Political: South Torbia

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Official Flag of the Republic of Torbia (RoT); short name is South Torbia

Republic of Torbia (South Torbia) Map

The Republic of Torbia, commonly referred to as South Torbia, is a constitutional republic that occupies most of the south half of the island of Luzon. After centuries of foreign occupation and authoritarian rule, South Torbia emerged in the late 20^th century as one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Today it is one of the world’s wealthiest, most stable, and militarily powerful nations in the region.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, South Torbia was one of the world’s fastest growing and most impressive economies. This period saw most South Torbians rise from relative poverty to comfortable midde-class, while the upper class became a part of the global elite. The growth period slowed with the global financial crisis in 2008. During the crisis, the South Torbian government contracted large spending deficits and experienced increasing public dissatisfaction. A rebound followed the fallout from the financial crisis, but was accompanied by an enormous corruption scandal that included the impeachment and imprisonment of the president, along with numerous other high-level officials. This shocked the nation and brought the government under closer scrutiny by its citizens.

Overall, South Torbia maintains a Level of Freedom categorization of Free with a ranking of 2 on a 7-point scale.

Political History

The modern state of South Torbia resulted from hasty negotiations between the United States and the People’s Republic of Olvana following the occupation of Torbia during World War II. Planners arbitrarily divided the Torbian portion of Luzon Island roughly in half from Lingayan Gulf to Dingalan Bay, with the US governing the southern portion along with Midoro Island and Olvana the north from Baguio. The US and its western allies left Torbia shortly after, focusing instead on the occupations of Japan and Germany and the growing frictions with Donovia. South Torbia was given independence and declared a nation on September 15, 1947, envisioned by the West to be a liberal western democracy and American ally in the Western Pacific. South Torbia recognizes and celebrates 15 September as “Torbia Day”, the day of national independence.

The Torbian War

Park Sung-Min, a former army general and leading figure in the Torbian wartime resistance, rose to power in the vacuum left by the departure of the US. Park was a harsh and autocratic leader that violently consolidated power and aggressively suppressed political opposition. Despite his alarmingly oppressive actions and policies, Park’s staunch anti-communist positions won him the complete support from the US. This backing increased as Olvana reinforced the new communist government in North Torbia, now called the Democratic People’s Republic of Torbia.

The Torbian War was a watershed event for both North and South Torbia. North Torbia, led by its charismatic communist dictator Song Yang-Hwan, convinced Olvana to back an invasion of the South. Song intended to unite the island under communist rule. Supplied and trained by the Olvanians, North Torbia massed forces on the border and invaded in 1950—meeting minimal resistance from the South Torbians and nearly completing its occupation of South Torbia before intervention by South Torbia’s western allies. The resulting counterattack by South Torbia and its allies and subsequent Olvanian counter-intervention ultimately resulted in a stalemate that endured for nearly three more years before both sides agreed on a ceasefire.

South Torbia suffered massive military and civilian losses during the Torbian War. Large areas of the countryside had been laid waste and virtually all of South Torbia’s limited industrial capacity was gutted or destroyed. The ongoing military threat from the North forced South Torbia into a perpetual state of wartime readiness, which facilitated the emerging dominance of a repressive Park government. For nearly 10 years, Park ruled as a military dictator. His regime was notable for numerous human rights abuses and shortsighted economic policies. US administrations turned a blind eye to the authoritarian government, seeing Park as a bulwark against communist expansion in the Pacific.

The Second Republic

Park’s rule came to an abrupt end in the spring of 1962. Student demonstrations against the brutality of his regime grew into a rebellion; at first localized to small pockets in the South Torbian capital of Manila, but then spreading rapidly throughout the country. When the General Staff of the Republic of Torbia Army (ROTA) announced it would not put down the rebellion, Park abdicated the presidency and ushered in the Torbian Second Republic. The Second Republic, though deeply democratic and populist in nature, faced significant hurdles. Being mostly a student movement, it lacked centralized leadership and extreme leftist/communist ties undermined US backing of the new government. After nine months of ineffective government, characterized by violent purges and endemic corruption, the ROTA deposed the Second Republic government with a relatively bloodless coup in early 1963.

A new constitution established a government run entirely by the military. The ROTA Chief of Staff, General Son Young-Pyo, became the head of state and positioned military officers in key leadership roles in the cabinet and legislature. Son, an enormously popular WWII hero, made promises to end the political violence, re-establish good relations with the US, and transition to a stable and effective democracy within two years.

The Third Republic

Son kept most of his promises. Relations with the US greatly improved once it was clear Son had a strong anti-communist position and political violence largely disappeared. By 1965, he deemed South Torbia sufficiently stable to transition back to a civilian-run democratic government. The government planned for writing and drafting a new constitution and elections were scheduled. Son appeared ready to step aside until shortly before the election, when he abruptly resigned his Army commission and announced his candidacy for president. Son’s popularity and reputation for leading the government through the transition period led to his winning the election in a landslide. With his influence and popularity, Son and his Republican Party the dominant political force within the Torbian Third Republic.

Son’s primary objective throughout his time in power was the growth of the South Torbian economy. South Torbia was still an economic backwater when Son took over the presidency; it lagged far behind the emerging communist bloc-backed economy of North Torbia, as well as the rehabilitated economies of much of the Pacific. Son, using the country’s anti-communist positions as leverage successfully attracted huge sums of foreign aid, investment, and reparations. Son successfully negotiated a long-term status of forces agreement with the US, allowing American troops to assist the South Torbian military in deterring and resisting an unrelenting and aggressive North Torbia. Economic growth through the Son era was meteoric. South Torbia was ideally positioned as a global trading destination. Through international investment, South Torbia made significant improvement in extracting its natural resources. The government invested in constructing and improving its infrastructure, including modern highways, airports, and seaports, backed by western money and expertise. Son’s long-term vision was an export economy, with massively wealthy North American markets as the primary target for manufactured goods. By the mid-1970s, the South Torbian economy had surpassed that of North Torbia in per capita GDP and productivity. South Torbian export markets, especially in the US, grew rapidly.

