Political: Gabal

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Map of Gabal

Political Overview

Official Flag of the Republic of Gabal

The Republic of Gabal is a relatively new democracy, having emerged from the joint rule of two Western European countries in 1977. Gabal faces numerous political and economic challenges that have undercut the effectiveness and legitimacy of its government since it declared independence. Tribal politics run deep within the government and the country is deeply federalized along 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. Overall, Gabal maintains a Level of Freedom categorization of Free and a ranking of 2 on a 7 point scale.

Political History

Early History

Gabal was populated by unaffiliated and indigenous tribes that were often hostile to outsiders, and whose presence on the island date from prehistory. Europeans first arrived in Gabal in 1750 during a South Seas expedition. This expedition established a trading post on the main island, which quickly grew into a permanent settlement. Soon after, traders from multiple European countries began making use of the settlement as a trading hub for their operations in the South Pacific, bringing a variety of different influences. This dynamic: an independent island populated by unaffiliated tribes, featuring a robust multinational European trading presence, existed peacefully for over a century.

In 1862, with the supply of cotton from the American South cut off by the embargoes and blockades of the American Civil War, Europe looked abroad for colonies that could support cotton plantations. Gabal, with its tropical climate and volcanic soil, appeared to be an ideal candidate. Two European colonial powers negotiated joint administration of the islands centered in the city of Puerto Princessa, establishing the two-culture government that would endure and influence Gabal through independence and beyond.

Cotton did not end up becoming a significant cash-crop for the new colony, however, coffee and fruit plantations found some success. Native islanders, whose legal and economic status rested somewhere between western chattel slaves and exploited factory laborers, provided most of the plantation labor. By the turn of the 20th century, coffee and fruit had been replaced almost entirely by native hardwood logging as the chief export of the island. Native Gabalians had few legal rights and no representation in the colonial government. A colonial split between the two colonial countries controlling Gabal led to tensions between both white and native residents. The outbreak of WW II arrested a building tension on the island.  

Pre-Independence

The Gabal independence movement began in earnest during WWII. Gabal’s strategic location positioned it to support Allied operations in the South Pacific. Soon after hostilities began, Allied soldiers arrived in large numbers to defend the island and build facilities to support air and naval operations. After American entry into the war, much of this responsibility passed to American servicemen, who likewise occupied the islands in large numbers. Interacting with Americans on such a large scale contributed to already emerging nationalist feelings; by the end of the war, native Gabalians had established a full scale independence movement. This coincided with the widespread dissolution of the European empires following the war. In 1956, Gabal began negotiations for self-rule.

Independence

Negotiations dragged on for many years, complicated by the discovery of large chromium deposits. European colonizers, enamored by thoughts of further financial gain, hesitated to leave the island prior to establishing mining operations to extract the chromium. As time passed, pressure increased as natives established local political parties and began to formally organize an anti-colonial movement centered on the Northern island of Coron. An incident in 1974 brought the tension to a head, when a small group of tribesmen conducted an armed takeover of the country’s main airport—demanding immediate independence and self-rule. Refusing to send its own troops to the island to put down the insurrection, European colonial governments hired mercenary police forces from a nearby neighbor country. This incident caused local Gabalian political leaders to demand either proper support from the exiting colonial powers or self-rule. Both traditional colonial powers immediately rescinded colonial claims to the islands. Gabal gained its independence in 1977, with the first Gabalian elections held that same year.

Post-Independence

Friction among the tribes throughout the islands dominated early Gabalian politics. Tribes aligned largely with colonial business concerns, based primarily on tribal geography, with political parties developing around this mix of business loyalties and tribal affiliations. Early elections had less to do with larger national issues and more to do with local self-interest. The politics of geographic and tribal loyalties discouraged discussions of larger national interests and led to instability throughout the mid-1980s and 1990s. Many Gabalians blamed instability on the continued influence that colonialism had within the society, and in 1994 the government voted to move the capital from Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island, to the city of Coron on the northern island of Coron.

National Unity Around External Threats

Climate change was the first issue that created true national unity in Gabal. Starting in the late 1990s, a series of devastating storms coupled with rising sea levels and the effects of total deforestation of the nation’s valuable tropical timber created a groundswell of ecology-focused political parties. Gabal joined the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) coalition and adopted their mantras of sustainability, renewable energy, and combating man-made climate change. Since that time, climate change has become the most significant threat and the dominant domestic political issue in Gabal.

