Difference between revisions of "Empire of Stomaria"

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The '''Empire of Stomaria''' is a [[micronation]] based in the United Kingdom. It was created by Andrew Stott after the two political parties he founded in the UK failed miserably.
The '''Empire of Stomaria''' is a [[micronation]] based in the United Kingdom. It was created by Andrew Stott in 2019.


While Stomaria was initially held in high esteem by the greater micronational community, its reputation suffered after Stott released a series of videos on YouTube criticising the attendees and organizers of [[MicroCon 2023]] and [[MicroCon]] in general. This has led some analysts to label Stomaria a "joke" micronation intent on trolling other micronations through social media.
While Stomaria was initially held in high esteem by the greater micronational community, its reputation suffered after Stott released a series of videos on YouTube criticising the attendees and organizers of [[MicroCon 2023]] and [[MicroCon]] in general. This has led some to ponder whether or not to label Stomaria a "joke" micronation intent on trolling other micronations through social media.


==Emperor Andrew Stott==
==Emperor Andrew Stott==
Stomaria is the brainchild of Mr. Andrew Stott, who proclaimed himself Emperor shortly after creating the country. Publicly, his motivation for founding Stomaria is altruistic and noble, but Stott's career as a failed politician suggests he has taken refuge in micronationalism as a result of his wounded ego and unrelenting desire to wield absolute, unquestioned power over others.
Stomaria is the brainchild of Mr. Andrew Stott, who proclaimed himself Emperor shortly after creating the country. He has cited desire for self-determination and building community as at least part of the reason for Stomaria's creation.


===United People's Party===
===United People's Party===
Line 49: Line 49:
In 2009, Andrew Stott founded the United People's Party (UPP), a short-lived political party in the United Kingdom. Stott's motivation for creating this party was, "a hatred of political extremism."
In 2009, Andrew Stott founded the United People's Party (UPP), a short-lived political party in the United Kingdom. Stott's motivation for creating this party was, "a hatred of political extremism."


The UPP claimed to represent "a non-xenophobic form of nationalism." However, by 2012, some political commentators in the UK mused that the party was borderline fascist and dismissed it as a serious contender in upcoming elections. It was self-described as "a fusion of left-wing and right-wing values and beliefs." In classic dictatorial fashion, the party bylaws stated: "All Party Officers are appointed by the Leader [Andrew Stott], who has absolute authority and responsibility within the Party, to ensure that the Party remains internally stable and active."
The UPP claimed to represent "a non-xenophobic form of nationalism." However, by 2012, no one in the UK, including the party members themselves, considered the UPP a serious contender in upcoming elections. It was self-described as "a fusion of left-wing and right-wing values and beliefs." Notably, the party bylaws stated: "All Party Officers are appointed by the Leader [Andrew Stott], who has absolute authority and responsibility within the Party, to ensure that the Party remains internally stable and active."


From 2009 - 2012, three members of the UPP won seats on parish councils, but the party's lead candidate, Alan Valentine, failed to garner even 1% of the vote in his sole electoral attempt. Due to the tremendous failure of Stott's leadership, the UPP was no longer active by late 2012.
From 2009 - 2012, three members of the UPP won seats on parish councils, but the party's lead candidate, Alan Valentine, quit the party without actually running for office.


