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===The Reign of Two Grand Dukes (2006 - 2010)=== | ===The Reign of Two Grand Dukes (2006 - 2010)=== | ||
====Grand Duke Philip==== | ====Grand Duke Philip==== | ||
[[File:Westarctica Quarterly - Issue 2.png|200px|thumb|Issue of ''Westarctica Quarterly'' released by Grand Duke Philip in 2006]] | |||
[[Grand Duke Philip]] ascended to the throne at a time when Westarctica was internally strong and prosperous. His first 100 days in office were marked by progress and creativity. He published an eight-page newsletter called ''[[Westarctica Quarterly]]'', which, most significantly, had lengthy articles written by every member of the [[Grand Ducal Cabinet|Westarctican government]]. Things were progressing nicely until Westarctica's [[Ellsworth King of Arms|Chief Herald]], the [[Duke of Moulton-Berlin]], began to feel as though he was being attacked in Westarctica's online forums. The internal squabbling led to the departure of most members of Westarctica's leadership team. | [[Grand Duke Philip]] ascended to the throne at a time when Westarctica was internally strong and prosperous. His first 100 days in office were marked by progress and creativity. He published an eight-page newsletter called ''[[Westarctica Quarterly]]'', which, most significantly, had lengthy articles written by every member of the [[Grand Ducal Cabinet|Westarctican government]]. Things were progressing nicely until Westarctica's [[Ellsworth King of Arms|Chief Herald]], the [[Duke of Moulton-Berlin]], began to feel as though he was being attacked in Westarctica's online forums. The internal squabbling led to the departure of most members of Westarctica's leadership team. | ||
After spending a mere 10 months on the throne, Grand Duke Philip's health began to deteriorate and he slowly withdrew from public life. To the outside world, it appeared that Westarctica had become stagnant. The forums were devoid of activity, the nobles had disappeared, and the new Grand Duke was silent. Many people wondered if the country was finished. The final blow to Westarctica's prestige came when Grand Duke Philip allowed the [[Westarctica Domain Name|official website]] for the nation to go defunct. Even a neglected website can provide some information to visitors and interested parties; however, the Grand Duke failed to re-register the westarctica.com domain name and the web address fell into the hands of a domain parking service. | After spending a mere 10 months on the throne, Grand Duke Philip's health began to deteriorate and he slowly withdrew from public life. To the outside world, it appeared that Westarctica had become stagnant. The forums were devoid of activity, the nobles had disappeared, and the new Grand Duke was silent. Many people wondered if the country was finished. The final blow to Westarctica's prestige came when Grand Duke Philip allowed the [[Westarctica Domain Name|official website]] for the nation to go defunct. | ||
Even a neglected website can provide some information to visitors and interested parties; however, the Grand Duke failed to re-register the westarctica.com domain name and the web address fell into the hands of a domain parking service. | |||
On 23 June 2008, Travis received an impassioned e-mail from the [[Duke of Moulton-Berlin]], Jon-Lawrence Langer, a fellow Pennsylvania native and longtime citizen of Westarctica. In the e-mail, he asked some very important questions, and made some profound statements about how the intrepid vision behind Westarctica had changed his life. After a chain of e-mails and phone calls back and forth, Travis and Jon-Lawrence were able to convince Grand Duke Philip to step down from the throne. His final words before abdication were tired, but honest: "''If they want it, the crown is theirs''." | On 23 June 2008, Travis received an impassioned e-mail from the [[Duke of Moulton-Berlin]], Jon-Lawrence Langer, a fellow Pennsylvania native and longtime citizen of Westarctica. In the e-mail, he asked some very important questions, and made some profound statements about how the intrepid vision behind Westarctica had changed his life. After a chain of e-mails and phone calls back and forth, Travis and Jon-Lawrence were able to convince Grand Duke Philip to step down from the throne. His final words before abdication were tired, but honest: "''If they want it, the crown is theirs''." | ||
====Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence==== | ====Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence==== | ||
[[File: | [[File:JL Langer.png|thumb|250px|Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence]] | ||
Jon-Lawrence eagerly replied, "''I invite the challenge''." And without further delay, the throne, crown, and full dictatorial power of Westarctica was [[2008 Transition of Power|peacefully passed from one citizen to another]]. In response, the new [[Grand Duke of Westarctica]] launched ''westarctica.org'', and proudly proclaimed the restoration of [[Government of Westarctica|Westarctica's government]] after his ascension to the throne. After the new website was launched, the world was once again interested in the goings-on in Westarctica. Within the first six months of his ascension to the throne, Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence was faced with multiple attacks on Westarctica's [[sovereignty]]. All the individuals who had made claims to [[Marie Byrd Land]] while Philip was incommunicado suddenly rose to the surface and started questioning the status of Travis McHenry's [[Territorial claims in Antarctica|claim]]. The new [[Grand Duke]] took a heavy-handed approach in dealing with the challengers, issuing ultimatums that left no wiggle room for negotiation. | Jon-Lawrence eagerly replied, "''I invite the challenge''." And without further delay, the throne, crown, and full dictatorial power of Westarctica was [[2008 Transition of Power|peacefully passed from one citizen to another]]. In response, the new [[Grand Duke of Westarctica]] launched ''westarctica.org'', and proudly proclaimed the restoration of [[Government of Westarctica|Westarctica's government]] after his ascension to the throne. After the new website was launched, the world was once again interested in the goings-on in Westarctica. | ||