Government Overview

Gabal is a representative democracy , with the executive and legislature elected by populate vote. The national/federal government is far more powerful and influential than local governments. There is a system of checks and balances to ensure long-term stability.

Branches of Government

Interaction chart of the Gabal branches of government.

The Gabal government is a parliamentary representative democracy that employs a traditional three-branch structure, with checks and balances established between each branch. Though the official government is wholly democratic, a traditional system of tribal politics provides significant informal influence at every level of government.

Legislative Authority

Gabal’s national legislative body is called the National Assembly (NA). The NA is a unicameral, with two members elected from each of 13 electoral districts and an additional 12 members, chosen in proportion to the percentages of representation by the winning political parties. Elections occur every four years, or upon a dissolution of the government by the Prime Minister (PM). Gabal has numerous and rapidly-changing political parties; forming coalition governments has been a consistent challenge and legislative gridlock is common as a result. Members of the legislature are often proxies for tribal leadership and tend to vote in accordance with the wishes of tribal leaders.

In addition to the formal legislature there is a Council of Chiefs, an informal gathering of tribal leaders. While this body has no official constitutional power, it advises every element of government and is highly influential. The population sees the Council of Chiefs as an adjunct legislative body, one charged with protecting Gabalian traditions and culture—but in reality having more far-reaching influence. 

Gabal's political parties are in constant motion: parties and coalitions sometimes last only a single election cycle and rarely last more than a few years. Broadly speaking, urbanized and semi-urbanized areas tend to vote for parties favoring greater international involvement and development, while rural areas tend to vote for more culturally traditional platforms.

Gabal's political parties are largely temporary and ad-hoc—there have been well over 100 different registered political parties since Gabal gained independence. Parties constantly change names and alliances, both during and in between election cycles. Parties are aligned with tribes and generally vote in accordance with their affiliated tribal leadership.

In order for a party to appear on a ballot, it must register with the Council of Ministers. This registration includes identifying party leaders and a statement of its platform. Though the Constitution dictates that nearly all political parties must be approved by this body, Council members have resisted or refused to give legal standing to parties based on tribal rivalries or other political considerations. This has led to significant friction and calls to limit or remove the authority of the Council of Ministers in approving political parties.

Gabal also has several informal but influential non-party political organizations. The most prominent are conservation-related: Green Gabal and The Island. Both of these organizations lobby for greater ecological awareness in Gabal and for greater involvement in the international green movement. A pro-tourist organization, the Gabal Tourism Chamber, has also gained considerable influence over the last several years. Acting essentially as an advocate for Gabal's merchant class, the Tourism Chamber seeks to expand tourism to Gabal. This has occasionally put them into conflict with the ecological groups, as tourist businesses lobby for greater access to protected wildlife preservations and areas of the ocean.

Currently, a coalition of the Social Christian Party (SCP) and the Democratic-Republican Party (DRP) is ruling the country, but this is tenuous as they only possess a slim 20-18 margin in the National Assembly. If the SCP and DRP have a falling out over a policy, then the government would fall calling for a new government composed of a different coalition or new elections.

National Assembly Diagram

National Assembly Chart

Political Party	Vote Percent	Seats
Social Christian Party (SCP)	16%	6
Democratic-Republican Party (DRP)	37%	14
Tribal Caucus (TC)	26%	10
Green Party (GP)	21%	8

Executive Authority

The Prime Minister (PM) is elected by a majority vote of the people every four years and exercises the full authority of the executive branch of the government. There are no term limits for the PM. The PM appoints the seven members of the cabinet, called the Council of Ministers. This is the body that fills the majority of the executive functions. Tradition dictates that some members of the Council be from political parties different from the PM—often these members are taken from the Council of Chiefs. This power-sharing arrangement is used to preempt opposition to the sitting government by appointing political opponents to ministries where those ministers can access government patronage for their constituents. The PM appoints ministers, sets the legislative agenda, and is the face of the government to most of the populace. 

The president handles the day-to-day affairs of the government. The president’s constitutional powers are very limited, and the position’s internal responsibilities are largely ceremonial. The president acts as the Chair of the Council of Ministers—leading and managing cabinet meetings and the implementation of the PM’s agenda through the various ministries. The extended responsibilities of the president are assigned by the PM. In cases where the president has the full confidence of the PM, the president can give the president authority conduct foreign visits, negotiate treaties, and chair committees. The president has traditionally been the PM’s representative to NA—handling the PM’s legislative interests. The president runs for office with the PM and stands for election every four years with no term limits.  