Despite the successes of the Third Republic’s economic growth plan, major problems still plagued South Torbia. Quality of life for most working-class citizens remained very poor: the government invested little in important public services such as health care, housing, and education. Most of the wealth generated by industry went to well-positioned business and political leaders – economic and social volatility was high among the vast majority of South Torbians. Son, much like his predecessor, eventually resorted to repressive and violent actions to quell dissent and uprisings. Extra-judicial killings by the military became commonplace, as the ROTA became a virtual praetorian guard by surrounding the Son government. Resistance to the Son government grew in proportion to the prevalence of state violence and human rights abuses. By 1980, the country was on the verge of a major political uprising.

The Fourth Republic

Son’s regime came to an abrupt and violent end in early 1981. Student demonstrations throughout the country became endemic and widespread. Protest leaders were arrested and held without trial, which emboldened nationwide peaceful demonstrations and some violent riots. In the university town of Los Banos, the demonstrations were organized so well that local police could not contain them. ROTA forces were dispatched and opened fire on the mostly peaceful demonstrators. Security forces killed nearly 400 citizens and injured nearly a thousand in what became known as the Massacre of Los Banos. This served as a flashpoint for much of South Torbia’s working class and student populations and a national revolution seemed imminent.

In the aftermath of the massacre, Son retreated to his presidential palace and dispatched ROTA forces around Manila to contain potential revolutionary forces. Shortly after this final order, a ROTA aide shot and killed Son in his office. Son’s assassination put the growing nationwide uprising on pause while upper echelons of the government scrambled to consolidate power and prevent widespread political violence. Those holding the government together appointed a popular moderate civilian politician as interim president and scheduled elections for late 1981.

The elections of 1981 established the Fourth Republic. The interim government invited political and legal experts from across the world help craft a new constitution. The new constitution contained sweeping changes to the old constitution, including restrictions on military influence in the elected government. It also contained major reforms in support of human rights, constitutional safeguards, privacy protections, law enforcement restrictions, and firm term limits. The 1981 elections established a radically new National Assembly, largely cutting the military out of the legislature. Similarly, the new president would be a civilian, with no formal military background.

The Fourth Republic proved stable and peaceful, largely eliminating the human rights abuses and political violence that had plagued South Torbia since its inception. Relations with Olvana, the US, Donovia, and Australia improved; diplomatic feelers were even sent out to North Torbia (to no effect). Economic growth continued, but was now accompanied by significant improvements in quality of life for nearly all its citizens. The nation expanded its diplomatic and economic connections, becoming more global and less strictly western-leaning. By the close of the 20^th century, South Torbia emerged as one of the world’s wealthiest and most economically influential nations.

Government Overview

South Torbia is a representative republic, with the executive and legislature elected by popular vote. The national/federal government is far more powerful and influential than provincial governments. A carefully constructed systems of checks and balances aims for long-term stability.

Branches of Government

South Torbia’s government has three constitutionally-mandated branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial. A system of checks and balances attempts to keep one government branch from exerting too much power in the country.

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Legislative Authority

The National Assembly (NA) of South Torbia is the national legislative body. It is unicameral, with a single large assembly consisting of 325 elected representatives. Though the exact numbers change year to year based on population shifts, roughly 250 of the representatives are elected via single-representative constituencies (called NA Districts) the remainder are elected via proportional representation as part of the national elections, allocated based on political party. Terms are six years, with elections held every three years for half of the NA. South Torbia’s history with overly powerful executives led to a specific provision included in the 1981 constitution that prohibits the dissolution of the NA by the president.

The primary role of the NA is passing national legislation. Potential laws begin as petitions—If a petition receives at least 20 signatures from NA members, it is introduced as a bill. Bills are debated and then voted on—a simple majority of at least a 50% quorum is required to pass. The president then either approves the bill or vetoes it—if the president refuses to approve a bill, a three-fifths majority is required to override his veto. The NA also holds impeachment power over all federal government officials, to include members of the president’s cabinet, federal level agency heads, judges, and the president. Following the normal petition and debate process, an impeachment vote of three-fifths majority can remove federal government officials from office. The NA debates and approves the national budget and approves appointments to the Supreme Court and the president’s cabinet.

Typically there are between four and six major political parties represented in the NA. At present, most members are from the center-right (Torbia Liberty) and center-left (Social Democratic) parties, with a hard-right nationalist party (Torbian Patriot) and a green socialist (People’s) party also represented in smaller numbers. In recent years, the hard-right and far left parties have gained proportionally as South Torbian politics have polarized. Past parties that achieved at least 5% representation include the Torbian Unity party (a party advocating the reunification of Torbia), the Military First Party (a hawkish/pro-militarist party), and the Torbia First Party (an anti-US/western party). In order for a party to be included on a national ballot, it must be approved by the Constitutional Court.

Provincial or local legislatures are far less formal than American counterparts: elections are highly localized, and representatives are often not compensated for their time. Provincial legislatures address issues relevant to their constituents, but have very limited power to pass substantive legislation – all provincial laws must be approved by the federal government.

National Assembly Diagram

South Torbia assembly is composed of 3 major and 3 minor parties.

National Assembly Composition

Political Party	Seats	Percent
Torbia Liberty (TL)	146	45%
Social Democratic (SD)	97	30%
Torbian Patriot (TP)	36	11%
People's Party (PP)	21	6%
Torbian Unity (TU)	13	4%
Torbia First (TF)	12	4%

Executive Authority

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South Torbia’s modern history has been dominated by strong executives—from outright dictators to military juntas to overly powerful presidents. The 1981 constitution deliberately sought to limit the power of the executive, however the president remains the country’s most powerful single political figure.