Within the first six months of his ascension to the throne, Grand Duke Jon-Lawrence was faced with multiple attacks on Westarctica's [[sovereignty]]. All the individuals who had made claims to [[Marie Byrd Land]] while Philip was incommunicado suddenly rose to the surface and started questioning the status of Travis McHenry's [[Territorial claims in Antarctica|claim]]. The new [[Grand Duke]] took a heavy-handed approach in dealing with the challengers, issuing ultimatums that left no wiggle room for negotiation. | |||
At the Grand Duke's behest, Wolf Tulier, the [[Duke of Waesche|Count of Waesche]], had been communicating with many of the challengers, and was making steady progress with friendly discussions. Jon-Lawrence couldn't see their side of the argument, however, and promptly ordered Wolf to cease communication with the usurpers. A series of legal threats and firm refusals to negotiate followed, culminating the the [[Siple War]]. By late 2009, Westarctica was right back where it had started: isolated and internally fractured. Things went downhill rapidly, and on 24 November 2009, Jon-Lawrence sent Travis an e-mail expressing his weariness at running the nation. | At the Grand Duke's behest, Wolf Tulier, the [[Duke of Waesche|Count of Waesche]], had been communicating with many of the challengers, and was making steady progress with friendly discussions. Jon-Lawrence couldn't see their side of the argument, however, and promptly ordered Wolf to cease communication with the usurpers. A series of legal threats and firm refusals to negotiate followed, culminating the the [[Siple War]]. By late 2009, Westarctica was right back where it had started: isolated and internally fractured. Things went downhill rapidly, and on 24 November 2009, Jon-Lawrence sent Travis an e-mail expressing his weariness at running the nation. | ||
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==Colonial Possessions== | ==Colonial Possessions== | ||
[[File:March to Hooverville.png|500px|thumb|The Westarctican Royal Guards in the Colony of Calsahara]] | |||
Westarctica claims jurisdiction and ownership over several areas that are not contiguous with [[Achaean Territory of Antarctica|the territory originally claimed]] by [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] in 2001, and are not considered part of Westarctica proper. These pieces of land are administered as autonomous colonial possessions and are ruled on behalf of the [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Grand Duke]] by [[viceroy]]s holding the full authority of the Crown of Westarctica. | Westarctica claims jurisdiction and ownership over several areas that are not contiguous with [[Achaean Territory of Antarctica|the territory originally claimed]] by [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] in 2001, and are not considered part of Westarctica proper. These pieces of land are administered as autonomous colonial possessions and are ruled on behalf of the [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Grand Duke]] by [[viceroy]]s holding the full authority of the Crown of Westarctica. | ||
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===Colony of Calsahara=== | ===Colony of Calsahara=== | ||
Originally known as the [[Colony of Calsahara|Kingdom of Calsahara]], the 120 acre territory is a colony of Westarctica located entirely within the U.S. state of California near the unincorporated community of California Valley on the [[Carrizio Plain]]. Calsahara was founded by [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] on 24 November 2009, and existed as an independent [[sovereignty|sovereign]] state until it was conquered without resistance during the [[Invasion of Calsahara]] by the [[Westarctican Royal Guards]] on 29 October 2017. | Originally known as the [[Colony of Calsahara|Kingdom of Calsahara]], the 120 acre territory is a colony of Westarctica located entirely within the U.S. state of California near the unincorporated community of California Valley on the [[Carrizio Plain]]. Calsahara was founded by [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] on 24 November 2009, and existed as an independent [[sovereignty|sovereign]] state until it was conquered without resistance during the [[Invasion of Calsahara]] by the [[Westarctican Royal Guards]] on 29 October 2017. | ||
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[[File:Royal Council Ministers.jpg|450px|thumb|Government of Westarctica in 2021]] | [[File:Royal Council Ministers.jpg|450px|thumb|Government of Westarctica in 2021]] | ||
::''Main article: [[Government of Westarctica]]'' | ::''Main article: [[Government of Westarctica]]'' | ||
Throughout the nation's history, the government itself has been as small as one person, but today, has more than 50 individuals serving in various roles. This includes the members of the [[Royal Council]] and the many [[Honorary Consular Corps|Honorary Consuls]] who represent Westarctica's global interests around the world. | |||
===Grand Duke of Westarctica=== | |||
According to the [[Constitution of Westarctica]], the [[Grand Duke of Westarctica]] bears overall responsibility for the daily management of the [[Government of Westarctica]]. He is assisted in this task by the many functionaries of his government. | According to the [[Constitution of Westarctica]], the [[Grand Duke of Westarctica]] bears overall responsibility for the daily management of the [[Government of Westarctica]]. He is assisted in this task by the many functionaries of his government. | ||