Judicial Authority

The Gabalian judicial system has elements of colonial and tribal legal traditions, but is primarily based on common law. A tiered system with limited and flawed appeals process and elected judges has often compromised the integrity of the system over the years. Historically, judges are chosen based on the perception of their favorable rulings toward certain tribes or people. This process has minimal federal oversight. Pressure from domestic civil society activists and international organizations is putting pressure on the Gabal government to reform some of the more egregious practices with limited success in improving justice in the country. 

National Court System

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court consists of three members, appointed by the PM and approved by the NA. The judges hear only high-profile cases, such as those concerning the Gabalian Constitution. The Supreme Court chooses which cases to hear, but those choices are influenced by powerful politicians and tribal leaders. Charges of judges being too much influenced by external sources have fallen on deaf ears, as there is no real oversight authority for the Supreme Court judges. Judges serve at the pleasure of the NA, which has impeachment authority.

Court of Appeals

A president-appointed and NA-approved court of three judges is placed in each of the districts in Gabal to hear cases appealed from the lower courts. The judges are generally appointed from the districts in which they reside by the PM. There is no constitutional requirement for the judges to have any legal background or education, however, the judges are usually chosen from among the legal community. Because they are chosen from the districts in which they serve, they are also subject to bias and political and tribal influence. The judges choose which cases to hear, which may be arbitrarily chosen based on a range of motivations and intentions.

Lower Courts

The lower courts are the first line in the judicial system. Municipal and district court judges are elected by the people. All cases are heard at this level and subject to appeal only if the Courts of Appeal accept the case. Elections are held in conjunction with national elections.

Constituent State Court System

There are no constituent state courts.

Parallel Legal Systems

Religious Law

Religion is not a factor in the Gabalian legal system. Disputes are generally handled through the court system, with the exception of those deemed within the context of religious practices that may be handled by religious leaders.

Customary Law

Tribes have mostly accepted and support the judicial system—having either melded tribal traditions into the generally accepted legal system or having abandoned traditions that no longer apply. In some limited instances, traditions still guide punitive consequences to certain behaviors. In rural areas, tribal influence exceeds that in more urban areas. Tribal leaders still hold informal tribal courts that deal with low-level and petty crimes and disagreements.

Common Law

Gabal’s legal system is based on common law—a body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts. Common law influences the decision-making process in cases where the outcome cannot be determined based on existing statutes or written rules of law

Governance Issues

Legitimacy

In rural areas, there remains some tension between tribe and elected government. On the whole, both are accepted and find ways to coexist.

Government Legitimacy Claims

The Gabalian government struggled with stability from the very beginning. Balancing the system of a western-style democracy with the inertia of ancient tribal politics led to discord, gridlock, and near-constant infighting. The formal government also struggles with the perception of its legitimacy versus tribal institutions; for much of the population, especially those in more impoverished areas, tribal authority is still a factor in daily life. This tension rarely reaches the level of violence, rather, it manifests itself through political infighting, votes of no-confidence, and government/representative turnover. Gabal’s government made a major step forward with regard to separating from its colonial past when it moved its capital from Puerto Princesa to Coron.

In recent years, increased improved internet and television access and emergence of significant national issues such as climate change, foreign investment, and tourism management have increased the stability and influence of the national government. This trend projects to continue—traditional tribal power will likely diminish incrementally as national political authority increases.

Populations Recognition of Legitimacy

The government’s legitimacy among the population remains a contentious issue as a result of the nation’s colonial past. The elected government closely resembles the tribal population and is primarily made up of leadership elements from the various tribes. While the population recognizes the tribal authority of the individuals in government, it is the actual government structure that leads to distrust. Critics of the government often say that the western style system of governance is a relic of colonialism and that the people of Gabal would be better to rule themselves based upon their traditions rather than colonial traditions.

Participation

Elections are a national holiday, filled with a tradition of celebratory events surrounding the day. The percentage of the population voting is consistently over 70%.

Protests

An inability for the Gabalian government to consistently provide needed services and a history of government instability provide fodder for periodic protests. Protests generally erupt on college campuses, among the poor, and with members of unions. The protests are generally peaceful, although during times of great political stress and dissatisfaction there have been incidents of violent clashes between security forces and protesters.

Measures Taken To Maintain Legitimacy

The government is aware of its precarious position as a poor and small country, with few natural resources to offer to the world economy. The effects of climate change are an added pressure. Political leaders actively seek trade partnerships, development aid, and tourists through diplomatic means and marketing to insure its capacity to deliver services to the people.