===Patriotic Socialist Party===
===Patriotic Socialist Party===
[[File:Emperor Andrew.jpg|300px|thumb|Picture of Andrew Stott with the Patriotic Socialist Party logo behind him]]
[[File:Emperor Andrew.jpg|300px|thumb|Picture of Andrew Stott with the Patriotic Socialist Party logo behind him]]
After the dismal failure of the United People's Party, Andrew Stott founded the Patriotic Socialist Party (PSP) on 1 January 2014 as a successor body to the UPP. Two of the party's primary goals were the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and the abolition of the British monarchy. The party participated in several elections in 2014, and was brutally beaten in all but one of them (their candidate won a seat on the Wittering Parish Council). In the Newark Parliamentary by-election, the PSP candidate, Lee Woods, garnered only 18 votes (.05%) coming 11th out of 11 candidates. Most PSP candidates came in last in their elections.
After the failure of the United People's Party, Andrew Stott founded the Patriotic Socialist Party (PSP) on 1 January 2014 as a successor body to the UPP. Two of the party's primary goals were the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and the abolition of the British monarchy. The PSP was ridiculed by the British press for its seemingly contradictory statements and its bizarre constitution, which included the article: "A Party member who dies or, as far as the Party is concerned, ceases to exist, will no longer be recognised as a Party member."


Stott's ego was battered by these continuing public humiliations and he resolved to run for election himself in the 2015 Newbury General Election. He used the tagline: "You don't have to hate anyone in order to love your country." Despite telling a local report he was "feeling confident" about his chances of winning, Stott came in eighth out of eight candidates, garnering a meager 53 votes (less than 1%). To add insult to injury, Stott lost his £500 election deposit due to his pitiable results.
The PSP participated in several elections in 2014, and was defeated in all but one of them (their candidate won a seat on the Wittering Parish Council). In the Newark Parliamentary by-election, the PSP candidate, Lee Woods, garnered only 18 votes (.05%) coming 11th out of 11 candidates. Most PSP candidates came in last in their elections.
[[File:PSP Logo.jpg|300px|thumb|The PSP party logo]]
Stott resolved to run for election himself in the 2015 Newbury General Election. He used the tagline: "You don't have to hate anyone in order to love your country." Despite telling a local reporter he was "feeling confident" about his chances of winning, Stott came in eighth out of eight candidates, garnering a meager 53 votes (less than 1%). He also lost his £500 election deposit due to his low polling numbers.


==Creation of Stomaria==
==Creation of Stomaria==
[[File:PSP Logo.jpg|200px|thumb|Logo of the Patriotic Socialist Party]]
Andrew Stott eventually discovered the [[micronation|micronational]] community and decided to create his own country. Although the official date of Stomaria's foundation is 16 June 2019, Stott registered the domain name stomaria.com a few weeks prior on 24 May 2019.
After his crushing electoral defeat, Andrew Stott began searching for an alternative form of ego satisfaction. He discovered the [[micronation|micronational]] community and decided to create his own country where he could be the autocratic ruler with no one to question his leadership. Although the official date of Stomaria's foundation is 16 June 2019, Stott registered the domain name stomaria.com a few weeks prior on 24 May 2019.


There is no indication of where Stott derived the name "Stomaria" from, but it is frighteningly close to "Stormfront," the oldest white supremacy website on the internet. Additionally, the logo for his Patriotic Socialist Party strongly resembles the logo of Stormfront. The star on the center of Stomaria's flag is the original logo of Stott's United People's Party.
Its flag uses the emblem of Stott's United People's Party, suggesting Stomaria is a spiritual successor to that organization.


==National goals==
===National goals===
The primary function of Stomaria's website is getting other micronations to join its empire as associated states. It also devotes significant space to fundraising in various forms, mostly through selling coins (silver starters) and knick-knacks through ebay. For these reasons, Stomarians consider themselves the most serious [[micronation]] that has ever existed.
Stomaria's stated goals are achieving Sovereignty, and creating a community of like-minded projects. It also devotes significant space to fundraising in various forms, mostly through trade using its bullion (Silver Staters) and Stomaria-themed memorabilia.


==Government==
===Government===
After creating Stomaria, Stott declared himself Emperor Andrew. According to their national laws, the Emperor of Stomaria has complete power over Stomaria and is an absolute monarch. The Emperor is surrounded by his Imperial Court which advises him on national matters.
After creating Stomaria, Stott declared himself Emperor Andrew. According to their national laws, the Emperor of Stomaria has complete power over Stomaria and is an absolute monarch. The Emperor is surrounded by his Imperial Court which advises him on national matters.


