
 
−
 
 
−
Of the five Caucasus countries, Limaria’s infrastructure is the least modern. The five largest Limarian cities show a high building density, but modern power and water access rates are usually 25-50%. Yerevan is the only exception, with a utility access rate of over 75% for power and water. Limited railroad access and a lack of multi-lane hard surface roads limit Limaria to a moderate transportation architecture. The country operates no nuclear power plants and possesses little industrial capacity, as most Limarians work in agriculture or the service industry. Recent reports indicate Limaria may have gained possession of a small number of nuclear weapons.
 
−
 
 
−
=== '''Physical Environment''' ===
 
−
Terrain features across the Caucasus region are similar—dominated by mountains but with deserts and lowlands as well. Specifically, Ariana features a plateau of deserts in the east with mountains prevalent in other areas of the country. Its coast is bordered by the Caspian Sea on the north, the Persian Gulf on the '''''southwest, and the Gulf of Oman on the south'''''. Lowlands are present in Atropia, but the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains are the primary terrain feature throughout the country. Southern Donovia is primarily mountainous, though its access to most of the major outside world means its geographic position assures its strategic importance. The Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains hem in Gorgas to the north and south, respectively, while the Likhi Range divides the country into eastern and western parts. Limaria is 70% mountains, primarily the Lesser Caucasus. Central Limaria consists of a plateau whose elevation gradually decreases as it meets the Aras River Valley. Of note also are the tunnels that exist '''''in these countries''''' to facilitate movement of supplies for the military as well as smuggling by criminal organizations and irregular forces, and underground facilities used to house nuclear training and enrichment programs
 
−
 
 
−
=== '''Time''' ===
 
−
The Caucasus countries, for the most part, do not believe in the sensitivity of time and do not view punctuality or the importance of time as most Western countries do. The people do not look at time  in the short term, but look toward the long term. Time commitments are seen more as an objective to be achieved, if possible, rather than a requirement to be met. Promptness is based on relationships, with people being much more likely to be on time if the person who sets the time commitment is  close to him, such as a friend or family member. The more a country interacts with Western nations, however, the more accepting the country becomes to Western ideas on time.
 
−
 
 
−
== Variable Conditions by OE ==
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
!
 
−
!'''Ariana'''
 
−
!'''Atropia'''
 
−
!'''Donovia'''
 
−
!'''Gorgas'''
 
−
!'''Limaria'''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!'''Political'''
+
|[[RRLA|Red River Liberation Army]]
−
|'''Theocracy'''
+
|Separtist
−
- Clerical authority over government structure
+
|Olvana
−
 
+
|The RRLA is a multi-ethnic militant organization rejecting all Olvanan political and cultural influence in the southwest part of the country. The RRLA has reduced its offensive operations lately, but has increased its Information Operations and Psychological Warfare.
−
- Token representative government
 
−
 
 
−
-Strong influence of clerical class
 
−
 
 
−
- Wary of “Western Influence”
 
−
 
 
−
- Seeking regional dominance
 
−
 
 
−
- Strong relationship with Limaria
 
−
 
 
−
- Mutually beneficial unofficial relationship with Donovia
 
−
 
 
−
Generally antagonistic relationship with Atropia
 
−
|'''Dictatorship'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Power belongs to a small, elite group – one family
 
−
 
 
−
- Looks to the West for support
 
−
 
 
−
- Sees Ariana, Donovia, and Limaria as threats
 
−
US willing to support
 
−
|'''Authoritarian Republic'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Regionally dominant
 
−
 
 
−
- Figurehead elected President
 
−
 
 
−
- Power rests with small group of elites
 
−
 
 
−
- Five main political parties; only one true opposition party
 
−
 
 
−
- Weakening legitimacy of ruling political party
 
−
 
 
−
- Typically neutral to US power and forces; will protect regional position of power
 
−
 
 
−
- Adversarial toward Atropia
 
−
High levels of crime and corruption
 
−
|'''Emerging Democracy'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Representative republic
 
−
 
 
−
- Values Western principles
 
−
 
 
−
- Looks to distance itself from Donovia
 
−
Seeks NATO and EU membership
 
−
|'''Autocracy'''
 
−
 
 
−
- A small, elite group controls Limarian politics
 
−
 
 
−
- Values alliance with Donovia
 
−
 
 
−
- '''''Loss of territory to Kalaria''''' influences all decisions
 
−
Sees Atropia as a threat
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!'''Military'''
+
|[[Red Tiger Front]]
−
|'''Large conventional force'''
+
|Violent Extremists
−
 
+
|Global Western
−
- Three standing Armies consisting mostly Tier 2 capabilities with four Separate Army Divisions that are considered to be Tier 1
+
-fascist and anti-racist political movement active in the US, Europe, and Australia. Though established in its current form in 2005, some of the groups which make up the RTF have been in existence since the immediate post war years. Their recent re-emergence into prominence can be understood as a direct response to the the world, as well as violent far right street groups
−
 
 
−
- Most capable military in the region after Donovia
 
−
 
 
−
- Faces small insurgencies in southeast
 
−
 
 
−
- Capable of a wide range of operations
 
−
Successful nuclear weapons program
 
−
|'''Small army, navy, and air force'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Tier 2 conventional forces
 
−
 
 
−
- Limited offensive capabilities
 
−
 
 
−
- Tensions continue with Limaria over Lower Janga region
 
−
 
 
−
- Defense of hydrocarbon resources and infrastructure paramount
 
−
Two main and several small insurgent groups
 
−
|'''Large conventional force'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Three standing armies with mainly Tier 1 capabilities
 
−
 
 
−
- Most capable military in region
 
−
 
 
−
- Capable of a wide range of operations
 
−
 
 
−
- Successful nuclear weapons program
 
−
 
 
−
- Anti-satellite capabilities
 
−
 
 
−
- Strong INFOWAR capabilities
 
−
 
 
−
- Potential ally of Ariana
 
−
Relations with Limaria
 
−
|'''Smallest military in region'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Tier 2 conventional forces
 
−
 
 
−
- Defensive capabilities with limited offensive capabilities
 
−
 
 
−
- Tensions continue with Zabzimek and South Ostremek (breakaway Gorgan republics)
 
−
Donovian-sponsored paramilitaries are current threat, along with the Donovian military
 
−
|'''Small military with army and air forces only'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Tier 2 conventional forces
 
−
 
 
−
- Tensions continue with Atropia over the Lower Janga region
 
−
 
 
−
- Focused on Atropian military and support for allied Lower Janga military forces
 
−
 
 
−
- Terrorist groups present
 
−
Reports indicate possession of 2-5 nuclear weapons; government denies
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!'''Economic'''
+
|[[Satu Pulau Satu Negara]]
−
|'''Economy based on petroleum industry'''
+
|Insurgency
−
 
+
|Belesia
−
- Owns large oil and natural gas reserves
+
|The SPSN (roughly translated to One Island, One Nation) believes that all of Luzon should be united under a single national flag. Neither North Torbia nor South Torbia admits to any connection with this organization, which mainly conducts a low-level guerilla war and rhetoric against the Belesian government and military. Known in Belesia as the Luzon Conflict, the Belesian government has been accused of indiscriminate violence and suppression of freedoms, particularity against those of Torbian descent. The Belesiasn government restricts foreign access to parts of Luzon.
−
 
