Accord for Restrained Arms and International Harmony

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The Accord for Restrained Arms and International Harmony (ARAIH) treaty emerged as a beacon of hope after a tumultuous half-decade of escalating tensions in the early 7670s. The era witnessed the ascension of Hergom as a formidable power in the wake of the Second Coalition War. Remarkably, the brevity of the conflict spared Hergom the depletion of its manpower reserves, fortifying its position on the global stage. This newfound strength was further solidified in 7672 when Hergom detonated its inaugural nuclear weapon, signalling a new era in its military capabilities.

Globally, the response was a frenetic arms race. Nations bolstered their arsenals with increasingly sophisticated weaponry, casting a shadow of impending doom over the world. The spectre of a civilization-ending conflict loomed large, tightening its stranglehold on international relations.

In the years leading up to the treaty, the global stage became a chessboard for covert operations. Intelligence agencies embarked on clandestine missions spanning various continents, each seeking to unravel the nuclear and military secrets of their adversaries. This surge in espionage stoked the flames of misunderstanding and brinkmanship, edging the world perilously close to the abyss of nuclear conflict.

It was against this backdrop of mounting dread that the treaty was conceived. The International Council of Nations (ICoN), alongside a cadre of pacifist politicians, spearheaded the initiative, driven by a singular resolve to avert Armageddon. Notably, Livaria and the Triumvirate—comprising Kamura, Livaria, and Ithrien—voiced profound concerns regarding Hergom's escalating influence. Hergom, for its part, had embraced nuclear armament as a countermeasure to the strategic capabilities of its geopolitical rivals. Yet, despite its nuclear arsenal, there was a palpable nostalgia for the bygone era of grand, conventional warfare. Hergom's acquiescence to the treaty was motivated by a desire to mitigate the risks of nuclear conflict in future confrontations and to reintegrate its economy into the global market—an economy that, by the mid-7670s, had become virtually ostracized from international trade.

From 7673 onwards, over a span of three pivotal years, ICoN meticulously orchestrated a series of summits and confidential dialogues. These gatherings, which included the Stolvic Orderist Commonholds, the Triumvirate, Arvor, and Hergom, were meticulously designed to establish common ground and forge a consensus—a consensus aimed at defusing the palpable global tension and circumventing a nuclear catastrophe.

Despite the lingering animosity and fresh traumas among the involved nations and their peoples, ICoN accomplished what seemed insurmountable. It crafted a legally binding treaty, replete with explicit objectives and milestones, all aimed at averting nuclear apocalypse. As the negotiations evolved, the treaty's scope expanded, particularly as the powers harboured deep-seated mistrust and revulsion towards Hergom. A collective desire emerged to compel Hergom to undergo substantive reforms, reforms that were critical for liberating and uplifting the millions of individuals subjugated under its oppressive regime. Ultimately, Hergom conceded, swayed by the prospects of sanctions relief—a move that promised to end its profound isolation—and the transfer of technologies pivotal for transitioning its economy away from its reliance on forced labour.

Treaty overview

Preamble

In an era shadowed by the specter of conflict and the rapid escalation of military might, we, the signatory nations, unite with a resolve forged in the aftermath of the Second Coalition War and the unsettling dawn of the nuclear age. Acknowledging our intertwined destinies and the precarious balance of peace that the early 7670s threatened to unravel, we recognize the urgent need to transform fear and mistrust into cooperation and mutual understanding.

Guided by the International Coalition of Nations (ICoN) and driven by a shared commitment to preserve the fabric of civilization, we convene to redefine the path of international relations. This treaty, conceived amidst covert struggles and the looming threat of a nuclear inferno, embodies our collective determination to chart a course towards stability, mutual respect, and the safeguarding of human dignity.

With a profound sense of responsibility and a vision for a harmonious world, we hereby establish and affirm the provisions of this treaty. May it serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us away from the shadows of conflict and towards a future where peace and prosperity reign supreme for generations to come.

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1: Limitation on Ballistic Delivery Systems

  1. The Signatory States hereby agree that no ballistic delivery method, whether land-based, air-launched, or otherwise, shall have a range exceeding 2,000 kilometres.
  2. The Signatory States commit to modifying existing systems and refraining from developing new systems that do not comply with the range limitations set forth in this Article.
  3. No state will possess warheads with a yield over one megaton.

Article 2: Regulation of Sea or Underwater Nuclear Delivery Platforms

  1. Nuclear weapons transported via sea or underwater platforms shall be limited to a yield of no more than 100 kilotons.

Article 3: Prohibition of Space-based Weaponry

  1. Space shall not be utilized as a platform for weapons, including but not limited to, offensive or defensive systems, or for the deployment of any armaments.
  2. The Signatory States commit to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

Article 4: Establishment of a Monitoring Board

  1. The Signatory States agree to form a Monitoring Board, composed of representatives from all signatory nations, to oversee and ensure compliance with the terms of this Treaty.
  2. The Monitoring Board shall have the authority to implement measures necessary for the verification of compliance, including inspections and audits.

Article 5: Surveillance and Verification

  1. Orbital photography and periodic aerial reconnaissance are permitted and shall be used to enforce adherence to the terms of this Treaty.
  2. The Signatory States agree to cooperate fully with the Monitoring Board in its efforts to verify compliance through such means.

Article 6: Neutrality and Non-Interference in Orbital Space

  1. Orbital space shall remain neutral and shall be free from any interference or claims of sovereignty by any State.
  2. The Signatory States commit to uphold the principle of non-interference and to ensure that their activities in outer space are conducted in a manner that preserves the neutrality of this domain.