External View of the Government's Legitimacy

Regionally and internationally, the Gabalian government is viewed as legitimate, but fragile and subject to the volatilities that create circumstances for political instability.

Effectiveness

Elections

Gabal holds general elections every 4 years, or upon the dissolution of the government by the PM (usually following a vote of no-confidence). Districts make their own rules for local elections, however, election cycles typically either mirror national elections or are in alternating two-year windows.

Rule of Law

Gabal’s government and population take their Constitution seriously. Though the country often experiences political instability, the rule of law is viewed as critical by all elements of society. A small population and long-standing cultural norms add additional support to the legal rule of law traditions of the Gabalian people. Politicians and tribal leaders alike are expected to abide by and uphold the Constitution; charges of high-level corruption or extra-legal activity are serious matters and are often career-ending.

Domestic Security Forces

Gabal has a unified national police force, the Gabal Police, whose motto is translated as "Service to the People." The Commissioner is appointed in accordance with the Constitution, which establishes the office of Commissioner of Police. This official is appointed by the president, following consultation with the appropriate cabinet minister and approval of the NA. The Commissioner of Police holds executive and administrative authority over the entire police force, and is answerable directly to the Minister of Justice. Parliament may, however, make laws regulating the police force. 

The Commissioner of Police maintains a national force under his direct control. This force has jurisdiction over national crimes that cross political boundaries and others the Commissioner deems significant enough to demand greater resources. 

Responsibility for hiring and firing local police officers is given to each political body (city or regional governments), under the authority and within the policies and administrative and professional parameters defined by the Commissioner of Police. In the event a dispute arises over the local handling of any police matter, the issue can be appealed to the Office of the Commissioner of Police for final resolution.   

Prison System

The Gabal prison system is headed by a Commissioner, who reports directly to the Ministry of Justice. The following is the current data for Gabal’s prisons:

Gabal Prison Population
Prison population total (including pre-trial detainees / remand prisoners)	2,506
Prison population rate (per 100,000 of national population)	274
Pre-trial detainees / remand prisoners (percentage of prison population)	24%
Female prisoners (percentage of prison population)	2.5%
Juveniles / minors / young prisoners incl. definition (percentage of prison population)	0.7%
Foreign prisoners (percentage of prison population)	1.2%
Number of establishments/ institutions	15
Official capacity of prison system	1,916
Occupancy level (based on official capacity)	137.9%

Corruption

Low-level corruption, particularly among police forces and local officials, is extremely common in Gabal, so much so that they are viewed as practically quasi-legal. Public servants are often not paid living wages, and thus income from bribe and graft are considered integral to the function of government. This kind of corruption is not limited to the lowest political echelons, but also finds its way to the national government. Gabalians do not generally view foreign investment or aid controlled by politicians as corrupt in nature, though they tend to be skeptical of foreign investors due to the country's long history of exploitation by foreign powers.

Human Rights and Freedoms

As an independent republic, Gabal has an excellent human rights record despite political instability and limited resources. Racial, religious, and political persecution are virtually nonexistent. Police are generally well overseen by national authorities, even in remote and rural areas. Freedom of speech, religion, and assembly are guaranteed by the Constitution, and the government generally follows these precepts. Tribal dynamics are more obscure: freedoms within the tribal construct, especially for women, can be somewhat more restrictive. However, poor wages and exploitative business practices within private companies (specifically mining companies) have come under scrutiny in recent years, especially from international human rights organizations. Though technically legal, the poor treatment of workers is an emerging political issue in Gabal, one that may heavily influence future politics.

Provision of Services

Gabal is a small and poor country with few natural resources. It depends, in large measure, on the patronage of past colonial powers and tourism. Both of these main sources of revenue are subject to variables beyond the control of the Gabal government. As such, revenue may be inconsistent from year to year, causing disruptions in its capacity to provide a variety of services. The people of Gabal have lived with these circumstances for generations and are able to withstand the challenges with a certain degree of fatalism and resolve.

Ministry of Education and Culture

This ministry is responsible for oversight of the country’s school system from pre-school through high school. Though unassuming, this Ministry has played a significant role in shaping Gabal and is often the focal point for two opposing viewpoints that compete for influence. Traditionalists view the role of the Ministry of Education and Culture as being one that preserves local traditions, and local control, ceding much of the responsibility for education to individual communities. Conversely, progressives believe that while the Ministry has a role in protecting Gabal’s heritage, it also has a role in shaping Gabal’s future.

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare

This ministry is primarily responsible for overseeing public health, unemployment payments, and public assistance.