 
−
- International sanctions depress economy
 
−
 
 
−
- Relies on Limaria for international trade
 
−
Large agricultural sector
 
−
|'''Hydrocarbon extraction dependent economy'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Owns large oil and natural gas reserves
 
−
Political patronage depresses economic growth
 
−
|'''Dominant energy sector'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Owns large oil and natural gas reserves
 
−
 
 
−
- Large hydrocarbon- related service sector
 
−
 
 
−
- Major international military equipment exporter
 
−
Current economy resultant from an internal economic collapse of 1991
 
−
|'''Primarily service economy'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Large agricultural sector
 
−
 
 
−
- Dependent on trans- national trade routes and pipelines
 
−
Growth limited due to attempt to cut ties with Donovia
 
−
|'''Service and agricultural based economy'''
 
−
- International trade window for Ariana
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!'''Social'''
+
|[[South Torbian Communist Army]]
−
|'''Persian Shia Muslim Culture'''
+
||Insurgency
−
 
+
||South Torbia
−
- 51% Persian
+
||The TCA is probably less than 1,000 actual fighters, but they may have many more supporters throughout the country. Their expressed intent is to establish a communist country based on the Marxist model, the same goal as stated by the South Torbian Communist Party (TCP). The TCP claims that their group has no connection to the TCA, but there are probably some members that belong to both organizations.
−
 
 
−
- 24% Atropian
 
−
 
 
−
- 77% literacy rate
 
−
 
 
−
- 1 million IDPs, 70% there over 20 years
 
−
68% of population is urban
 
−
|'''Shia Muslim Culture'''
 
−
 
 
−
- 89% Shia Muslim
 
−
 
 
−
- 91% Atropian
 
−
 
 
−
- 99% literacy rate
 
−
 
 
−
- 1/2 million IDPs
 
−
52% of population is urban
 
−
|'''Arab Sunni Hanafi Culture'''
 
−
 
 
−
- 70% Arabic
 
−
 
 
−
- 98% literacy rate
 
−
67% of population is urban
 
−
|'''Christian Culture'''
 
−
 
 
−
- 84% Gorgan
 
−
 
 
−
- 100% literacy rate
 
−
 
 
−
- 1/4 million IDPs
 
−
53% of population is urban
 
−
|'''Christian Culture'''
 
−
 
 
−
- 98% Limarian
 
−
 
 
−
- 99% literacy rate
 
−
 
 
−
- 300,000 IDPs
 
−
64% of population is urban
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!'''Information'''
+
|[[Thorskrig]]
−
|'''Tightly controlled information/media environment'''
+
|Violent Extremists
−
 
+
|West
−
- Good INFOWAR
+
|-in online propaganda, drug trafficking, and violent mass casualty attacks.
−
capabilities; superior in niche areas
 
−
|'''Free but monitored information/media environment'''
 
−
- Growing INFOWAR capabilites; focus on Limaria and Ariana
 
−
|'''Controlled information/media environment'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Tier 1 INFOWAR
 
−
 
 
−
capabilities
 
−
 
 
−
- Most capable in region
 
−
Industry standard in some areas
 
−
|'''Most free information/media environment in region'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Growing and integrated INFOWAR capabilities, mostly focused on Donovia
 
−
INFOWAR based on NATO standards
 
−
|'''Fairly free information/media environment – soft censorship'''
 
−
- Looks to Donovia for support of INFOWAR capability
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!'''Infrastructure'''
+
|[[United Torbia]]
−
|'''Relatively modern infrastructure'''
+
||Insurgency
−
 
+
||South Torbia
−
- Has the resources to maintain and improve infrastructure but priority is on nuclear and oil/natural gas programs
+
||United Torbia is more of a counter-insurgent organization. It is pro-government and anti-communist that wants to unite the country with a democratically elected government.
−
 
 
−
- International sanctions prevent substantial improvements
 
−
Possesses both nuclear power and nuclear weapons
 
−
|'''Unable to maintain infrastructure'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Focus is on oil/natural gas programs
 
−
 
 
−
- Road system incapable of handling military traffic
 
−
 
 
−
- Rural areas lack modern water, electricity, and sewage system
 
−
Baku International Sea Port on the Caspian Sea is key terrain
 
−
|'''Modern infrastructure'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Western standards in terms of railroads and ports
 
−
 
 
−
- Energy infrastructure is top priority
 
−
Possesses both nuclear power and nuclear weapons
 
−
|'''Unable to maintain infrastructure'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Lacks raw materials for its factories
 
−
 
 
−
- Pipelines top priority
 
−
Port of Poti on the Black Sea is key terrain for the region
 
−
|'''Unable to maintain infrastructure'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Atropia’s recent blockade forced reduction of Limarian industrial output
 
−
 
 
−
- Relies on food imports
 
−
Lacks modern running water, electricity, and sewage system for much of the population
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!'''Physical Environment'''
+
|[[Visayan Peoples Front]]
−
|'''Located in key position on Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz'''
+
|Insurgency
−
 
+
|Belesia
−
- Faces Caspian Sea
+
|The VPF is an armed insurgent group committed to establishing an independent entity composed of the islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu and Bohol. Over time, the group, which originally sought the creation of a separate secular state, demanded the exclusion of Muslims and creation of a Christian nation. The government responded with a counter-insurgency strategy rooted in assassination, sabotage, and subversion. The violence between the factions as well as the Belesian government reached a peak a decade ago. Since then, all sides have pledged to a commitment to peace.
−
 
+
|-  
−
- Borders Atropia and Limaria
+
|[[Yellow Sashes]]
−
Rugged mountainous terrain
+
||Insurgency
−
|'''Vital transportation corridor between east and west'''
+
||Olvana
−
 
+
||The Yellow Sashes are primarily Hindi who detest the Olvana communist government’s repression of religion. The Yellow Sashes are often traditionalists who wish to return the country back to the way it was 150 years ago. The Yellow Sashes want a return to the previous form of government before communism, which was a hereditary monarchy.
−
-Access to Caspian Sea
 
−
- Varied terrain
 
−
|'''Greater Caucasus Mountains separate country from southern neighbors'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Access to Black and Caspian Seas
 
−
Varied terrain
 
−
|'''Controls much of Caucasus Mountains and routes through them'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Access to Black Sea
 
−
Largely mountainous terrain
 
−
|'''Landlocked'''
 
−
 
 
−
- Contains Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the region
 
−
Mountainous terrain
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!'''Time'''
 
−
|'''Value planning over deadlines'''
 
−
 
−
- Uses the Solar, Lunar, and Gregorian (Western) calendars
 
−
 
−
- Harvest cycle is May to August
 
−
4-year election cycle, 6 for president, 8 for Forum of Proficiency; no term limit
 
−
|'''Punctuality not important'''
 
−
 
−
- Uses Gregorian calendar
 
−
 
−
- Harvest cycle is April to October, depending on climatic zone
 
−
2-year election cycle for legislature, four consecutive-term limit; 6-year presidential cycle, no term limit
 
−
|'''Expect punctuality from Westerners but may not reciprocate'''
 