The president is the head-of-government, head-of-state, commander-in-chief, and chairperson of the cabinet. The constitution specifies the president must take an oath with three mandates: 1) uphold the constitution; 2) protect South Torbia from threats at home and abroad; and 3) work towards the peaceful reunification of Torbia. Somewhat uniquely, the president can declare war unilaterally; the NA’s check to that authority is its control over spending allocations.

The president is chosen every six years in a national election. The vote is a simple popular one; usually, at least three and sometimes as many as six candidates will run in a given election. Presidential candidates are typically leading members of political parties, but the Constitution allows political outsiders with no party affiliation to run. A president serves only one term. Decorum and historical precedence require ex-presidents to retire from public political life following their presidency.

South Torbia also has a prime minister (PM). Unlike most PMs, South Torbia’s PM is not the head of government, but rather, the president’s chief of staff to the cabinet and the president’s understudy. Day-to-day management of the cabinet is conducted by the PM. The PM’s usual responsibility is ensuring the president’s agenda is implemented by the cabinet. The PM is appointed, rather than elected and is generally expected to maintain a very low public profile – past PMs have been dismissed because of excessive public presence.

South Torbia has enjoyed a number of competent and well-regarded presidents in recent history. As a result, public confidence in the office of the president has recovered after years of skepticism. The recent corruption scandal involving the president has damaged this new public trust. It remains to be seen how this will affect future president’s capacity to govern.

Judicial Authority

The judicial system of South Torbia largely mimics that of western civil law systems. The largest difference between South Torbia’s legal system and many western systems is the complete absence of juries as a means to decide cases and sentencing – all decision are made by one or more judges. South Torbia also utilizes an inquisitorial system for its prosecution, giving significant power to courts and judges across the breadth of the legal system.

Due process and the rules of the legal system are extremely important in South Torbia. Since courts and judges have significant latitude in determining which cases to prosecute and then deciding the outcomes of those cases, strict rules are in place to protect the rights of citizens. Warrants are difficult to obtain, prosecutorial misconduct is harshly punished, and judges are closely watched for any signs of bribery or other undue influence. While the system is generally well-liked and considered both fair and effective by the population, the freedom granted to judges and prosecutors has led to a few instances of high-profile corruption.

National Court System

There are four separate courts overseen by the federal judicial system and one Municipal Court system overseen by municipalities.

Supreme Court: South Torbia’s highest court is the Supreme Court of South Torbia, call the SCOST. SCOST decisions cover cases of national importance that are passed up through District and High courts. Unlike many western judiciaries, the SCOST often hears relatively minor but contentious cases. The SCOST is headed by a chief justice, appointed by the president and approved by the NA, who serves a six-year term. It is staffed by ten associate judges, also presidential appointees, who likewise serve six-year terms. All terms are renewable, but it is common for justices to step down after only a single term. SCOST decisions are simple majorities, with the chief justice acting as arbitrator if a majority cannot be obtained due to justice recusal or other issues

Court of Appeals

The Courts of Appeal, commonly called the High Courts, hear appeals from district courts. Each High Court, staffed with three judges, oversees roughly one-third of the South Torbian population. Decisions only require a simple majority

Lower Courts

District Courts: District Courts cover specific provincial areas or cities, and hear either appeals from Municipal Courts or cases deemed serious enough to be outside of the capacity of the Municipal Courts. District Courts consist of three judges and decisions must be unanimous or the case goes to the Court of Appeals for determination.
Municipal Courts: The lowest courts in South Torbia consist of a single judge that hears simple or low-value criminal cases. They can be thought of as similar to small claims courts in the US, though they may hear minor criminal cases in addition to civil matters.

Constitutional State Court System

South Torbia employs a specialized ad-hoc court to hear constitutional cases, approve political parties, and conduct impeachment hearings. In contrast to the SCOST, the Constitutional Court consists of only seven members, chosen by the legislature, and approved by the president. It is convened annually, or as needed for major constitutional issues or impeachment proceedings. Members must have served either as a SCOST judge or as a High court judge, but cannot be currently seated. Decisions are via a simple majority. The Constitutional Court ensures checks and balances are in place for major constitutional issues and impeachments—the court was designed specifically to check the power of a strong executive branch.

Parallel Legal Systems

There are no parallel legal systems to accommodate religious, customary, or common law outside the country’s standard legal system.

Governance Issues

Legitimacy

The South Torbians see their government as legitimate. Protests are expected and tolerated when the government missteps or when activists are able to rally sufficient support. Unrest and protests against past government overreach and abuses are still within the collective memory of the people and encourages caution on the part of the government it faces opposition.

Government Legitimacy Claims

The South Torbian Constitution provides the legal framework within which the government operates. A system of checks and balances, with careful attention having been given to past executive abuses, limits the power of any one group or individual and encourages spirited debate and implementation of policies and laws.

Population’s Recognition of Legitimacy

The recent years of relative peace, stability, and peaceful transfer of power to new administrations have given most South Torbians a sense of national pride and belief in their systems of government. Most South Torbians actively participate in elections and follow issues of major importance or that affect them individually.

Participation

As evidenced by the high voter turnout in the national elections, most South Torbians want to participate in the political process. In most parts of the country there are normally enough candidates to run for office with competition. This includes the national offices as well as the local and regional races.

Protests

South Torbia has a history of protesting and demonstrating against perceived government abuses and unpopular policies. University campuses provide fertile ground for many demonstrations, but activists in various parts of society also plan, promote, and lead protests. South Torbian government administrations, in particular, are acutely aware of and sensitive to the part protests and citizen unrest have played in overthrowing South Torbian governments.