Ministry of Environment

The Ministy of Environment has grown in influence over the last several decades, and now, thanks in part to Gabal’s emphasis on Climate Change, it has a significant influence over the rest of the government and economy.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

All issues related to diplomacy and foreign relations is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ministry of Finance

This ministry is tasked with managing tax collection, budgetary responsibilities, distribution of social support, and other accounting and financial management responsibilities.

Centers of Political Power

Gabal Map

The tribe remains the center of politics in Gabal. Political parties are formed around tribal lines, elected officials typically represent constituents from a tribal perspective. Tribal leaders are often, but not always, elected to leadership positions, but virtually all political dialogue centers around tribal politics.

The focus placed on tribal representation creates significant instability in political parties. Rather than establishing large, long-lived organizations, parties in Gabal tend to be almost ad-hoc, assembled for one electoral period to represent a particular tribal issue, and are then often dissolved or reorganized following the next election. This instability manifests itself in regular votes of no-confidence and dissolutions of parliament.

State Institutional Authority

Military

Gabal’s military is small and non-expeditionary. Its primary missions are patrolling Gabal’s territorial waters, providing a persistent ground security presence, and building military partnerships with friendly and allied nations. Primary military authority is held by the PM, and exercised through the cabinet, specifically through the Minster of Defense and the general staff. The military budget is prepared by the general staff, then submitted by the Minster of Defense for approval by the National Assembly. The military has maintained the respect of the population and is seen as an honorable profession.

Religious

Despite being overwhelmingly Christian, Gabal recognizes freedom of religion and a general separation of church and state. There is little religious conflict or persecution on Gabal, although elements of the government strongly resist the presence or visitation of modern foreign missionaries.

Other

There are no other State Institutional Authorities.

Non-State Insitutional Authority

Gabal’s tribal system is technically a parallel system to the government.  While many of the actors are the same, it is common for disputes between individual tribal groups to be handled through non-government means, rather than turning the disputes into a matter of public discourse.

Informal Authority (Social Groups)

Gabal society revolves around a hierarchy of relations that begins at the family level and builds upward through a network of tribal relationships. These provide the informal authority for all aspects of life in Gabal.

Ethno-linguistic Groups

Diversity within Gabal is a matter of perspective.  To outsiders, including the former colonial powers, the population of Gabal is perceived as being relatively ethnically homogenous despite the linguistic and tribal diversity. To the people of Gabal, however, the population is extremely diverse, with geographic, tribal, and linguistic differences creating distinctions among the population.

Kinship Groups

Gabalian family life is very traditional and rooted in the tribal institution. Families tend to be large and patriarchal, with the father acting as the political head of the family unit. Gabal granted universal suffrage soon after the establishment of the new free government, but women, especially married women, seldom exercise their political freedom. Family law is likewise traditional and patriarchal, which further marginalizes the female population politically. This dynamic is changing somewhat in urban areas, with women having an increased political presence.

Tribal affiliation and the influence of tribal leaders play a leading role in Gabalian politics. Tribal leaders are often elected to office and exercise significant influence in political party decisions that determine who is elected to office at every level of government. 

Non-state Sponsored Religious Groups

Religious groups play only a minor role in Gabalian politics.

Politics and Political Parties

Domestic Political Issues

Gabal’s three primary domestic political objectives are 1) build a sustainable economy based around tourism and limited exports, 2) develop and integrate all parts of the island chain, and 3) prepare the population and infrastructure for the anticipated effects of climate change. All major political parties formulate their positions along these lines; the primary differences between parties lie in the rank order of the three objectives.

Sustainable Economy

Gabal’s economy is fragile, at best—dependent on good weather, the disposable income of foreigners, its limited exports, and support from former colonial allies. Gabal’s capacity to provide services to its citizens and develop for the future requires the best of circumstances. Unfortunately, there are few years where all of the variables are working in Gabal’s favor.

Development

Gabal is developing the island chain as resources allow, dependent on economic conditions. Politicians use this issue to successfully challenge incumbent politicians. There is general dissatisfaction and acceptance of a fragile existence fraught with externally-imposed crises.

Climate Change

The ever-present threats of rising ocean levels and other crises of climate change are particularly felt by the citizens of Gabal. Gabal is a member of numerous climate-change organizations which are working to support threat mitigation in Gabal. Due to its imminent threat, this is the one issue that unifies Gabalians.

Official Political Parties

Democratic-Republican Party (DRP)

A centrist party whose main platform is development of Gabal's infrastructure and education systems.