−
 
−
- Uses Gregorian calendar
 
−
 
−
- Harvest cycle is year round
 
−
6-year election cycle for president, two consecutive-term limit; 4-year cycle for parliament
 
−
|'''No urgency to complete tasks'''
 
−
 
−
- Uses Gregorian calendar
 
−
 
−
- Harvest cycle is April to October
 
−
4-year election cycle for all offices; three- term limit
 
−
|'''Attempt to be punctual for Westerners'''
 
−
 
−
- Uses Gregorian calendar
 
−
 
−
- Harvest cycle is year round
 
−
5-year election cycle for all offices; no term limit
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
''See also [[Chapter 2: Insurgents|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 2: Insurgents]]'' and [[Chapter 3: Guerrillas|Chapter 3: Guerrillas]]
  
−
== Strategic Positions ==
+
===Criminal Organizations and Activities===
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
=== '''Actors''' ===
+
|+ Significant Criminal Organizations in DATE-Pacific
−
The US gives increased geopolitical attention to the countries of the Caucasus region (Ariana, Atropia, Donovia, Gorgas, and Limaria) because of their strategic location that connects Europe to Asia, their hydrocarbon resources, and their key position along this main route for the westward export of Caspian Sea energy resources. Ethno-political conflict that has plagued the Caucasus region for thousands of years led to the death of thousands and material destruction, contributing significantly to political instability, economic hardship, and increased organized crime. Failure to resolve these long-term conflicts continues to keep the region from creating a durable peace and efficient, accountable national governments. Many regional issues will require inter-state  cooperation for any significant progress to occur. Other issues besides basic security include natural resource development, water protection, conservation and management, trade and transit, disease prevention, and drug trafficking. Many issues cannot simply be solved on a national basis—no matter how committed a government remains to reform and overall economic development.
+
!Group Name!!Type!!Country!! class="unsortable" |Description
−
 
+
|-
−
=== '''Security Strategies''' ===
+
|[[0 2 4 Street Gang]]
−
Each country in the region has different threat perceptions formed by its ethno-political situation  and religious fervor. Limaria perceives threats from Atropia and looks to Donovia for security. Atropia perceives threats from Ariana, Limaria, and Donovia and looks to the West for support. Gorgas, which mainly sees threats from Donovia and its internal Donovian population, looks to the West for protection. Ariana sees “Western influence” as the threat to its culture and bases all decisions on that belief. Donovia is adversarial towards Atropia and continues to inject itself into Gorgas’ internal affairs. The Caucasus region countries all seek relationships with outside governments that often prove contradictory. Cooperation continues to deteriorate since the elimination of major Donovian influence impacted the region’s standard of living. This inability to cooperate with neighbors has stymied efforts to tackle regional issues such as drug trafficking. Restrictive tariffs, quantitative controls, and closed crossing points disrupt trade and transit for bothgoods and people within the Caucasus. While the countries all recognize the importance of regional cooperation on key issues, prospects for cooperation remain dim as ethno-political tensions lead to acute regional conflict.
+
|Criminal
−
 
+
|Transnational, West, IndoPacific
−
=== '''Potential Conflict Flashpoints''' ===
+
|0 2 4 gangs conduct high volume, low level retail drug distribution either on their own behalf or as an arm of a larger organisation, usually a Black Society. The individual gangs exist on a spectrum of criminality, with some confining themselves to drugs activity and others leaning towards more hard core criminality and violent antisocial behaviour. Affiliated with Golden Hawk.
−
All major players within and bordering the Caucasus region maintain multiple significant strategic interests in conflict with those of their neighbors. Divided by religious and ethnic hatreds hundreds of years old, the Caucasus represents one of the major spots of “frozen conflict” in the world—a critical one that sits astride a major global source for oil and natural gas. The Caucasus countries of Ariana, Atropia, Donovia, Gorgas, and Limaria find themselves interconnected by ties of conflict unlikely to abate in the near future.
+
|-
−
 
+
|[[Black Societies]]
−
In the Caspian Sea, Ariana and Atropia maintain claims to offshore oil and gas fields that conflict with each other. Atropia also has a chilly relationship with Limaria over the Lower Janga region. Atropia attempts to sustain cordial relations with Donovia, though the country finds itself dependent on Gorgan pipelines to export oil and gas. Limaria generally remains isolated from its Atropian and Kalarian neighbors, but remains integrated with Donovia and pursues deeper ties with Ariana. Donovia and Ariana attempt to assert their traditional power in the region, while the other independent states seek to preserve their own political identities and economic viability.
+
|Criminal
−
 
+
|Olvana, Belesia
−
Potential conflict flashpoints include:
+
|There are a number of “black societies” or organized criminal networks in the largest cities in Olvana. These criminal networks are normally family affairs, with each family staying local to avoid conflict with other groups. These criminal networks are involved in armed robbery, racketeering, smuggling, narcotics trafficking, prostitution, gambling, and contract killings. These groups are not happy with the Tantoco Cartel moving into their cities, and may fight them to keep Tantoco out. These groups are normally named after a color and an animal, usually a bird of prey.
−
* Atropian blockade of goods and electricity to Limaria: Limaria remains dependent on Gorgas (despite a limited embargo) and Ariana—an international pariah—for access to much of its imports and power.
 
−
 
 
−
* Lower Janga (current ceasefire): Localized violence routinely disrupts the ceasefire agreement.
 
−
 
 
−
* South Ostremek (current ceasefire): The ceasefire simply stabilized the conflict lines, as the Donovians want to politically pry Gorgas away from EU or NATO membership, or even close cooperation with the Western world. Gorgas definitely seeks a return to its pre-war territorial boundaries.
 
−
 
 
−
* Zabzimek (current ceasefire): Like South Ostremek, Gorgas prefers a return to the pre- war status quo and boundaries, while Donovia wants to further isolate Gorgas from its Atropian and Western allies.
 
−
 
 
−
* Archeological sites and religious shrines in Ariana: Ariana controls significant Shia religious sites where many Muslims conduct pilgrimages for religious purposes.
 
−
 
 
−
* Transnational pipeline operations: The export of crude oil and natural gas to the world remains a significant challenge for Ariana and Atropia. Oil producers possess several pipeline projects that diversify their export options, but pipelines remain vulnerable to interdiction.
 
−
 
 
−
* Caspian Sea oil and natural gas reserves: The demarcation of Caspian Sea deposits remains a source of contention. Oil and gas fields are the lifeblood of the countries that possess them, and their exact demarcation leads to contentious arguments over the boundaries.
 
−
 
 
−
* Arianian nuclear program: The Arianian government’s desire to maintain a robust weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program causes strife with nearly all its neighbors, as the relative power of a WMD-armed Ariana complicates the delicate balance of power that currently exists in the region.
 
−
The Caucasus remains an area with dynamic and continuous conflict. Any conflict, especially one that threatens oil and gas production or export, will likely involve outside powers, including the US. The Caucasus also is in a relatively inaccessible spot for US forces due to the geographic realities of airspace and sea lines of communications.
 