Measures Taken To Maintain Legitimacy

Despite some corruption scandals lately, the South Torbian government attempts to govern properly and remain legitimate. Police, judicial, and political corruption is considered unacceptable by society. A vigorous media and activists provide impetus to insure criminal activity is investigated and prosecuted. While corruption exists and is never far from discussions about the government, South Torbia is viewed by most as reasonably effective in addressing issues that might delegitimize the government. This can be seen in the prosecution and conviction of a South Torbian president and other high government officials.

External View of the Government’s Legitimacy

Most countries around the world have accepted that North and South Torbia are two different countries with separate governments. Ideology separates the two countries, however, and makes it unlikely there will be a reunification in the near future. North Torbia—supported by Olvana and Donovia— and South Torbia—supported by its western allies—insist on very different forms of government in a united Torbia. External legitimacy, for obvious reasons, depends on where one stands ideologically.

Effectiveness

Elections

South Torbian elections are national events, considered federal holidays and accompanied with national celebration events. National elections are held every three years—half of the NA is elected every three years, with presidential elections held in conjunction with parliamentary elections every six years.

Following near-constant election fraud and corruption through the 1960s and 70s. South Torbia today has an almost fanatical devotion to the fairness of its elections. The South Torbia election commission is large and well-funded and election officials are highly regarded. The SCOST holds ultimate authority over all national elections. The election commissioner is chosen by the SCOST and represents the SCOST throughout the election season. No election is finalized until the SCOST certifies the results.

Local elections follow much the same model. District courts choose election commissioners and certify election results. Local elections are typically held the same day as national elections with local candidates normally affiliating themselves with the platforms of national candidates.

Rule of Law

South Torbian culture has deeply embraced the rule of law at all levels of society and government. South Torbians hold their judicial system in very high esteem and expect the judges and prosecutors to strictly uphold the constitution. Police and military take oaths of allegiance seriously and are reasonably effective in dealing punitively with extra-legal activity within their organizations.

The relationship between large corporations and the government is an emerging challenge. South Torbia’s economy is dominated by a handful of major companies, creating opportunities for undue influence on government officials—both legal and extra-legal. The government is also wrestling with the implications of large multinational corporations operating in South Torbia. Often these organizations ask for favorable status or other concessions from the national government. While the South Torbian population generally supports the economic advantage of large corporations, it is also uncomfortable with special treatment. This complexity will cause increasing friction within South Torbian society and government.

Domestic Security Forces

Domestic security consists of three primary domestic security forces. Greater detail for each of these can be found in the Military variable.

Border Guards: The Ministry of the Interior (MoI) operates a border guard unit of approximately 5,000 personnel armed with only small arms. This unit is responsible for administration of the border with North Torbia and the coastlines.
National Police Force (NPF): South Torbia fields a NPF of approximately 1,000 members who operate similar to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. It handles domestic national crimes.
National Special Forces Force (SPF) Battalion: While military in nature, this unit is controlled by the MoI. It conducts strategic wartime missions, but in peace it is used to combat terrorism operations, hostage rescue, and similar missions.

Prison System

South Torbia has a relatively low crime rate in South Torbia due to the cultural traditions that value respect for and obedience to authority.

Federal: The criminally incarcerated population is approximately 100,000 people at the federal level. Of these, only about 5,000 are females. Prisoners are housed in six pre-trial detention centers—five male prisons, one female correctional facility, and one private prison for males only.
Provincial: Each province has a small prison for pre-trial confinement and short-term sentences. For any sentence longer than six months, the convicted individual is transferred to one of the federal facilities.
Local: Most large cities have a local jail to hold those accused of very minor crimes. This is only until the accused can appear before a judge for crimes that usually result in a fine or sentences less than a month. If convicted, the prisoner will be transferred to a provincial jail. For rural areas, the accused is placed in pre-trial confinement at the provincial level. After conviction, the perpetrator either remains in the provincial prison or is transferred to the federal level if the sentence is over six months long.

Corruption

Corruption was historically endemic to Torbian culture; wartime occupation and postwar poverty only increased the region’s reliance on extra-legal transactions. Since the fall of the post-war military autocracies, however, South Torbia has experienced a groundswell of anti-corruption sentiment from all levels of society. During the 1990s and 2000s, South Torbia positioned itself as Asia’s least corrupt government and business destination. Statistically, South Torbia is said to be in the upper quartile of governments when it comes to transparency and anti-corruption efforts.

Today, trust in the government and, particularly, the judicial system is widespread. Corruption at all levels of government is considered relatively low and culturally frowned upon. Internal politics within business conglomerates and powerful families almost certainly breeds subtle illegal activities transacted in ways where no money changes hands.

Human Rights and Freedoms

South Torbia had a wildly uneven record with human rights throughout the 20^th century. Though military autocrats claimed to uphold the rule of law and basic freedoms, leaders routinely suppressed freedom of speech, association, and the press. Dissenters often faced imprisonment without trial, torture, and, in extreme situations, execution. These practices culminated with the Massacre of Los Banos and the eventual emergence of the new republic.

Today, South Torbia meets most standards for human rights and protection of freedoms expected of developed nations. Freedom of speech, press, association, and religion are codified in the Constitution and enforced by the judiciary. Accused criminals have recognized rights, with fair and transparent trials being the norm. Human rights are an important campaign platform for those seeking political candidates. Several prominent human rights advocates have been elected to federal and provincial offices with human rights as a key proponent of their campaign. Institutional discrimination does, however, exist. Homosexuals are widely discriminated against and have no specific protection under the law, which has focused international condemnation. Non-Torbians or Torbians of mixed-parentage also see widespread discrimination, without legal recourse. In addition, the military has a reputation for abusing conscripts during their training—incidents described as “hazing” often venture into grossly inhumane treatment. Numerous scandals resulting from these incidents brought extreme public scrutiny on the military, which embarked on a comprehensive retraining and oversight program designed to curb these behaviors in recent years.