Addendum: Specific Commitments of the State of Hergom

Article A1: Disarmament of Megaton Nuclear Weapons

  1. The State of Hergom hereby forgoes the production, acquisition, and deployment of nuclear weapons exceeding the yield of one megaton.

Article A2: Conversion of Long-Range Ballistic Vehicles

  1. The State of Hergom commits to repurposing its long-range ballistic vehicles for peaceful uses, including but not limited to, space exploration and scientific research.

Article A3: Lifting of Economic Sanctions on Hergom

  1. Upon the effective implementation of the provisions of this Treaty, the Signatory States agree to lift all exchange, banking, and payment transfer sanctions imposed on the State of Hergom.

Article A4: Commitment to Human Rights and Self-Determination

  1. The State of Hergom hereby bans slavery and commits to respecting the rights to individual self-determination, including the rights to ownership over their bodies, families, and beliefs.
  2. The State of Hergom recognizes and respects the economic self-determination of its subjects and commits to upholding these rights in accordance with international law.

Article A5: Resumption of Trade in Civilian Goods with Hergom

  1. The Signatory States agree to lift sanctions related to the import and export of civilian goods and commodities to and from the State of Hergom, fostering an environment of economic cooperation and development.

Article A6: Re-Application of Sanctions for Treaty Breach

  1. The State of Hergom recognizes that sanctions may be re-applied in the event of a breach of this Treaty or other violations of international law.
  2. Notwithstanding the above, sanctions related to the imports and exports of food and certain ores of global importance, including but not limited to uranium and the platinum family ores, shall not be re-applied, as enforced by the provisions of this Treaty.

Final Provisions

This Treaty, done in duplicate, shall be subject to ratification by the Signatory States in accordance with their respective constitutional processes. The Treaty shall enter into force on the date of the deposit of the last instrument of ratification.

Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Bureau (ICoN)

Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Bureau

The establishment of the Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Bureau (ICoN), marks a significant stride in the global effort to curb the proliferation of nuclear weapons and promote their peaceful use. Tasked with the critical mandate of enforcing the treaty among all member nations and powers, the Bureau stands as a cornerstone in the architecture of international security and cooperation.

In the wake of the treaty's adoption, the Bureau has played a pivotal role in shaping a world where the specter of nuclear expansion is contained. By dissuading member nations from pursuing nuclear armaments and instituting a robust legal framework, the Bureau has successfully limited the circle of nuclear-armed states to a select few. This achievement underscores the efficacy of collective resolve and legal instruments in steering the course of global security.

Beyond its role in disarmament, the Bureau champions the beneficial and peaceful applications of nuclear technology. Its comprehensive legal and regulatory framework facilitates the safe and responsible adoption of nuclear energy, bridging the technological divide and fostering sustainable development. Through this framework, non-nuclear nations gain access to nuclear power technologies, supported by the expertise and commercial services of more advanced nations. This cooperative endeavor ensures that the benefits of nuclear energy are harnessed without compromising safety or international security.

The inclusive nature of the Bureau is evident in its staffing and operations. Representatives from all signatory ICoN members contribute to the agency's diverse expertise, with a special emphasis on integrating personnel from the initial treaty signatories. The agency's Board of Nuclear Affairs Inspections, staffed by a cadre of nuclear scientists, legal experts, and industry professionals, exemplifies this commitment to diversity and excellence.

Operational transparency and cooperation are hallmarks of the Bureau's approach. With oversight offices established in every nuclear-capable nation, the agency exercises its mandate with the full cooperation of national governments, ensuring adherence to the treaty's principles. While transparency is paramount, the Bureau maintains a delicate balance, respecting the technical secrecy and national security concerns of nuclear powers. It refrains from collecting or disclosing sensitive information on technical capabilities, thus safeguarding the lawful secrets of member nations.

In this era of heightened collaboration and mutual vigilance, the Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Bureau emerges not only as an enforcer of the treaty but also as a catalyst for a new paradigm—one where the perils of nuclear proliferation are mitigated, the promises of nuclear energy are realized, and the sanctity of international security is upheld.

Hergom's commitments

Hergom's engagement with the Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Bureau (DNPB) and its adherence to the main articles of the treaty reflect a commitment to global disarmament efforts. The nation's cooperation with DNPB inspections and its decision to maintain only a minimal stockpile of legacy warheads above the one-megaton limit underscore its dedication to the treaty's disarmament objectives. Moreover, Hergom's active participation in and financial support for the DNPB's pro-disarmament initiatives indicate a robust, albeit selective, commitment to the treaty's broader goals.

However, Hergom's record in fulfilling its humanitarian commitments presents a more complex picture. The delayed implementation of the abolition of forced labour, even after the lifting of sanctions, raises concerns about the nation's dedication to the treaty's human rights provisions. While slavery has been officially outlawed, the persistence of a convoluted legal system of compelled employment and unemployment sanctions for non-Wolgos citizens casts a shadow over Hergom's compliance with the spirit of the treaty.

The existence of such a complex and all-encompassing system, which legally provides for bodily and economic autonomy but practically ensnares millions in a web of imperfect provisions and predatory services, suggests a nuanced form of non-compliance. These systemic issues, which effectively undermine the economic autonomy and well-being of a significant portion of Hergom's population, are viewed by many in ICoN as a deliberate manoeuvre to circumvent the treaty's humanitarian commitments.

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