[[Grand Duke Travis]], as the founder of the nation, has also been it's longest-serving leader and has wielded significant influence over the governance of Westarctica. In addition to passing laws through [[Royal Decrees]], he manages the [[Peerage of Westarctica]] and serves as the ''font of honor'' for the [[orders of Westarctica]]. Although the 2020 Constitution transformed Westarctica into a Constitutional Monarchy, in practice the Grand Duke may still exercise near-autocratic authority in times of crisis. | |||
The Crown of Westarctica is hereditary and the [[Grand Duke]] is required by law to provide a [[Succession to the Crown and Throne of Westarctica|list of potential successors]], although these successors have the right to refuse the crown. | |||
===Prime Minister=== | ===Prime Minister=== | ||
The [[Prime Minister of Westarctica]] is democratically elected to serve a four-year term in office. From 2010 - 2017, this role was appointed by the | [[File:Baron Hull Bay.jpg|300px|thumb|Prime Minister Brendan Cook, the Duke of Steventon]] | ||
The [[Prime Minister of Westarctica]] is democratically elected to serve a four-year term in office. From 2010 - 2017, this role was appointed by the Grand Duke, but since 2019 has been an elected position. | |||
In addition to managing the ministers of the Royal Council, the Prime Minister also serves as the Upper House of the legislature, the [[Senate of Westarctica]]. In this capacity, he approves the country's laws, known as [[Westarctican Ordinance]]s. | In addition to managing the ministers of the Royal Council, the Prime Minister also serves as the Upper House of the legislature, the [[Senate of Westarctica]]. In this capacity, he approves the country's laws, known as [[Westarctican Ordinance]]s. | ||
Since February 2023, the Prime Minister is the [[Duke of Steventon]]. | |||
===Royal Council=== | ===Royal Council=== | ||
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There is also a Naval Detachment of the Royal Guards which specialize in Command and Control (C2) training and operations. | There is also a Naval Detachment of the Royal Guards which specialize in Command and Control (C2) training and operations. | ||
Colonial Viceroys have the authority to create guard units in their territories, however, these units ultimately serve Westarctica and may be called into action on behalf of the nation when needed. This occurred during the [[Westarctica-Raphania War]] when the National Guard of [[Protectorate of Kolios|Kolios]] was briefly activated, but not actually utilized for combat operations. | |||
Many members of Westarctica's government, noble Peers, and citizenry are veterans of various world militaries, especially the [[U.S. Navy]], U.S. Army, and U.S Air Force. | Many members of Westarctica's government, noble Peers, and citizenry are veterans of various world militaries, especially the [[U.S. Navy]], U.S. Army, and U.S Air Force. | ||
==Foreign affairs== | |||
::''Main article: [[Foreign relations of Westarctica]]'' | |||
In May 2005, Westarctica entered into its first international agreement, a treaty of friendship and recognition with the [[Republic of Molossia]]. This treaty became the go-to template for treaties of many other [[micronation]]s, and portions of the text can still be found in micronational treaties to this day. Since then, [[Westarctica]] has signed treaties of friendship and recognition with dozens of other [[micronation]]s from around the world. | |||
Westarctica's foreign affairs are managed by the [[Foreign Minister]]. | |||
The [[Honorary Consular Corps|Honorary Consuls]] are volunteers who serve as representatives of the government of Westarctica in their home countries. They are expected to liaison with other citizens of Westarctica who either reside in their same geographic area or speak their same language. When official diplomatic events occur in their region, the Consuls may be asked to represent Westarctica's interests at these functions. | |||
===Relations with other micronations=== | |||
[[File:Molossia-Stamps.png|400px|thumb|Grand Duke Travis meeting with President Baugh of Molossia in 2017]] | |||
As the country's Head of State, [[Grand Duke Travis]] has undertaken nearly 100 in-person interactions with leaders of other micronations since he first founded Westarctica in 2001. He has visited the [[sovereignty|sovereign]] territory of 12 micronations (as of March 2024), including multiple visits to [[Vikesland]], [[Republic of Molossia]], and the Molossian province of [[Desert Homestead Province|Desert Homestead]]. | |||
Representatives of Westarctica have also attended numerous international summits of micronations, including every [[MicroCon]] event since 2015 and the [[2019 GUM Summit]], among many others. | |||
===Multi-state pacts=== | |||
Westarctica is a party to several intermicronational pacts which have helped craft its relationships with foreign countries. These pacts are considered an important part of Westarctica's [[Foreign relations of Westarctica|foreign affairs program]] and are entered into on an infrequent basis. | |||
* [[West-Antarctic Treaty]] | |||
* [[West-Antarctic Free Alliance]] | |||
* [[Antarctic Micronational Union]] | |||
* [[Conference of Santiago]] | |||
===Relations with UN-member states=== | |||
Since January 2015, Westarctica has enjoyed non-consultative status as a member of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs - NGO Branch. In this capacity, representatives from Westarctica have participated in annual planning sessions with other NGOs to create and implement Sustainable Development Goals on a global scale. | |||
Although Grand Duke Travis has sent nearly a hundred letters to leaders and ministers of foreign governments, only a few have ever replied, including King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia in 2020 and Valery Lukin, head of Russia's Antarctic program in 2015. | |||
==Law in Westarctica== | ==Law in Westarctica== | ||