Provision of Services

The executive branch of the government provides a number of services, managed and implemented under the auspices of ministries and led by appointed cabinet ministers.

Ministry of Education and Culture

This ministry is responsible for oversight of the country’s school system from pre-school to graduate school. The curriculum is nationally mandated through the Ministry of Education and Culture, but allows some flexibility that allows for local innovativeness. A national exam, the University Standard Exam, is required for students to be admitted to South Torbia’s universities. University studies are reserved for those attaining the highest scores. Due to the highly competitive nature of the entrance exam, South Torbian parents exert pressure on their children to perform well in classes and on the university entrance exam. Tutors add an extra expense to parents expecting their children to enter a university. University tuition, books, and other expenses are paid by the government upon acceptance. This ministry also has responsibility for initiatives that support South Torbian culture and arts. The ministry supports concerts, traditional painting contests, poetry recitals, and other events to encourage interest in old-style Torbian arts and culture. South Torbian national parks also fall under the auspices of this ministry.

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare

This ministry is primarily responsible for overseeing public health, unemployment payments, and public assistance. Additionally, the ministry’s bureaucracy provides critical reports that inform national economic and health policies. It is tasked with collecting and collating data from a number of sources on an ongoing basis that populate large databases that inform the government-mandated reports.

Ministry of Environment

This ministry is responsible for the reduction of pollution and implementing any laws passed by the NA that involve safeguarding the environment. As environmental activism has become more prominent in recent years, clashes between well-positioned corporations and environmental activists have become more prominent.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

All issues related to diplomacy and foreign relations is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Department of Unification within this ministry takes the lead in talks with North Torbia on the reunification of the two countries. Often, due to North Torbia reluctance, this department goes months without meeting with its North Toriba counterpart. This ministry also works with the Ministry of Education and Culture to facilitate family tours to North Torbia when relations between the two Torbias periodically warms.

Ministry of Finance

This ministry is tasked with managing tax collection, budgetary responsibilities, distribution of social support, and other accounting and financial management responsibilities. Minister of Finance is a powerful position and is generally held by a trusted ally of the president.

Centers of Political Power

South Torbia Map

South Torbia has evolved into a western-styled liberal democracy. The 1981 constitution achieved a balance of power between the three branches of government, effectively reducing presidential power from authoritarian to a more typical executive. The NA and the president together dominate public politics and hold the majority of the formal national political power. Local (provincial and city) governments are more limited in scope—they are semi-autonomous per the constitution, but have very little formal authority.

Ultimately, the heart of political power in South Torbia lies with the voting public and the political parties that organize and rally people around party ideologies. Political parties are similar to those in western nations, run by a hierarchy of elected leaders who then provide funding and backing to candidates.

State Institutional Authority

Military Authority

South Torbia was essentially a military dictatorship for much of its history, with very mixed results for most of the population. The 1981 constitution formally removed the military from civil government while establishing clear lines of control between the president, the NA, and the military. However, the military still casts a very long shadow over South Torbian politics: the North Torbian threat remains extant, and the population of South Torbia still considers the military a very important part of the national political landscape. Active duty officers are strictly forbidden from taking public stances on political issues; retired officers generally do not run for political office.

The most significant military issue, on an annual basis, is the budget. The South Torbian military budget is usually between 2 and 2.5% of GDP, a number that usually places it in the top 10 worldwide of nominal spending. Dove factions within the NA typically debate with hawk factions on the budget issue until a compromise is reached. These debates usually draw high viewership and can be very intense: they can make or break political careers. Conscription is universal, creating a large pool of trained reserve personnel along with a deep societal connection to the military.

Military national command authority goes from the President (and Prime Minister as understudy), to the Minister of National Security (a cabinet position), and then to the military joint general staff, called the Supreme High Command. The senior military officer is called the Supreme High Commander (SHC); this position is viewed as roughly half cabinet member and half military commander. The Minster of National Security and SHC are charged with implementing the strategy and orders of the president. While the president chooses the Minister of National Security, the SHC must be nominated by the president and the approved by the NA.

Religious Authority

There is no state mandated religious authority in South Torbia.

Other

There are no other major centers of political power in South Torbia.

Non-State Institutional Authority

There are no major non-state institutional authorities in South Torbia.

Informal Authority (Social Groups)

There are several informal authority groups in South Torbia including the following:

Ethno-linguistic Groups

South Torbia is a relatively homogenous ethno-linguistic nation. Because of this, Torbian culture is highly regarded, resulting in discrimination with little legal recourse for minorities.

Family Authority

Families tend to vote as a unit, most often in line with the father’s or grandfather’s thinking. As a result of the patriarchal nature of voting, political platforms typically try to influence older males above all other demographic categories. The family is central to Torbian society in practically every aspect. Political discourse often centers on the family, with issues such as taxation, education, infrastructure, and military service discussed with a focus on how these affect the family.

Non-state sponsored religious groups

Though South Torbians enjoy constitutionally protected freedom of religion, few religious organizations play a significant role in politics. On the whole, South Torbian’s typically try to avoid politicizing religion, however there are external influences that may find niche audiences within the population.

Politics and Political Parties

Domestic Political Issues

South Torbia’s domestic political discourse has been dominated by three key issues: the relationship of the executive to the rest of the government and its effect on long-term government stability, the role and size of the military, and the influence of corporate entities on government policies and leaders.

Excess Presidential Authority

South Torbia has experienced the ill effects of authoritarian and corrupt regimes for much of its history. This memory, still clear in the minds of the older population, has shaped South Torbia’s ideas about the executive branch of the government. The strength, powers given, and control mechanisms of the executive branch is a discussion that continues to cause disagreement within the country. The NA strives to protect its constitutional interests; however, when political parties are in the majority, they tend to lean toward investing greater flexibility and powers in the executive, while minority political parties strive to limit the executive.