Social Christian Party (SCP)

A center-right party whose main platform is job creation and economic expansion through tourism and foreign investment.

Tribal Caucus (TC)

A Gabal nationalist party whose platform is the preservation of the traditional Gabal tribal structure.

Green Party (GP)

A center-left party whose main platform is preservation of Gabal's ecology and participation in the global ecology movement.

Political Coalitions

Political coalitions are inconsistent and dissolve quickly.

Other Domestic Influential Groups

Green Gabal

The leading environmental activist group in Gabal. It has ties to and receives financial support from several international organizations. It is has a broad-based mission that includes such tactics as organized protests, lobbying political leaders, writing campaigns, and limited physical obstruction of activities it deems in the interest of the environment. There have been several instances of violence, but these have been conducted mostly by fringe members of the organization. It is considered a radical organization by many of the businesses that deem Green Gabal a radical organization, unwilling to see its side of issues.

The Island

The second leading environmental group in Gabal. It has focused on restoration of the forests, protection of ocean environments, and water safety. The Island’s funding comes primarily from domestic sources. It has successful partnerships with local businesses, particularly those dependent on tourism.

Gabal Chamber of Commerce

This organization is the leading advocacy group for Gabal’s business interests. There is significant tension with Green Gabal, as it considers that organization a radical organization with little concern for the economic impact of its demands.

Gabal Tourism Chamber

This group advocates almost exclusively for the tourism industry in Gabal. It has found success in partnering with moderate elements of the environmental groups on ways to effectively protect the environment and further its economic agenda. That partnership has included developing eco-tourism programs.

International Relationships

Geopolitical/International Political Strategy

Due to its size and scant resources, Gabal will never be a major player internationally. Its imminent threat from climate-related crises, however, makes it a significant partner with international activists and countries concerned about the effects of changing climate conditions. These partnerships are getting Gabal into the room with the international and regional powers for discussions on other issues important to Gabal, such as trade and aid.

Major Diaspora Population(s)

A small diaspora of those with ethnic ties to Gabala exists around the world. Remittances provide limited support to some of the poorest Gabalians. A network of semi-autonomous groups contribute to the Gabala Fund, a nonprofit in the US established for the support of poor Gabalians. Periodic social media-driven campaigns contribute to the support of citizens of Gabala, particularly in years where natural disasters hit the island hard.

Relationship with Major World Powers

Gabal’s three primary international political objectives are 1) ensure an open, available market for the tourism and export economy, 2) locate and develop opportunities for foreign investment foreign aid, and 3) participate fully in the global coalition to combat climate change. Gabal views climate change as the dominant global political issue. They participate actively in numerous climate change organizations, and much of their diplomatic capital is spent on climate change issues. As a matter of policy, Gabal seeks out partnerships with larger nations that they view as most aggressive on the climate change issue.

United States

Gabal has a cordial but limited relationship with the United States. The US does not contribute significant foreign aid to Gabal, nor is it a major trading partner. However, Gabal recognizes the influence that the US has with numerous international financial aid organizations, and thus has sought a generally positive relationship. The US does not have an embassy in Gabal, but maintains diplomatic ties; likewise, Gabal does not have an embassy in the US.

In recent years, the Gabal military began an informal cooperative relationship with the United States military. This relationship began during cooperation efforts while on UN military missions; positive feedback led Gabali officers to recommend pursuing enhanced military relations with the US. At present this is limited to officer training visits to US military facilities and training courses, but may be expanded to include active unit-level participation and cooperation. Gabal's membership in the Non-Aligned Movement likely precludes any formal military alliance with the US.

Donovia

Gabal maintains a warm relationship with Donovia. Each has diplomatic presence in the other’s capital. Donovia provides limited aid, most pronounced when natural disasters hit Gabal. Donovian citizens find Gabal an inviting tourist destination. The country does not have a significant strategic importance to Donovia, but is a place where a lack of US presence is filled by a limited investment by Donovia.

Olvana

Olvana recognizes Gabal as a minor, but important trading partner. For this reason, Olvana has invested more heavily than other major countries in developing Gabal’s infrastructure. It is a tourist destination for many Olvanan citizens. A small number of Olvanan merchants have satellite businesses that cater to the tourist industry.

Australia

Gabal recently implemented a Defense Cooperation Program (DCP) with Australia, wherein the Australian military provides advisors and trainers to the Gabal armed forces. This is the first relationship of this type in Gabal's history.