Stomaria consists of multiple states, protectorates, and provinces that make up the greater Empire.
Stomaria consists of multiple states, protectorates, and provinces that make up the greater Empire.
==Exodus of Nations==
On 24 December 2022, two of Stomaria's member states, Bran-Howl and Solacia, abruptly departed the empire and completely ceased their involvement with Stomaria. Emperor Andrew took the opportunity to paint the dispute as a "civil war," although the leaders of Bran-Howl and Solacia characterize their disagreements as merely differences of opinion and not an all-out conflict.
Queen Niamh of the Kingdom of Solacia found herself confused by the extreme nature of Emperor Andrew's reaction and mused on Reddit about his apparent state of mind:
<blockquote>
His Majesty has had his feelings hurt by being "jilted" by two member states on the same day. His actions were not logical, but emotional- illustrating a reason why modern civilizations have embraced systems of democracy to attempt to keep the tempers of heads of state in check...
</blockquote>


==Conflict with the micronational community==
==Conflict with the micronational community==
On 27 September 2023, Emperor Andrew posted a 23-minute video announcing that he had been invited to attend [[MicroCon 2023]], but he declined the invitation because attending such an event would not benefit Stomaria in any way. He then went on to disparage most of the micronations which have attended previous MicroCons, including the [[Republic of Molossia]], [[Westarctica]], and [[Republic of Slowjamastan|Slowjamastan]], among others. All micronationalists who watched the video expressed outrage at Emperor Andrew's condescending tone and holier-than-thou attitude.
[[File:Stomaria Meme.jpg|350px|thumb|Meme created to ridicule Stomaria's situation]]
On 27 September 2023, Emperor Andrew posted a 23-minute video announcing that he had been invited to attend [[MicroCon 2023]], but he declined the invitation because attending such an event would not benefit Stomaria in any way. He then went on to disparage most of the micronations which have attended previous MicroCons, including the [[Republic of Molossia]], [[Westarctica]], and [[Republic of Slowjamastan|Slowjamastan]], among others. The overwhelming response to this video was outrage at his statements, tone, and attitude.
 
The following day, the Sultan of Slowjamastan released a music video remixing Emperor Andrew's speech called "Friends Without Benefits." This video was met with widespread acclaim. On 3 October 2022, Emperor Andrew posted a lengthy reply video addressing the outrage and ridicule. During this speech, he further insulted many prominent members of the micronational community, calling out anyone he felt had criticized and mocked him, including at least two individuals who had not weighed in on the matter publicly. Emperor Andrew was further derided for his second video.


The following day, the Sultan of Slowjamastan released a hilarious music video remixing Emperor Andrew's speech called "Friends Without Benefits." This video was met with widespread acclaim, further damaging Stomaria's reputation and making its emperor look like a fool. On 3 October 2022, Emperor Andrew posted a lengthy reply video addressing the outrage and ridicule. During this speech, he further insulted many prominent members of the micronational community, calling out anyone he felt had criticized and mocked him. Naturally, Emperor Andrew was further mocked for his haughty attitude and nonsensical ravings.
After researching Andrew Stott's background, [[Grand Duke Travis]] directed top Westarctican government officials to cease diplomatic contact with any states affiliated with Stomaria. Andrew himself was declared ''persona non grata'' shortly after.


After researching Andrew Stott's background as a political dingbat, [[Grand Duke Travis]] directed top Westarctican government officials to cease contact with any states affiliated with Stomaria.
===Non-micronational declaration===
In December 2022, Stomaria's leader declared Stomaria to no longer be a [[micronation]] because it had risen above the rest of the micronational community. Such declarations have been common throughout the history of micronations are are generally regarded with disdain. As a result of this declaration, their alliance with the [[Isle of Lithua]] was dissolved.