Militarism

Sharing a border with a belligerent adversary places greater attention and focus on the need for a strong and well-trained military. Discussions about the military have tended to be more about funding amounts and not the necessity of a standing military. Past authoritarian regimes, needing to ensure its security and viability, spent as much as 25% of the country’s GDP on the military—most critically at the expense of badly needed domestic programs. Despite a wide-spread acceptance of the need for affordable and proportionate spending on the military, the topic is fodder for divisive political debates. Annual budget debates typically pit a pro-military coalition against a coalition wishing more spending on domestic support programs. The military itself is expected to stay completely apolitical and remain completely out of these debates, though this rarely occurs completely.

The military represents a sizable proportion of the South Torbian economy, as high-end weapon systems are manufactured domestically. Military spending affects the economy through civilian and military jobs, a desire for technology independence, and the collateral effects of direct government spending in the economy.

Big Business

The growing importance of large corporations in South Torbia has led to its greater influence in government policies. Over the last two decades, several South Torbian companies have grown into some of the worlds largest and most powerful. The relationship between large corporations and government is a relatively new friction for South Torbia in recent years. The rapid ascent of several South Torbian companies put them in positions to be enormously influential with the South Torbian NA and the presidency. Favorable tax considerations and preferential export, labor, and environmental considerations are a few of the areas now receiving greater scrutiny by activists, small businesses, and the general population. Two recent corruption scandals involving bribery and corruption at the highest levels of government are bringing greater focus and attention to government accountability and the influence of corporate entities.

Official Political Parties

Currently, there are six leading political parties recognized in South Torbia. Three of these parties represent 86% of the population while the other three parties represent the remaining 14% of the people.

Torbian Liberty (TL) Party

The TL party is a moderate party that emphasizes economic growth in the nation. The TL is neutral on the unification of the two Torbias as long as the North Torbian political and economic systems are not the ones chosen for post-unification. The TL allies itself with business organizations to promote lower taxes and fewer regulations on businesses.

Social Democratic (SD) Party

The SD is a moderate party emphasizing social welfare initiatives. The SD Party advocates for more spending on social services, often at the expense of military spending. The SD Party finds supporters among social activists and others interested in better social programs for the poor and disadvantaged. The party would like to see a reunification of the two Torbias, but with a post-unification government that allies itself with the party’s ideology.

Torbian Patriot (TP) Party

The TP party emphasizes military strength over all other political issues. The TP believes that a strong military is the only way to prevent North Torbia from invading South Torbia. Its unitary focus on military strength puts it at odds with parties advocating for more spending on social programs. It fears unification of the two Torbias will lead to a weakening of South Torbia.

People’s Party (PP)

The PP advocates for a radical form of socialism for South Torbia. It also advocates for greater environmental regulations, increased taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and more government spending on social and education programs. Reunification under the PP would look more like the government of North Torbia—while it would be less authoritarian, it would have greater centralized control.

Torbian Unity (TU) Party

The TU is primarily concerned with the reunification of the two Torbias into a single country. While most TU members would prefer that the reunification happen with open elections, some do not care as long as the country becomes one. In economics, the TU is generally pro-growth as additional tax revenues from an expanding economy could be used to help their North Torbian cousins. The TU is supportive of sending any type of aid to North Torbia as it believes this will facilitate reunification efforts.

Torbia First (TF) Party

The TF is demonstrably anti-Western. It advocates against US and western influence in South Torbian politics and daily life. Those supporting this party are seeking a reunification with a government more in line with the centralized control of North Torbia. Economically, the TF wants the government to take control of most means of production in order to make the system fairer for all. The TF is against compulsory military service.

Political Coalitions

The TL and TP parties often form a coalition to pass legislation in the NA. Between the two parties, they usually have the votes to pass legislation in the NA. The SD and PP parties often join forces in an attempt to block the TL/TP coalition.

Other Domestic Influential Groups

With the rise of several mega-corporations over the last 20 years, large corporations became a major political player as well. Though business has no formal political power in the South Torbian system, the handful of local mega-corporations control a huge percentage of the GDP, jobs, and tax revenues, and find themselves well-positioned to influence elected officials and bureaucrats at all levels of government. This recently emerged as a significant issue when a large anti-corruption effort brought down several high-profile government officials caught taking bribes from a major company in exchange for sponsoring favorable tax reforms. The arrests and convictions of high-level government officials is bringing greater focus on government corruption.

International Relationships

South Torbia is a regional economic powerhouse, bringing it significant influence—both regionally and internationally. It is part of the G20, giving it a voice on the international stage.

Geopolitical/International Political Strategy

South Torbia has ambitions to be a key economic and political leader internationally. This requires it to walk a fine line as it interacts with the West and also with those deemed adversaries of the West. This is particularly true of its relationships with Olvana. Its influence and leverage are felt most prominently with those regional countries less developed than Olvana.

Major Diaspora Population(s)

South Torbians or those descended from South Torbian parentage, live in most developed and developing areas of the world, to include the US, Australia, Belesia, and Olvana. Those working in these countries are generally working for large corporations that are headquartered in these countries. Since the quality of life in South Torbia is not that of a developing country, remittances are not a significant part of the economy. International experience has given a large number of South Torbians an appreciation for and experience in a larger world that tends to shape their political and economic perspective.

Relationship with Major World Powers

South Torbia enjoys a good relationship with almost all the major world powers and plays a small role in mediating between adversarial countries. This tends to be in the economic realm, as it pursues its ongoing trade relations with many of the countries in the world.