European Union

European development aid to Gabal is mainly funded through the European Fund for Development (EFD). The current national funding is directed toward programs focused on sustainable rural livelihoods, good governance, and access to justice. In addition, funding is provided through regional and thematic programs and other EU activities, especially for:

• Promoting gender equality and equity
• Combatting waste
• Strengthening public finance management
• Protecting biodiversity and enhancing resilience to climate change
• Improving marine governance

Relationship to Other Countries in the Region

South Torbia

Gabal has close relationships with South Torbia through a number of regional and international organizations, most pronounced in those focused on mitigation of climate threats. South Torbia also considers Gabal an important trading partner. Gabal is also a tourist destination for South Torbian citizens. South Torbia provides limited aid to Gabal, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. Both countries have diplomatic offices in the other’s capital.

North Torbia

Gabal has no significant relationship with North Torbia.

Belesia

Gabal shares membership in several regional organizations, mostly related to climate threat mitigation. There is limited trade between the two countries. They share similar challenges in being small countries and resisting the encroachments of larger and more economically powerful countries. In this regard, there have been a several diplomatic meetings to discuss how to better position themselves in a larger world. While separated by the Sulu Sea, Belesia’s domestic security forces can often be found patrolling Gabal’s territorial waters near the island of Palawan. Following initial protests, Gabal has begun to view the presence of Belesian patrols as promoting security, as long as they respect Gabal’s security forces.  Belesia, for its part, believes that securing the waterways around Palawan Island is critical to its own security. Their patrols are intended to target smugglers, who may be trying to cross the Sulu Sea and enter Belesia.

Regional Issues

Gabal has two primary concerns within the region, the first issue is the promotion of progressive measures addressing climate change, and the second issue is maintaining its sovereignty.

Sovereignty

Given its history with colonial rule and the challenges of post-colonial independence, Gabal prioritizes issues of sovereignty.  It continues to push against what it views as foreign encroachment, even as it invites foreign aid and support to ensure continued survival.

Domestic Sovereignty

While there is seems to be some friction between how the government should be run, there is little issue concerning who should be running the government, therefore there are no real challenges to Gabal’s domestic sovereignty. 

Territorial/Interdependence Sovereignty

There are no significant border or territorial threats to Gabal’s sovereignty. That said, some factions within Gabal have issue with the continued presence of Belesian patrols in Gabal’s territorial waters near the island of Palawan. Gabal’s continued tacit approval of Belesia’s actions is dependent upon the continued mutual benefit they both receive.

International Sovereignty

With the exception of the occasional fishing rights disputes, Gabal is recognized as a sovereign nation with no break away regions receiving international support.

Issues of de jure and de facto Sovereignty

Gabal is not facing any serious issues regarding its ability to exercise control over its territory. That said, on some of the more isolated inhabited islands, the government does not have a presence, and the population may in fact have de facto sovereignty from the Gabalian government.

Conflict and/or Disputes

Water Rights

Gabal is not facing any water rights challenges.

Environmental Issues

Climate change issues are an ever-present and unrelenting concern for citizens of Gabal. For this reason, Gabal is on the front line of environmental advocacy. It is already seeing the effects of rising sea levels.

Political Relationships

Global Participation

Gabal’s most important international political organization memberships are the Non-Aligned Movement, the Coalition of Low-Lying Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These are all coalitions of small island nations focused on the specific issues facing these types of countries. Gabal is noted as a leader in the CANCC. Gabal is a member of the United Nations and participates regularly in UN activities, to include military. Gabal is also a member of several other major international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Pacific Islands Forum.

Regional participation

In addition to international organizations, Gabal is a member of several organizations focusing on regional issues. These include Conservation Alliance (CA), Regional Fishing Pact (RFP), and Climate Threat Mitigation Initiative (CTMI). In addition, Gabal is involved in several ongoing diplomatic discussions, both formal and informal, focused on climate, trade, and military cooperation.

Military Relationships

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.

Alliances

Gabal recently implemented a Defense Cooperation Program (DCP) with Australia, wherein the Australian military provides advisors and trainers to the Gabal armed forces. This is the first relationship of this type in Gabal's history. It also has a long-standing bilateral security agreement with South Torbia.

Treaties

Gabal’s treaties focus, primarily, on regional fishing rights and trading agreements.

Military Aid

Gabal does not have a significantly sized military nor any military hardware production capacity. As Gabal has not tailored its military towards conducting offensive or defensive operations of any scale, importation of weapons is extremely limited—limited to periodic replacement of small arms.