==Sources==
==Sources==
* [https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/election-interview-andrew-stott-9173566/ Interview with Andrew prior to his election defeat]
* [https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/election-interview-andrew-stott-9173566/ Interview with Andrew during his candidacy]
* [https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/news/patriotic-socialists-have-candidate-2244985 News story on a defeated PSP candidate]
* [https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/news/patriotic-socialists-have-candidate-2244985 News story on a defeated PSP candidate]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141121225843/http://www.patriotic-socialist.org.uk/officers/party-leader PSP website (archived)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141121225843/http://www.patriotic-socialist.org.uk/officers/party-leader PSP website (archived)]
* [http://howiescorner.blogspot.com/2015/04/fringe-2015-patriotic-socialist-party.html Political commentary on how bizarre the PSP is]
* [http://howiescorner.blogspot.com/2015/04/fringe-2015-patriotic-socialist-party.html Political commentary on the PSP]
* [https://electionresults.parliament.uk/election/2016-05-05/results/Location/Constituency/Newbury Newbury election results]
* [https://electionresults.parliament.uk/election/2016-05-05/results/Location/Constituency/Newbury Newbury election results]
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/micronations/comments/zuw4hp/in_an_act_of_what_can_only_be_called_cowardice/ Reddit discussion about Bran-Howl and Solacia's departure]


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.facebook.com/slowjamastan/videos/490795526423179 Hilarious video mocking Emperor Andrew]
* [https://www.facebook.com/slowjamastan/videos/490795526423179 Slowjamastan response "remix"]
* [https://www.stomaria.com/ Stomaria's Official Site]
* [https://www.stomaria.com/ Stomaria's Official Site]
* [https://twitter.com/psp_sw?lang=en The PSP Twitter Feed]
* [https://twitter.com/psp_sw?lang=en The PSP Twitter Feed]

Revision as of 18:59, 4 January 2023

Empire of Stomaria
Flag of Stormaria.png

Motto
"Loyalty - Honour - Courage"
Fleet, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Official language(s) English
Short name Stomaria
Demonym Stomarian
Government Federal absolute monarchy
- Emperor Andrew Stott
Legislature Imperial Court
Established 16 June 2019
Population 13 (2022 estimate)
Currency Stomarian Stater

Official website

The Empire of Stomaria is a micronation based in the United Kingdom. It was created by Andrew Stott in 2019.

While Stomaria was initially held in high esteem by the greater micronational community, its reputation suffered after Stott released a series of videos on YouTube criticising the attendees and organizers of MicroCon 2023 and MicroCon in general. This has led some to ponder whether or not to label Stomaria a "joke" micronation intent on trolling other micronations through social media.

Emperor Andrew Stott

Stomaria is the brainchild of Mr. Andrew Stott, who proclaimed himself Emperor shortly after creating the country. He has cited desire for self-determination and building community as at least part of the reason for Stomaria's creation.

United People's Party

Logo of the United People's Party

In 2009, Andrew Stott founded the United People's Party (UPP), a short-lived political party in the United Kingdom. Stott's motivation for creating this party was, "a hatred of political extremism."

The UPP claimed to represent "a non-xenophobic form of nationalism." However, by 2012, no one in the UK, including the party members themselves, considered the UPP a serious contender in upcoming elections. It was self-described as "a fusion of left-wing and right-wing values and beliefs." Notably, the party bylaws stated: "All Party Officers are appointed by the Leader [Andrew Stott], who has absolute authority and responsibility within the Party, to ensure that the Party remains internally stable and active."

From 2009 - 2012, three members of the UPP won seats on parish councils, but the party's lead candidate, Alan Valentine, quit the party without actually running for office.

Patriotic Socialist Party

Picture of Andrew Stott with the Patriotic Socialist Party logo behind him

After the failure of the United People's Party, Andrew Stott founded the Patriotic Socialist Party (PSP) on 1 January 2014 as a successor body to the UPP. Two of the party's primary goals were the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and the abolition of the British monarchy. The PSP was ridiculed by the British press for its seemingly contradictory statements and its bizarre constitution, which included the article: "A Party member who dies or, as far as the Party is concerned, ceases to exist, will no longer be recognised as a Party member."