United States

American presence in Torbia dates to the aftermath of WWII and the Torbian War. Since that time, US troop levels have varied significantly. While most South Torbians appreciated the American presence as an effective deterrent to North Trobian aggression, numerous incidents (usually relating to misconduct by American service people) over the years gave rise to a vocal anti-US movement. Though the more radical anti-US movement remains somewhat fringe, most South Torbians do not want a permanent American presence in the islands. A major concession occurred in 2011 when all American forces in South Torbia left the country. The implications of this change are significant and still evolving.

Missile defense has become another hot-button issue in South Torbia. The military had no organic missile defense capability until fairly recently, all capabilities being provided by the US. With North Torbia increasing its ballistic missile testing and procurement programs, missile defense moved to the forefront of South Torbian politics and military strategy. ROTA generals advocated for a South Torbian defense capability to complement the Americans, initially increasing and then replacing American missile defense presence on the island. While most South Torbians supported this effort, some were greatly concerned that it would prove to be a provocation to both North Torbia and Olvana. The expansion is ongoing, but remains contentious.

North Torbia is an ever-present friction point between the US and South Torbia—South Torbia preferring a more compromising and nuanced approach than the American’s bellicose, confrontational, and, uncompromising stance. The reason for South Torbia’s softer approach include: 1) South Torbia views North Torbia as part of its territory and heritage and 2) South Torbia could face considerable destruction and loss of life in the event of an open conflict. This friction ebbs and flows as political parties in both countries change and as North Torbia varies its approach from timid to belligerent.

Economically, the US and South Torbia remain staunch partners. South Torbia has long been a productive place for American investment and the US is South Torbia’s second most important export market after Olvana. The US and South Torbia recently renegotiated one of the World’s most comprehensive free trade agreements—the United States-Torbia Trade Agreement (TORUS). The TORUS agreement is today the world’s second largest free trade agreement behind the European Free Trade Agreement. This monumental trade agreement is enormously popular and beneficial to both countries’ economies.

Donovia

South Torbia has a cordial relationship with Donovia, mainly based on trade. Donovia generally supports North Torbia, but the economic ties between South Torbia and Donovia have reduced the friction between them over the last couple of decades.

Olvana

Like Donovia, Olvana has generally supported North Torbia since the division of the country. Due to South Torbia’s booming economy, the two countries are tied by significant trade. Like Donovia, South Torbia’s relationship with Olvana continues to improve because of economic ties, causing concern on the part of North Torbia as it views its alliance weakening with Olvana.

European Union (EU)

South Torbia’s relationship with the EU is almost exclusively economically driven. The EU countries are a major trading partner with South Torbia, however, their mutual economic interests continue to draw them closer together in other respects.

Relationship to Other Countries in the Region

Except for North Torbia, South Torbia has a cordial, if not better, relationship with all other countries in DATE-Pacific.

Belesia

Belesia is a major trading partner with South Torbia. Politically, there are usually no issues between the two countries. On occasion, issues involving fishing rights and other boundary concerns occur as fishermen and others stray across country borders. These are usually warm issues that are easily solved diplomatically.

Gabal

Due to its size, Gabal is not a significant trade partner. Gabal’s beaches and other vacation amenities, however, attract many from South Torbia. For this reason, Gabal and South Torbia seek to maintain friendly relations. Issues erupting over violations of local laws has caused tensions, but the mutually beneficial transactional relationships insure these events receive swift attention and are easily solved diplomatically.

North Torbia

Significant disagreement over what a reunified Torbia would look like, both economically and politically, continue to stymy talks over reunification between the two countries. Fears of the erratic and authoritarian North Torbian leadership cause South Torbian citizens to be in a constant state of unease. Relations between the two sides ebb and flow, more often due to how North Torbia acts than any intentional act by South Torbia.

Regional Issues

Regional actors include friends and foes, along a continuum that shifts, depending on the circumstances. South Torbia has friendly relations with both Belesia and Gabal, sharing membership in international and regional organizations focused on economic, environmental, humanitarian, and other issues important to the region. Trade relations, in particular, are important to South Torbia. North Torbia and its ally, Olvana, have complicated and tense relations. North Torbia’s admitted goal of reunification of the island under its control and Olvana’s support of the regime pit South Torbia against the two countries. South Torbia’s western alliances also create tensions. South Torbia also contends with small insurgency cells, criminal, and other organizations with external funding and support ties.

Sovereignty

Sovereignty is only an issue when discussing the reunification of the Torbian countries. These discussions fail along ideological lines. The impasse is not likely to be solved in the near future without significant concessions by one or both sides.

Domestic Sovereignty

South Torbia has settled into a stable democracy with peaceful transfers of power. Domestic discord over policies, laws, regulations, and the balance of power are all discussed within the framework of South Torbia’s legitimacy as a country. Small North Torbian insurgency cells are occasional discovered in South Torbia, but these do not represent a serious threat to its sovereignty.

Territorial/Independence Sovereignty

North Torbia maintains a territorial claim over South Torbia. Any attempt at a negotiation between the two sides is subject to significant concessions neither side has been willing to give. Periodically, fishing rights and other water border issues reach warm diplomatic levels.

International Sovereignty

Olvana and its satellites, the only North Torbian patrons, are generally the only supporters of North Torbia’s claim to what now constitutes South Torbia. The rest of the world accepts the legitimacy of South Torbia. Olvana and other countries within its orbit still have trading and diplomatic relations with South Torbia, weakening North Torbia’s unrelenting claim to sovereignty over South Torbia.

Issues of de jure and de facto Sovereignty

The landmass historically called Torbia is now divided between two countries—North and South Torbia. Most countries have accepted this divide. Even though discussions are ongoing with greater or lesser frequency, reunification is unlikely to occur without a significant breakthrough.