−
 
 
−
== Threat Actor Chart ==
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="col" |Threat Actor
+
|[[The Cheng Institute]]
−
! scope="col" |Organization Type
+
|Unarmed Noncombatants
−
! scope="col" |OE
+
|Olvana, West
−
! scope="col" |Activities
+
|
−
! scope="col" |Targets
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" |Salasyl
+
|[[Golden Hawk Black Society]]
−
|Insurgent
+
|Criminal
−
|Southeast Atropia with nation-wide capabilities
+
|Belisia, South Torbia, Olvana, Global
−
|Possible ties to transnational criminal and terrorist actors. Has engaged the Atropian regime in a lowlevel insurgency for the past 20 years. Promotes violent populace opposition to state taxation policies, unreliable public services, substandard medical preventive services, inaccessible state education programs for working class citizens, and a judicial system that illegally favors the ruling political party. Salasyl and South Atropian People's Army (SAPA) insurgents often clash violently over ideology, limited resources, and similar recruiting pools.
+
|The Golden Hawk Black Society is one of the multiple Black Societies throughout the region using groups like Golden Hawk as a model., sex trafficking, prostitution, and extortion. Owing to their strong connections with social elites and government which still exist to this day, high volume and level money laundering is one of the mainstays of Golden Hawk operations, and the service they predominantly provide to other criminal organisations.
−
|Atropian government facilities and leaders
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" |South Atropian People's Army (SAPA)
+
|[[Kumpulan]] 
−
|Insurgent
+
||Criminal
−
|Focuses on eight provinces in the south with cultural ties to Ariana
+
||Gabal
−
|Primary goal is to create a separate country composed of southern Atropia and Ariana's northwestern provinces. Receives most of its training, equipment, and supplies from Ariana. SAPA and Salasyl insurgents often clash  violently over ideology, limited resources, and similar recruiting pools.
+
||Kumpulan is the major criminal organization in Gabal. Its leader owns a local import/export business with warehouses in several cities and towns in Gabal, from which it can hide illegal goods among legitimate imports. It is highly likely that the group has agents scattered throughout the National Police as well as any local governmental officials.
−
|Atropian government facilities and leaders
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" |Bilasuvar Freedom Brigade (BFB)
+
|[[Olvanan Friendship Society]]
−
|Insurgent
+
|Unarmed Noncombatants
−
|Northern Vetlia and Erdabil Provinces
+
|West
−
|Donovia supports the BFB, creating political tension between Donovia and Atropia.
+
|The Olvanan Friendship Society (OFS) is a collection of local community organisations spread across major urban centres throughout the Western world. While not overtly subject to central control, and .government officials and
−
|Atropian government facilities and leaders
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" |Provisional Army of Lezgin (PAL)
+
|[[Osongco Syndicate]]
−
|Insurgent
+
||Criminal
−
|Southern Erdabil and Western Sirvaki Provinces
+
||South Torbia
−
|Small insurgent group with limited regional activities.
+
||The Osongco Syndicate is a large-scale criminal network that is based on the island of Mindoro in Bongabong led by Zikri Osongco. Osongco may sometimes work with the Tantoco Cartel, but it is not part of the latter. Tantoco leaves Osongco alone as long as he confines his activities to Mindoro. The Osongco Syndicate is primarily involved in stolen goods and smuggling, but will not hesitate to delve into other areas on the island that can make the organization money such as extortion or even bank robbery, especially those that do not practice the Muslim faith. Some Muslims see Osongco as a modern-day Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to the poor.
−
|Atropian government facilities and leaders
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" |Bocyowicz Crime Family
+
|[[Redback Raiders MC]]
 
|Criminal
 
|Criminal
−
|Ungoverned Territories
+
|South Torbia
−
|Acquires political power in poorly-governed regions, eventually gaining control of geographic space. These political actions are intended to provide security and freedom of movement for the criminal organization's  activities. As a result, the third-generation criminal organization and its leadership challenge the legitimate state authority.
+
|in Manila, South Torbia as a local motorcycle club that has now expanded and morphed into a powerful transnational criminal .
−
|Atropian police and security forces
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" |Atropian Organized Crime (AOC)
+
|[[Red Tiger Black Society]]
 
|Criminal
 
|Criminal
−
|Baku
+
|Belesia
−
|The growth of illegal narcotics, smuggling, and even human trafficking conducted outside of established channels only began recently. Many of those involved in Atropian illegal activities live in communities of displaced Atropians from Lower Janga and persons who fled Donovia. Atropia serves as a transit point for narcotics travelling to Donovia and Western countries.
+
|One of , , especially the most prominent of . Initially formed as a sort of ?anti-gang? for mutual protection against street gang violence in of the most potent and .
−
|Police and security forces
+
|-
 +
|[[Socialist Student League (SSL)]]
 +
|Violent Extremist Organization
 +
|Global West
 +
|The SSL is a revolutionary anti-capitalist organisation, with strong roots in the civil liberties movements of the 60s and Western .
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" |Al Iksir Cartel
+
|[[Tantoco Cartel]]
 +
||Criminal
 +
||Multiple
 +
||The Tantoco Cartel was founded in the Republic of Torbia, it also operates in the largest cities of Olvana and Belesia. The Tantoco Cartel is involved in almost every type of criminal activity imaginable: drug and weapons smuggling, extortion, motor vehicle theft, illegal gambling, money laundering, counterfeiting, and murder-for-hire. The Olvana government is serious about bribery as some senior government leaders have been forced to resign or imprisoned when caught taking bribes. 
 +
|-
 +
|[[Tears of Torbia]]
 +
|Cyberterror Hacktivists
 +
|Global
 +
 +
|-
 +
|[[Torbian Cultural Center (TCC)]]
 +
|Unarmed Noncombatants
 +
|West
 +
 +
|-
 +
|[[Yusingo Enterprises]]
 
|Criminal
 
|Criminal
−
|Northern Atropia and Southern Donovia
+
|North Torbia
−
|The growth of illegal narcotics, smuggling, and even human trafficking conducted outside of established channels only began recently. Many of those involved in Atropian illegal activities live in communities of displaced Atropians from Lower Janga and persons who fled Donovia. Atropia serves as a transit point for narcotics travelling to Donovia and Western countries.
+
|Yusingo Enterprises operates around San Fernando City. Their primary activity is smuggling goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, electronics, and medical supplies to sell on the black market. Yusingo Enterprises will also sell drugs if they can find buyers. The local San Fernando City police usually ignore Yusingo activities because the mayor receives a cut of their profits.
−
|Police and security forces
+
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
''See also [[Chapter 4: Criminals|TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 4: Criminals]]''
  
−
== Events ==
+
[[Category:DATE]]
−
{{Main article|Caucasus: Events}}
+
[[Category:Pacific]]
−
 
+
<references />
−
What follows are tables of 77 fictional events set in the year 2016 in various areas throughout the countries of Ariana, Atropia, Donovia, Gorgas, and Limaria, in the Caucasus region. These events demonstrate possible ways the conditions of the OE described in Section 2 might play out on the ground. Each event is tied to the mission essential task list (METL) to clearly show the tactical-level connection between the event, its related activities, and possible OE variable conditions.
 
−
 
 
−
Analysts derived these events from realistic yet fictional potential activities that could easily take place in any of the countries in the Caucasus region. Many of the events could apply to more than one country within the region. Additionally, the events collectively have effects for all variables in  the OE: political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time.
 
