In light of the discussion within the PT discord i figured it would be good to start a formal discussion on the Istapali/Rapa Pile borders and possible RP surrounding a change of those borders.
The general idea is that Istapali is a somewhat "weird" blob of territory with similar cultures to and history to that of its neighbours and that with this in mind it could be good to discuss a major RP situation to alter its borders and make the region more in depth.
Taking into account Istapali its history my initial idea is the following:
1. A contested presidential election sees two sides enter the streets in protest, seeking to have their own candidate win the election. With rampant corruption, economic stagnation and poverty the situation in Istapali is flamable, with extremes on both sides of the political spectrum trying to use the election chaos to their advantage. With no solution in sight and the deadline for the presidential inauguration passing the nation is in chaos and ministers of government, regional leaders and military leadership start to contest power, leaving basic services to deteriorate and civil conflict to break out.
2. Istapali's neighbours, mainly Suyu Llaqta and the KU, could end up expressing concern throughout the buildup and, once civil conflict starts, host a regional conference directed by the Dovani Pact to discuss a response to the instability and conflict. Suyu Llaqta would, under pressure from its military, urge for a direct intervention and occupation of Istapali to restore order while the KU and potentially nations like Vascania could urge a more considerate response. Before a solution could be agreed upon the Llaqtese military would invade and try to pacify its border regions, resulting in the breakdown of negotiations and the KU, not having a Istapalian government to work with, quickly also launching its own operation to secure its border.
3. Potentially 2 to 3 years of rather intense conflict could ensue, with Llaqtese and KU forces trying to combat the countless warlords and other factions in the territory they capture while also occasionally clashing with one another, never escalating to a full conflict.
4. After most of the fighting is done, it could have resulted in Istapali losing most of its south to the KU and Suyu Llaqta, with those two nations joined by other willing DP members (Vascania and New Englia) participating in a conference to determine a end strategy. The result could be the annexation of southern Istapali and a DP peacekeeping force in the north that would oversee the establishment of a stable government there. Vascania, worrying about increase KU (or Llaqtese) influence, would press the issue of Rapa Pile in the conference and, after heavy debate, would see Rapa Pile be reincorporated into Vascania as a Special Administrative Region.
This is simply a idea i had, and i look forward to hearing your opinions on the matter as a whole. The end could still see rebel groups in southern (former) istapali continue to combat their new country and overall create a more tense atmosphere in the region. Looking forward to your ideas.