Conflict and/or Disputes

The major dispute between North and South Torbia is on the political future of their two countries. North Torbia wants to reunite the two countries, but ONLY under a government led by the current North Torbian leader. South Torbia will not accept this condition and insists that any election, must be free and open for all the people of both North and South Torbian citizens.

Water Rights: There are no significant water rights issues between South Torbia and any of the other DATE-Pacific countries. At times, fishermen from all the countries stray into each other’s territorial waters. These disputes are normally resolved diplomatically.
Environmental Issues: Regional environmental issues, particularly related to climate change and industrial pollution, are topics of discussion in regional and international organizations. South Torbia’s and Olvana’s advanced manufacturing impacts other countries in the region through air and water pollution. The degree to which environmental issues are to be regulated are political problems, subject to the particular parties in power. These are ongoing discussions, both internally and internationally.

National Arctic Strategy

South Torbia’s Arctic policy is founded on a “Proactive Participation to Contribute to Peace and the Protection of the Arctic”. It is based on international cooperation. The South Torbian Government outlines its Arctic policy in three focus areas with many subcategories.

The Scientific Research of the Arctic as a Global Commons.
The Requirement for International Cooperation on the Arctic
The Examination of a Sustained Arctic Sea Route.

South Torbia has identified several Arctic issues to address within the framework of their three focus areas. The South Torbian Government uses the phrase “Global Environmental Issues” instead of Climate Change for specific reasons. It views the global environmental interactions in a complex, and multi-factor approach towards individual solutions. The accelerated warming in the Arctic is viewed as a complex process involving the atmosphere, sea currents, decreasing sea ice, and greenhouse gases. South Torbia desires to use its technical expertise to assist the international community with identifying the cause of each environmental mechanism affecting the Arctic and addressing it. The South Torbian Government recognizes the four million indigenous peoples of the Arctic and their culture. Any future in the Arctic must consist of a sustainable development plan which benefits and protects the foundations of the Arctic cultures and lifestyles. South Torbia’s scientific study of the Arctic has been ongoing for decades and South Torbia will strive to continue to contribute to the international understanding of the Arctic. The Government of South Torbia views Arctic governance as essential to sustainable development, safe navigation, and regulating the increase shipping that will come with the development of the Arctic. These Arctic issues and their subcomponents (listed below) are all framed within the three focus areas and serve as the guide to advance the South Torbian National Arctic Strategy.

Arctic Strategy Subcomponents:

Research and Development
Research to Contribute to Policy
Improve Instrumentation and Analysis
Expand South Torbian Community
Establish Arctic Infrastructure
Data Sharing and Management
Training and Support
Arctic Research Vessel

International Cooperation

Active Participation in Governance
Further Contribution of the Arctic Council
Expand Cooperation with Non-Arctic Nations

Sustainable Use

South Torbian Economic Involvement
Arctic Sea Route
Mineral Resources
Marine Living Resources

Political Relationships

South Torbia participates in most global organizations, with its greatest impact on regional organizations.

Global Participation

South Torbia participates in the following global alliances and organizations:

Community of Democracies (CD)

Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA)

International Criminal Court (ICCt)

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)

Non-aligned Movement (NAM)

Permanent Court of Appeal (PCA)

United Nations (UN)

Regional Participation

South Torbia participates in the following regional alliances and organizations:

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Asian Games

Asia-Pacific Asian Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Association of Southeastern Asian Nations (ASEAN)

East Asian Seas (EAS)

Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)

Military Relationships

South Torbia maintains a strong military alliance with the US and other western countries. This mutually beneficially partnership has its roots in many years of working together to face off against North Torbia and Olvana.

Alliances

South Torbia is a member of Association of Southeastern Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN promotes intergovernmental cooperation between its members and facilitates economic, political, security, military, education, and sociocultural integration among its members and other countries in Asia.

Treaties

South Torbia currently has no official treaties or military pacts with other countries. If attacked by North Torbia, South Torbia expects help from the UN and the US. The latter because of the past history between the two countries and the former as a member in good standing. South Torbia’s informal expectations of support are based on significant economic partnerships and its strategic position in the DATE-Pacific region.

Military Aid

Military agreements exist with western countries to provide both training and equipment to further South Torbia’s defensive goals and protect those countries’ interests in the region. During the last two decades, Western military personnel have deployed to help train South Torbian army, navy, and air force personnel and units. In the last decade, western militaries have conducted operations with their military counterparts in South Torbian land, airspace, and territorial waters. Some of the western embassies work with the South Torbian military through a Defense Cooperation Program.

The South Torbian military has participated in UN peacekeeping operations including MINUSTAH. Through its participation in these operations, the South Torbian military is able to train its military, particularly officers, and build personal relationships with members of other militaries that might prove beneficial in the future.

South Torbian companies are able to sell domestically manufactured military equipment to other countries, with the approval of the NA.

Economic Relationships:

Trade Agreements

South Torbia and the US participate in the United States-Torbia Trade Agreement (TORUS). The TORUS agreement is the world’s second largest free trade agreement behind the European Free Trade Agreement.

Tariffs, Sanctions, and Embargos

There are currently no tariffs, sanctions, or embargos aimed at South Torbia. South Torbia participates in global sanctions against known terrorist organizations and countries that support them as a member of such organizations as the UN.

Economic Aid

South Torbia, having one of the best economies in the world, is a participant in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) providing support to developing countries. South Torbia, under certain circumstances, provides humanitarian aid to North Torbia through the UN and its own legislatively-funded initiatives.

Other International Organizations

South Torbia participates in these other international organizations. See other variables for additional details on their role in these associations.

Arctic Council (AC)

Bank for International Resettlement (BIS)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO-Interpol)

International Development Agency (IDA)

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS)

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

International Labor Organization (ILO)

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO)

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO)

International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

International Trade Union Confederate (ITUC)

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

World Bank