−
 
 
−
Each event is listed at the top of the table, with three to four potential related activities, and their likely OE variable conditions, following. The bottom of each table lists the linked METL tasks. The chart was designed to be clear, yet thorough. Events were analyzed to ensure that the details of each variable in Section 2 supported the possibility of the event, and that each event required a tactical intervention, making it useful to units in training.
 

Latest revision as of 16:16, 15 February 2022

DATE-Pacific Region

The purpose of the Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE)-Pacific is to provide the US Army training community with a detailed description of the conditions of five composite operational environments (OEs) in the Pacific region. It presents trainers with a tool to assist in the construction of scenarios for specific training events but does not provide a complete scenario. DATE-Pacific offers discussions of OE conditions through the political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time (PMESII-PT) variables. This DATE applies to all US Army units (Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve) and partner nations that participate in DATE-compliant Army or joint training exercises.[1]

The operational environment of DATE-Pacific is a complex and multi-layered set of conditions. From the economic and military hegemony of Olvana, to the persistent tensions between North and South Torbia, to the developing nations of Belesia and Gabal, many different potential conflicts may arise. The region has a long history of instability and conflict; ethnic and religious factionalism; and general political, military, and civilian unrest. In addition to these internal regional divisions, outside actors have increasing strategic interests in the region. DATE-Pacific thus represents a flashpoint where highly localized conflict can spill over into widespread unrest or general war.

(See also Using the DATE and TC 7-101 Exercise Design).

Discussion of the OEs within the DATE-Pacific Operational Environment

Belesia

Main article: Belesia

The Federated States of Belesia is a relatively new democracy in the region. The turbulence of its independence from colonial rule continues to create stability challenges throughout its many member-islands. Political turmoil, popular unrest, and widespread terrorism combine to create a volatile environment for this young federation. One of the few stabilizing factors is the farily recent development of economic opportunities and trade. Despite progress in this area, sufficient infrastructure and business processes have yet to be developed, hampering further Belesian progress. The most significant development of the Belesian Federation Defense Force is the formalization and aggregation of member islands’ inconsistent security efforts. This standardization and professionalism is most evident in the establishment of a national constabulary and a national guard. Maintaining a balance between enforcing nationhood and preserving a degree of local autonomy has been the major challenge to national policy implementation and military stationing efforts.

Gabal

Main article: Gabal

The Republic of Gabal is a relatively new democracy, having emerged from joint rule by two Western European countries in 1977. Gabal faces numerous political, social, and economic challenges that have undercut the effectiveness and legitimacy of its government since independence was declared. Tribal politics run deep within the government and the country is deeply federalized among tribal lines. Issues associated with climate change, however, have largely united the country in recent years, as Gabal, along with many other small island nations, seek to influence global climate change politics. The Republic of Gabal’s military serves more as a symbol of the country’s independence from its neighbors than it serves as any true fighting force. Due to its small size, the Gabal military possesses little offensive capabilities and is no threat to any of its neighboring countries. The Gabal military also lacks the ability to defend itself against any major external threat. The military’s main purpose is the prevention of illegal fishing activities in the country’s territorial waters.

North Torbia

Main article: North Torbia

The Democratic People's Republic of Torbia (DPRT), also called North Torbia, is one of the most militarized countries in the world, with more than half a million active duty military personnel and over two million reservists. North Torbia’s military spending is around 20% of its GDP, and about one-quarter of all adults serve in some military capacity. North Torbia is a single-party, despotic state that occupies the northern half of the Island of Luzon. It is self-described as a “self-reliant socialist republic”, but its structure is deeply totalitarian, wholly reliant on a cult-of personality and militarism for survival. DPRT's stated mission is the unification of all of Torbia, but only under the control of the Song family whose family has ran the country since its founding.

Olvana

Main article: Olvana

Since the People’s Republic of Olvana is the largest country in the region in terms of size and population and with an intent to serve as the regional hegemon, Olvana maintains the largest military in the Pacific. The Olvana People’s Army (OPA) is composed of not only a land force, as the Olvana People’s Navy (OPN) and Olvana People’s Air Force (OPAF) are subordinate to the OPA. The OPN is expanding has been expanding its capability over the last decade with the completed construction of its first two carriers with two more under construction. The OPA has also increased its amphibious capabilities. Both increases in capability provide Olvana with the capability to project its military power to anywhere in the region. Olvana attempts to influence the region by the deployment of advisors to various countries and the sale of military weapons to their allies. Today, the Olvanan Communist Party seeks to change some traditions while preserving others, such as the family structure and culture of obedience to the state as being integral to society.

South Torbia

Main article: South Torbia

The Republic of Torbia, also called South Torbia, is a constitutional republic that occupies most of the south half of the island of Luzon. After centuries of foreign occupation and despotic rule, South Torbia emerged in the late 20th century as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and today is one of the world’s wealthiest, most stable, and most militarily powerful nations. However, a massive corruption scandal that included the president has recently rocked the South Torbian government to its core, creating many questions about the stability and viability of the current republic. The South Torbian military is primarily a defensive force aimed at stopping the Democratic People’s Republic of Torbia from taking over the entire country. Many years ago, due to the fear of North Torbia, South Torbia adopted a universal military service of short duration for all its male citizens. After leaving active duty, the military veterans serve in an active or inactive reserve role as a deterrence against external threats to the country’s independence.

Strategic Positioning

Relations among the nations in this region are a tense game of power. As Donovia's strategic influence has shifted to Europe and the Caucasus regions, Olvana has aggressively sought to press its will on the region. Similarly, nations such as South Torbia, Gabal, and Belesia view the shift as an opportunity to grow their influence and develop economic ties both in the region and with external partners. Control of critical mineral and fishing resources, manufacturing, and unfettered transport of goods in the region's shipping lanes is a key point of tension for all. Within the states of the region, groups that had previously seen no opportunity for influence view the instability as a path to develop their voices. Internal conflict is a persistent and potentially destabilizing factor as governments position for legitimacy and consolidate their power. Whether expanding influence or building new power bases, the region will continue to be a driver of worldwide tensions and increasing volatility.

Regional Views of the US

The U.S. has many competing interests in the region, ranging from economic stability and trade to geopolitical influence. The U.S. sees Olvana as both partner and rival. The two economies are intertwined and depend on each other. Olvana's main strategic challenge is that the U.S. controls the seas. Geography means Olvana’s imports and exports must traverse coastal bottlenecks in and among the other nations of the region that either that nation or the U.S. could easily close. Maintaining trade and international shipping through the region, as well as developing new relationships with the emerging economies is vital to ensuring economic growth and continued participation in the region's development.

The United States’ support of anti-terrorism efforts in the region is expected to tamp-down past criticisms of the South Torbian and Belesian governments and lead to renewed cooperation between them despite a wary Olvana. The ongoing political positioning and economic battles waged between the U.S. and the constantly shifting, multi-faceted regional interrelationships will be both a source of opportunity and conflict.

