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Foreign Relations of New England
New England is an international player in economic and political affairs. This requires a strong Foreign Relations policy that enables New England to participate with a number of much larger powers, some of whom are quite hostile. Regardless of this, fifty nations have full diplomatic missions in New England.
As the twenty-first century has progressed, the world has divided into four major economic, political and military groups. Most nations now belong to a regional union or community, which is turn is part of a larger world association where the members share a common world view, and single economic area. The United Nations has survived, though it is much weaker. It has become the forum where the four powers confront one another and try to resolve differences.
The Four Superpowers & Spheres of Influence
The Peoples Republic of China - New England and the PRC are on good terms with each other. China has encouraged the Pacific to embrace Asia whenever possible, but has been frustrated by the US and Europe, who exert the most influence in the region. This however does not stop a healthy trade between the regions, and New England in particular has benefited from this.
Chinese immigration has been encouraged by successive New England governments as a way of solving labour shortages in white-collar professions. In turn, the Chinese have been open and receptive to trade missions from New England, often discriminating in favour of the New Englanders over Australian and US investors.
The European Union -Europe now speaks with one voice through the European Union, and it is New England's closest ally of the four major powers. New England's outlook has become overwhelmingly European over the last twenty years, as has its social attitudes and economic policy. The EU is the single largest importer into New England, and New England has in turn contributed to strengthen the power and influence of the EU in the Pacific.
New England and Europe enjoy strong cultural ties. There are thousands of Europeans in New England, adding to the culture and diversity of the country. Many have decided to stay, and have contributed to all aspects of life. The most prominent European New Englander is Deputy First Minister, Sebastian Vincent, who was born in France in 20.
The Group of Four - The newest super-grouping, and consisting of the nations of Brazil, Egypt, India and Indonesia, the G4 was established in 2016 as a means of giving developing powers an ability co-ordinate their influence on the three larger powers. Today, the G4 remains the smallest of the powers, but wields considerable influence nonetheless. The G4 is the most populous of the all the powers, and has a strong military and economic capacity.
New England and the G4 have remained on good terms throughout the existence of both powers. Like China, the influence of the G4 has been restricted in the Pacific by the interests of the United States and Europe.
The United States - The United States is still one of the world's biggest economic entities, although it no longer commands the power and respect it did fifty years ago. New Englander's have never felt any affinity for the United States. Most believe it to be an undemocratic bully that has caused more grief than good.
On a diplomatic level, the two nations do communicate, although the Americans have never forgiven New England for the humiliation of their defeat in the Five Day War. The US have used its influence on Australia to keep the border with New England heavily restricted and often closed outright.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia - New England's only neighbour is closely allied with the United States, and has been for one hundred years. Relations between the two nations runs through the fibre of New England's existence since 2012. The history of the two nations is one of good intentions, but these are often overshadowed by political events domestically. Aside from the Civil War, the only other mass conflict was the Five Day War in 2032. Since that time, the relationship has improved greatly, with annual sporting events helping to create a release for both sides to express themselves in non-violent manner.
New Zealand - New England's closest ally, the nation of five million that saved the New Englanders from endless conflict at the end of the Civil War. The two nations have always been close and tend to have a similar outlook on world events. A number of the trans Tasman bodies that were established between Australia and New Zealand have been superceded with agreements between New England and New Zealand. This in turn has altered relations between Australia and New Zealand, which has steadily cooled since the 1980's.
The Pacific Union of States
The Pacific Union of States (PU) is the regional economic and political body of the South Pacific. It is closely allied with the European Union, and has a free trade agreement with the EU. Most PU members use their own currency, with all currencies are pegged to the Euro under the management of the ERM IV and the Pacific Central Bank.
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Topics: Foreign Relations · Macdonald Line · Republicanism