The PSP participated in several elections in 2014, and was defeated in all but one of them (their candidate won a seat on the Wittering Parish Council). In the Newark Parliamentary by-election, the PSP candidate, Lee Woods, garnered only 18 votes (.05%) coming 11th out of 11 candidates. Most PSP candidates came in last in their elections.

The PSP party logo

Stott resolved to run for election himself in the 2015 Newbury General Election. He used the tagline: "You don't have to hate anyone in order to love your country." Despite telling a local reporter he was "feeling confident" about his chances of winning, Stott came in eighth out of eight candidates, garnering a meager 53 votes (less than 1%). He also lost his £500 election deposit due to his low polling numbers.

Creation of Stomaria

Andrew Stott eventually discovered the micronational community and decided to create his own country. Although the official date of Stomaria's foundation is 16 June 2019, Stott registered the domain name stomaria.com a few weeks prior on 24 May 2019.

Its flag uses the emblem of Stott's United People's Party, suggesting Stomaria is a spiritual successor to that organization.

National goals

Stomaria's stated goals are achieving Sovereignty, and creating a community of like-minded projects. It also devotes significant space to fundraising in various forms, mostly through trade using its bullion (Silver Staters) and Stomaria-themed memorabilia.

Government

After creating Stomaria, Stott declared himself Emperor Andrew. According to their national laws, the Emperor of Stomaria has complete power over Stomaria and is an absolute monarch. The Emperor is surrounded by his Imperial Court which advises him on national matters.

Stomaria consists of multiple states, protectorates, and provinces that make up the greater Empire.

Exodus of Nations

On 24 December 2022, two of Stomaria's member states, Bran-Howl and Solacia, abruptly departed the empire and completely ceased their involvement with Stomaria. Emperor Andrew took the opportunity to paint the dispute as a "civil war," although the leaders of Bran-Howl and Solacia characterize their disagreements as merely differences of opinion and not an all-out conflict.

Queen Niamh of the Kingdom of Solacia found herself confused by the extreme nature of Emperor Andrew's reaction and mused on Reddit about his apparent state of mind:

His Majesty has had his feelings hurt by being "jilted" by two member states on the same day. His actions were not logical, but emotional- illustrating a reason why modern civilizations have embraced systems of democracy to attempt to keep the tempers of heads of state in check...

Conflict with the micronational community

Meme created to ridicule Stomaria's situation

On 27 September 2023, Emperor Andrew posted a 23-minute video announcing that he had been invited to attend MicroCon 2023, but he declined the invitation because attending such an event would not benefit Stomaria in any way. He then went on to disparage most of the micronations which have attended previous MicroCons, including the Republic of Molossia, Westarctica, and Slowjamastan, among others. The overwhelming response to this video was outrage at his statements, tone, and attitude.

The following day, the Sultan of Slowjamastan released a music video remixing Emperor Andrew's speech called "Friends Without Benefits." This video was met with widespread acclaim. On 3 October 2022, Emperor Andrew posted a lengthy reply video addressing the outrage and ridicule. During this speech, he further insulted many prominent members of the micronational community, calling out anyone he felt had criticized and mocked him, including at least two individuals who had not weighed in on the matter publicly. Emperor Andrew was further derided for his second video.

After researching Andrew Stott's background, Grand Duke Travis directed top Westarctican government officials to cease diplomatic contact with any states affiliated with Stomaria. Andrew himself was declared persona non grata shortly after.

Non-micronational declaration

In December 2022, Stomaria's leader declared Stomaria to no longer be a micronation because it had risen above the rest of the micronational community. Such declarations have been common throughout the history of micronations are are generally regarded with disdain. As a result of this declaration, their alliance with the Isle of Lithua was dissolved.

Sources

External links