Regional PMESII-PT Overview

Political

The governments in DATE-Pacific tend to fall on opposite ends of the spectrum. Both South Torbia and Gabal are liberal democracies, though not without issues—the former has recently experienced a major political scandal, while the latter is only a few decades old and tribal in nature. Belesia is also a newer democracy that has to continually fight against the autocratic tendencies of its political classes. Both Olvana and North Torbia are one-party autocratic governments that seek to both control their populations and influence their neighbors—the first for hegemonic purposes and the second for regime survival. With economies that are intertwined, the Pacific countries’ political dance is complex and multifaceted, and it is easy for one country to step on the political “toes” of another—either accidentally or intentionally.

Regional Political Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Relatively new democracy
  • Political instability still a problem
  • Government varies between autocratic/brutal and ineffective
  • Foreign policy mainly limited to enhancing trade
  • High terrorist activity
  • Former colony
  • Liberal democracy
  • Influenced by tribal traditions
  • Foreign policy focused on regional diplomacy
  • Tenuous bilateral security agreement with South Torbia
  • One-party, autocratic system
  • No meaningful political opposition
  • State exists to support/protect the regime
  • Highly centralized
  • Foreign policy inconsistent; mainly intended to reinforce the ruling party's authority
  • One-party, autocratic system
  • Major international political force
  • Foreign policy ranges from diplomatic to bellicose
  • Internal frictions, increasing efforts against threats to ruling party
  • Regional hegemon, reaching into African countries
  • Liberal democracy
  • Significant international political influence
  • Varied political spectrum
  • Participant in multiple international treaties and defense cooperation agreements
  • Complex relationship with North Torbia

Military

Military forces in the region vary greatly in both size and purpose. Gabal, as the smallest country in terms of both size and population, has an equally small defensive military that is focused on the prevention of illegal fishing in its waters. Belesia also has limited military capability with old (tier 3) equipment and poor training, but the country does have some offensive capability and is working to improve both manpower and equipment. North Torbia’s tier 3 (with some better equipment in niche areas) military is offensive in nature and very large in comparison to its population. The country’s primary goals are self-preservation through the elimination of both internal and external threats, and reunification with South Torbia—by force, if necessary. In response, South Torbia has fashioned its modernized (tier 2) military as primarily defensive, though the country’s use of armed forces in its fight against internal threats—insurgent groups and criminal enterprises—is decidedly offensive in nature. Olvana fields a large,modern offensive military (tier 1–2) that is focused on both self-defense (internal and external) and regional power projection, with the goal of gaining an equal footing with the United States and Donovia.

Regional Military Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Tier 3 (2/4), inefficient
  • Developing capabilities and doctrine, training
  • Can project limited power
  • Police/constabulary
  • No power projection
  • Bilateral security agreement with South Torbia
  • Oversized, Tier 3 with some niche equipment of higher quality
  • Developing long-range missile systems for high-yield munitions
  • No WMD treaties
  • Large, Tier 2/1
  • Aggressively modernizing
  • Active nuclear program
  • Tier 2 (+), modernized
  • Mostly self-defense, but can project power
  • Western military affiliations

Economic

The economic conditions in the five countries cover a wide spectrum, ranging from strong capitalistic market systems to oppressive state-controlled ones. Despite their vast differences, the countries’ economies are heavily intertwined. Gabal relies on South Torbia for economic aid while it tries to find its feet after exhausting its natural resources. North Torbia’s command economy is mostly cut off from the rest of the world, but it still trades heavily with Olvana and, to a lesser extent, Belesia. South Torbia’s modern capitalistic economy also relies on trade with Olvana, whose mixed command/free market system is used by its government to buy influence with other nations through a carrot-and-stick approach. Belesia is attempting to diversify its emerging agrarian-based economy via manufacturing and trade with its neighbors, but a lack of high-skilled employment opportunities continues to be an issue. Any major change to just one of the regional economies will have significant ripple effects on those of the others.

Regional Economics Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Emerging mixed-market economy
  • Agricultural/industrial split
  • Developing international trade
  • Service-oriented economy
  • Import dependent
  • Limited natural resources
  • Closed, command-directed Communism
  • Plagued by inefficiencies
  • Constrained by economic sanctions
  • Mixed-market Socialism
  • Export-heavy manufacturing sector
  • Burgeoning domestic demand
  • Developed mixed-market Capitalism
  • Numerous trade agreements
  • Industrial sector shifting to services

Social

The countries in the region present a mix of social influences. Three of the countries have a large number of diverse ethnicities—of which a specific one may or may not make up a majority of the population—and multiple languages and dialects. North and South Torbia fall on the other end of the spectrum, with a nearly homogeneous population in terms of ethnicity and language. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are the most common faiths; though indigenous religions are present, only a small minority of the populations follows them. While large youth bulges and continued high birth rates are common in Belesia and Gabal, the opposite is true in Olvana and South Torbia. North Torbia falls between the two, primarily due to high disease levels decreasing the population by default. Education is highly valued in all countries as a way for individuals to improve their socioeconomic situations. Crime and terrorism reflect the diversity and political freedom of the country in question: the more diverse and free, the greater the level of criminal and/or terrorist activity.

Regional Social Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • ~87% Muslim, 10% Christian, 3% Buddhist
  • Literacy rate: 95%
  • 90% access to water, 75% access to sanitation
  • High risk of infectious disease
  • Local language and English are official
  • 25-30% unemployment
  • Dense population
  • Multi-active
  • Majority Protestant (~68%), 24% Roman Catholic, 5% Buddhist
  • 64% literacy rate
  • Small
  • Over 90% have access to clean water, but only 60% have access to modern sanitation
  • Over 90 local languages, English is official
  • Seasonally affected high unemployment
  • Multi-active
  • Ethnically homogenous (99.8% Torbian)
  • No religious freedom
  • High literacy, near 100% claimed
  • 80%+ have access to clean water and sanitation
  • Torbian is almost universal language
  • Low official unemployment (<5%)
  • Dense population clusters
  • Linear-active/Reactive
  • 34% Hindu; 32% Olvan Folk Religion; 25.2% Unaffiliated; 2.5% Islam (mostly in the west); small pockets of other religions
  • Literacy 96% (higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas)
  • 90%+ potable water access, sanitation access highly dependent on urban/rural environment
  • High HIV/AIDS rates
  • 1000s of dialects
  • 5% unemployment, much higher in rural areas
  • Most populous country, mostly dense
  • Multi-active/Reactive
  • ~57% Christian (42% Roman Catholic); ~8% Buddhist; ~6% Islam; 25% not affiliated
  • High literacy, near 100%
  • 100% access to water and sanitation
  • Torbian is primary language, but English is common in business
  • Low unemployment (<5%)
  • Extremely dense urban terrain
  • Reactive

Information

The countries all recognize the importance and influence of media and its control. Approaches range from low-level to modern technical capabilities and from extremely loose to tight governmental control. Olvana and North Torbia practice strong control over public communications media in an attempt to control their populations, while South Torbia and Gabal do the opposite; Belesia maintains some media control, but the government has started relaxing restrictions in recent years. The population rapidly adopts new means of information-sharing using modern technology, unless the government intervenes in an attempt to control information flow. Information warfare (INFOWAR) capabilities run the gamut—from Gabal’s basic attempts to portray the country in a positive light to Olvana’s full range of capabilities. INFOWAR is usually directed externally in the region, with countries focusing on their regional opponents in an effort to gain an advantage, no matter how minor. North Torbia is an exception to this rule, as it focuses equally on internal and external targets. Intelligence capabilities are as varied as the region’s countries. Gabal has minimal collection capabilities and relies on either open-source intelligence or support from friendly countries. Belesia’s capabilities are greater, and focused on electronic warfare and cyber security. The remaining countries have large and sophisticated intelligence programs. As with INFOWAR, these are primarily focused on regional opponents except for North Torbia, which also uses its capabilities against its own populace.