Economic Relationships

Gabal is highly dependent on foreign aid. Western nations provided budgetary support in decreasing amounts since independence, phasing it out completely some 15 years ago in favor of project development investment. Gabal’s economic growth heavily relies on commodity exports.

Trade Agreements

A sampling of Gabala trade agreements include:

• Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (‘PACER’)
• Pacific Islands Air Services Agreement (‘PIASA’)
• Pacific Islands Countries Trade Agreement (‘PICTA’)
• South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA)
• Conservation Alliance (CA)
• Regional Fishing Pact (RFP)
• U.S.-Pacific Islands Multilateral Tuna Fisheries Treaty
• EU-Pacific Islands Trade Agreement

Tarriffs, Sanctions, and Embargos

While there are currently no major economic sanctions against Gabal, during the country’s efforts to become an offshore banking center, a group of major US banks instituted a ban on dollar transactions with Gabal until they received the necessary reassurances about banking procedures. This resulted in the closure of the entire Gabal banking structure.

Economic Aid

Gabal is a participant in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), primarily as a receiver of aid from the IMF. This aid is not substantial or reoccurring, but happens during economic downturns in Gabal.

Other International Organizations

As the country relies heavily on international aid and development, the beneficiaries of these resources tend to hold a greater level of economic sway. This means that the two areas of greatest potential economic growth—tourism and fishing—are continually battling for investment dollars. Linkages with private investors, such as Williams Finance Group in the US, Donovia’s Auzan Venture Company, and Asker International from Central Asia, often have the greatest return, completely bypassing official channels. Concerning charity, the Gabal Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (GANGO) acts as a quasi-umbrella organization covering all NGOs in the country. GANGO focuses its efforts into three areas of income growth and employment: aquaculture (grouper farming), youth development (skills training programs for young adults), and women in development (agricultural projects focused on female employment). 

Gabal’s most important international political organization memberships are the Non-Aligned Movement, the Coalition of Low-Lying Atoll Nations on Climate Change (CANCC), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These are all coalitions of small island nations focused on the specific issues facing these types of countries. Gabal is noted as a leader in the CANCC. Gabal is a member of the United Nations and participates regularly in UN activities, to include military. Gabal is also a member of several other major international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Pacific Islands Forum.

National Arctic Strategy

Gabal has no formal Arctic Strategy. Unlike most other Arctic Council Observers, The Gabal government does not have any icebreakers, and have not conducted Arctic expeditions. Gabal’s national interests in the Arctic are centered around four interwoven areas. Gabal desires to increase the role of it’s shipping ports, increase tourism, and attract ships headed to and from the Straits of Malacca. The Gabal government wants to benefit from Arctic energy resources both directly and indirectly through the increased shipping traffic. Gabal imports 100% of its energy needs. It has no exploitable oil, natural gas, or coal reserves. The Gabal government wants to increase its involvement in maritime governance organizations to ensure it has an understanding of the developing ports and sea routes. Gabal strives to stay informed, engaged, and forward thinking regarding how climate change in the Arctic will threaten it’s shores and impact global shipping routes. These four interlaced tenets are the closest thing Gabal has to a National Arctic Strategy:

1. Port Development. Gabal wishes to capitalize on the increased maritime traffic through South Asia and to attract more shipping and tourism through port development. The development of these ports will mean job growth and the expansion of tourism across the island state. 
2. Arctic Energy Resources. The Gabal government is 100% reliant on fossil fuel imports. Gabal desires to capitalize on the increased fossil fuel maritime traffic to indirectly gain access to the Arctic energy resources. 
3. Involvement in Governance Organizations. Gabal wishes to increase it’s international involvement in the development of the Arctic to ensure it can gain and maintain an understanding of the impacts to developing ports and northern routes.
4. Climate Change. Gabal is an island state and it’s shores are directly affected by rising sea levels associated with climate change. The ports that it wishes to develop and the maritime traffic it desires to attract will also be impacted by climate change. The Gabal government wishes to benefit from the scientific discoveries involved with Arctic development. This includes clean energy as well as closely tracking climate change. 

Arctic Council 

In 2013, Gabal gained observer status in the Arctic Council alongside Olvana, Japan, South Korea, and India. Despite being one of the smallest nations, Gabal has made the most of it’s new status. Gabal has established committees, roundtables, and been actively involved with the Arctic Indigenous groups. Gabal has offered Arctic Indigenous students scholarships at it’s schools and programs in order to encourage cultural exchange. This has gained it recognition as a capacity-building observer / member of the Arctic Council.