A New World Order Is Emerging, Says PrefectPrince Zhtál Outlines Future Opportunities and Threats in a Changing TerraPrince Zhtál addresses the Grand Council about Vanuku's role on the international stage. June 4545 - Prince Dytrik Zhtál has used his first State of the Nation speech as Prefect of Vanuku to highlight the changing geopolitical landscape.
Prefect Zhtál, who is the grandson of His Majesty King Juhn XI, took the reins at the head of government earlier this year. In his inaugural address to the Grand Council in Wiel he outlined the Kingdom's economic and diplomatic strategy on a global scale.
"Many of the old powers are on the wane while others scramble to take their place at the top," he said - referring to the latest figures set to be published by the Zardic Institute of International Relations. "But one thing remains constant... Vanuku!
"As citizens you can be proud of your nation, of the leading role we play around Terra and in our economic, scientific, political and cultural expansion and achievements.
"The last half a century has seen our one-time rivals fall into decline as global military powers, following the termination of the Northern Council; similarly, Istalia once our closest ally and peer has sunk further and further into isolationism leaving a vacuum that other have been quick to fill.
"Indrala, arguably once the global economic powerhouse, has lost ground to many of its rivals, while emerging economies in Valruzia, New Endralon and Lourenne are rising fast."
And in a lightly-veiled warning about Deltaria he added: "Then, of course, we must look to the military production capabilities of Terra's biggest dictatorships. Their totalitarian systems mean they are not beholden or accountable to the electorate – the usual consumer needs of the populace can be sacrificed so that massive armament can be prioritised.
"We see bigger ships with more planes, more tanks, more guns and more bullets as well as a rapid increase in the construction of nuclear weapons. These vast arsenals are far more than are required simply for defence. So, we must be ultra vigilant and recognise the potential threats these nations pose in terms of hostile expansionism and work with our international partners to contain these threats.
Prince Zhtál went on to say: "Still, in this new world order that is emerging there is much to embrace positively and we must seize opportunities where they exist. Our new alliance with Lourenne and continued trade and security partnerships with key allies around the globe give us the economic, military and diplomatic clout to ensure the balance of power remains intact. This is vital for peace and prosperity as we move forward."
The Prefect concluded his speech by informing the Grand Council that following the recent visit by representatives from Dorvik, the two countries were now negotiating a formal treaty of co-operation in order to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.