Regional Information Environment Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Decreasing government info control
  • Improving telecom architecture
  • EW & cyber security
  • Limited telecom - satellites
  • Severely restrictive
  • Underdeveloped telecom
  • Large INFOWAR capability
  • Diversified telecom system
  • Restrictive media
  • Robust INFOWAR
  • Robust space program - manufacturing & capabilities
  • High level of freedom of communications, socially regulated/loyalty to nation
  • Abundant/modern telecom
  • Growing INFOWAR

Infrastructure

The region displays a great mix of infrastructure levels throughout the countries, from old and dilapidated to modern and robust. Around half of the populace resides in cities; the notable exceptions are South Torbia, where nine out of ten residents live in an urban environment, and the eastern portion of Olvana. As is common worldwide, utilities and transportation are both more modern and more prevalent/available in urban than rural areas. Power generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, though hydropower and geothermal are also used. All countries have mass transit, airports, and seaports, though condition and usage varies. The easiest and most common method of international travel in the region is by water, mainly due to abundant sea access and the relatively high cost of airfare. South Torbia and Olvana display the most modern and capable infrastructure, while North Torbia falls at the opposite end of the spectrum. Belesia and Gabal are attempting to expand and improve their infrastructure systems, but are limited by lack of available funds.

Regional Infrastructure Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Coal & natural gas energy
  • Limited power in rural
  • Updating roads
  • Two megacities
  • Seaports - 11 major ports, 25 minor ports
  • Oil energy
  • Few small paved roads
  • Few highways
  • Limited airfields
  • Seaports - 2 ports
  • Coal depenedent
  • Many roads, only 15% paved-the rest gravel or dirt
  • Aging rail w/ 2 gauges
  • Widespread subterranean development
  • Seaports - 1 major port, 1 minor port
  • Heavy reliance on coal for power generation, with resulting severe air pollution
  • Vast power, water, and transportation networks
  • Nearly universal distribution of utilities
  • Infrastructure not keeping pace with economic development
  • Numerous megacities
  • Seaports - 33 major, over 2000 minor ports
  • Vast geothermal energy
  • Modern air & roads
  • One extremely dense megacity
  • Seaports - 4 major ports, 2 minor ports

Physical Environment

Four of the five countries in DATE-Pacific lie in an archipelago bounded by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. While Gabal, North Torbia, and South Torbia lie entirely within this island group, Belesia also possesses the northernmost part of the island of Borneo, which lies to the southwest. The islands are mountainous in nature, with interspersed lowland valleys and low coastal plains on the larger islands. Mountain ranges are heavily forested, while valleys are typically fertile and comprise most of the subregion’s arable land. Vegetation and climate are tropical in nature. Major geographic features include peninsulas, volcanoes—both active and inactive—and both surface and subsurface caves. Though common, rivers are not long and are only navigable for short distances, if at all. The most important bodies of water are the seas, which provide both sustenance and a means of transportation. Multiple natural hazards exist, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, forest fires, land and mudslides, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The fifth country, Olvana, lies in the eastern portion of the Asian continent and borders the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea from north to south. Its terrain contains a mix of mountains, basins, plateaus, and plains, with the only major difference between north and south is that the northern part has highlands, while the south has river deltas. The terrain in the west is extremely mountainous, progressing into basins, plateaus and plains as one progresses eastward. The eastern coast is a mix of plains and urban terrain, with some mountains in the southeast. The fertile Yangtze River Valley starts in the center of the country and flows east to East China Sea. Both vegetation and climate vary greatly, based on location and elevation, and arable land is relatively scarce. Natural hazards include typhoons, flash floods, land and mudslides, earthquakes, droughts and tsunamis.

Regional Physical Environment Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Many islands
  • Large crops
  • 2 main islands; others relatively small
  • Minimal crops
  • Concern over rising sea levels
  • Medium-sized
  • Large crops
  • Huge land mass
  • Somewhat inefficient crop output
  • Medium-sized
  • Medium crops

Time

All DATE-Pacific countries use the Gregorian calendar. Belesia, Gabal, and South Torbia are in time zone GMT +8.0, Olvana is an hour different at GMT +7.0, and North Torbia sets its clocks at GMT +8.5. None of the regional countries observe Daylight Savings Time (DST). Approaches to time vary throughout the region. Gabal and Belesia have a relaxed approach to time and people often work on several tasks simultaneously; doing things “in order” is a foreign concept. South Torbians follow a cyclic approach to time, believing that all opportunities, like the sun, will set and then rise again later on. However, this is not taken as an invitation to slowness or laziness, as their concept of harmony requires an ultra-politeness that extends to strict observation of timetables. The Olvanans are very conscious of time and live by the adage, “He who arrives on time is already late.” North Torbians follow an exacting view of time and are neither early nor late, with the added impetus of extremely negative consequences if one should be tardy.

Regional Time Perceptions Comparison
Belesia Gabal North Torbia Olvana South Torbia
  • Traditionally polychronic; shifting to monochronic
  • Relaxed attitude to time
  • Polychronic
  • Strictly enforced
  • Monochronic
  • Monochronic
  • Reactive, grounded in history
  • Cyclic

Hybrid Irregular Armed Groups

Main article: DATE Pacific Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions
Significant Non-State Threat Actors and Conditions in DATE-Pacific
Group Name Type Country Description
Free Sulu Movement Separatist Belesia The FSM is a conglomerate of anti-federation and independence factions of the Belesian archipelago.  The group seeks to break free of the alleged overreach of the Belesian central government and abuses of the Belesia Federation National Guard.
Gabal Forever Insurgency Gabal Gabal Forever is a very small group (less than 100) of boisterous people who do not like the way the government and business leaders are catering to foreigners in attempt to chase the tourist dollar. Many of these are 85%-95% ethnically native to the local islands and trace their ancestry back beyond written history through the oral history tradition of their ancestors. These people are upset about the change in their island’s life and would like it to return to what it was 200 years ago before Westerners arrived.
Islamic Torbian Army Insurgency South Torbia The ITA began on Mindoro as a movement to convert the country into an Islamic Republic. The ITA has expanded to many parts of South Torbia, especially those that contain a large number of Muslims. Since the ITA normally attacks non-Muslims, most other Muslims remain neutral or provide tacit support to the ITA.
Olvana Jemaah Islamiyah Insurgency Olvana The OJI is a Muslim insurgent group that operates primarily in Western Olvana with many of its leaders training in the Middle East. As the OJI becomes stronger, the group continues to push further to the east. The mainline OJI is usually content to slowly convert people to Islam by providing services to the poor rural people that the central Olvana government seems to forget. There are OJI cells that do not feel the conversion process is occurring fast enough, however, and are trying to convert the rural villages by force.
Olvana Mission Insurgency Olvana The Olvana Mission is not a political party, but a group of Christian missionaries whose obhjective is to make the lives of rural Olvanans better while converting them. The Olvana central government is not extreme in its denunciation of religion and will generally allow various religions to practice as long as those practicing their faith seek to use it as a means to overturn the current political structure. The Olvana Mission is on the cusp of going from a group tolerated by the Olvana government in the northwestern part of the country to one that the communists will seek to destroy.
One Hui Front Insurgency Olvana The OHF is an ethno-nationalist organization, rather than an Islamist organization, but Islam remains a large part of its identity. It likely receives support from sympathetic actors of the Islamic faith and have been known to cooperate with OJI on some occasions. Mostly in populated areas in northwest Olvana, but also operates in rural areas conducting terrorist attacks against members of the central Olvanan government. The OHF is heavily involved in Information Operations in attempt to unify the Hui people, exploit sectarian tensions, and limit the influence of religious extremism.
Red River Liberation Army Separtist Olvana The RRLA is a multi-ethnic militant organization rejecting all Olvanan political and cultural influence in the southwest part of the country. The RRLA has reduced its offensive operations lately, but has increased its Information Operations and Psychological Warfare.
Red Tiger Front Violent Extremists Global Western

--fascist and anti-racist political movement active in the US, Europe, and Australia. Though established in its current form in 2005, some of the groups which make up the RTF have been in existence since the immediate post war years. Their recent re-

Satu Pulau Satu Negara Insurgency Belesia The SPSN (roughly translated to One Island, One Nation) believes that all of Luzon should be united under a single national flag. Neither North Torbia nor South Torbia admits to any connection with this organization, which mainly conducts a low-level guerilla war and rhetoric against the Belesian government and military. Known in Belesia as the Luzon Conflict, the Belesian government has been accused of indiscriminate violence and suppression of freedoms, particularity against those of Torbian descent. The Belesiasn government restricts foreign access to parts of Luzon.
South Torbian Communist Army Insurgency South Torbia The TCA is probably less than 1,000 actual fighters, but they may have many more supporters throughout the country. Their expressed intent is to establish a communist country based on the Marxist model, the same goal as stated by the South Torbian Communist Party (TCP). The TCP claims that their group has no connection to the TCA, but there are probably some members that belong to both organizations.
Thorskrig Violent Extremists West

-

United Torbia Insurgency South Torbia United Torbia is more of a counter-insurgent organization. It is pro-government and anti-communist that wants to unite the country with a democratically elected government.
Visayan Peoples Front Insurgency Belesia The VPF is an armed insurgent group committed to establishing an independent entity composed of the islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu and Bohol. Over time, the group, which originally sought the creation of a separate secular state, demanded the exclusion of Muslims and creation of a Christian nation. The government responded with a counter-insurgency strategy rooted in assassination, sabotage, and subversion. The violence between the factions as well as the Belesian government reached a peak a decade ago. Since then, all sides have pledged to a commitment to peace.
Yellow Sashes Insurgency Olvana The Yellow Sashes are primarily Hindi who detest the Olvana communist government’s repression of religion. The Yellow Sashes are often traditionalists who wish to return the country back to the way it was 150 years ago. The Yellow Sashes want a return to the previous form of government before communism, which was a hereditary monarchy.

See also TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 2: Insurgents and Chapter 3: Guerrillas

Criminal Organizations and Activities

Significant Criminal Organizations in DATE-Pacific
Group Name Type Country Description
0 2 4 Street Gang Criminal Transnational, West, IndoPacific 0 2 4 gangs conduct high volume, low level retail drug distribution either on their own behalf or as an arm of a larger organisation, usually a Black Society. The individual gangs exist on a spectrum of criminality, with some confining themselves to drugs activity and others leaning towards more hard core criminality and violent antisocial behaviour. Affiliated with Golden Hawk.
Black Societies Criminal Olvana, Belesia There are a number of “black societies” or organized criminal networks in the largest cities in Olvana. These criminal networks are normally family affairs, with each family staying local to avoid conflict with other groups. These criminal networks are involved in armed robbery, racketeering, smuggling, narcotics trafficking, prostitution, gambling, and contract killings. These groups are not happy with the Tantoco Cartel moving into their cities, and may fight them to keep Tantoco out. These groups are normally named after a color and an animal, usually a bird of prey.
The Cheng Institute Unarmed Noncombatants Olvana, West
Golden Hawk Black Society Criminal Belisia, South Torbia, Olvana, Global
Kumpulan Criminal Gabal Kumpulan is the major criminal organization in Gabal. Its leader owns a local import/export business with warehouses in several cities and towns in Gabal, from which it can hide illegal goods among legitimate imports. It is highly likely that the group has agents scattered throughout the National Police as well as any local governmental officials.
Olvanan Friendship Society Unarmed Noncombatants West
Osongco Syndicate Criminal South Torbia The Osongco Syndicate is a large-scale criminal network that is based on the island of Mindoro in Bongabong led by Zikri Osongco. Osongco may sometimes work with the Tantoco Cartel, but it is not part of the latter. Tantoco leaves Osongco alone as long as he confines his activities to Mindoro. The Osongco Syndicate is primarily involved in stolen goods and smuggling, but will not hesitate to delve into other areas on the island that can make the organization money such as extortion or even bank robbery, especially those that do not practice the Muslim faith. Some Muslims see Osongco as a modern-day Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to the poor.
Redback Raiders MC Criminal South Torbia
Red Tiger Black Society Criminal Belesia

-

Socialist Student League (SSL) Violent Extremist Organization Global West The SSL is a revolutionary anti-
Tantoco Cartel Criminal Multiple The Tantoco Cartel was founded in the Republic of Torbia, it also operates in the largest cities of Olvana and Belesia. The Tantoco Cartel is involved in almost every type of criminal activity imaginable: drug and weapons smuggling, extortion, motor vehicle theft, illegal gambling, money laundering, counterfeiting, and murder-for-hire. The Olvana government is serious about bribery as some senior government leaders have been forced to resign or imprisoned when caught taking bribes.
Tears of Torbia Cyberterror Hacktivists Global

--

Torbian Cultural Center (TCC) Unarmed Noncombatants West The TCC promotes pro-
Yusingo Enterprises Criminal North Torbia Yusingo Enterprises operates around San Fernando City. Their primary activity is smuggling goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, electronics, and medical supplies to sell on the black market. Yusingo Enterprises will also sell drugs if they can find buyers. The local San Fernando City police usually ignore Yusingo activities because the mayor receives a cut of their profits.

See also TC 7-100.3 Irregular Opposing Forces, Chapter 4: Criminals

  1. ↑ The DATE countries listed below are fictionalized territories at the national and first-order administrative levels (i.e. province or county depending on the country). Lower order boundaries such as city wards and municipalities, and physical features such as mountains, rivers, and deserts, have retained their actual names. In many cases literature and media sources will use more than one name for a feature, and may spell them in different ways. As practicable, DATE will follow the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's guidance contained in the Geonet Names Server (GNS), "the official repository of standard spellings of all foreign geographic names sanctioned by the United States Board on Geographic Names (US BGN)". However, the reader should be cautioned that reference texts and maps may use these other variants. These common variants are also listed in the GNS.
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