Co-authored by Dabarastan
The issue
Butiva, a poor but strategically-important nation within @@name@@'s sphere of influence, made headlines this week for signing a historic deal with hostile superpower Dàguó. The deal will see Dàguó offer large sums of cash loans intended to stimulate economic growth, however concerns have been raised over whether the small minnow nation may have fallen victim to a cynical game of debt-trap diplomacy.
1- "I'm telling you, the devil's in the details," your frazzled Foreign Minister declares while struggling to balance a tower of papers. "I've studied the fine print, and apparently if Butiva don’t repay in five years, Dàguó can build military bases on their soil. Do you realise how detrimental that could be for our long-term objectives? I say we bite the bullet and pay the loan on Butiva’s behalf. Plus we could invest enough in their villages, infrastructure, schools, and what have you, so that they're not tempted by Dàguó's dirty tricks in the future."
Effect: foreign allies know that a blank cheque from @@leader@@ is just a phone call to Dàguó away
2- An overenthusiastic junior staffer you don’t recognise hurriedly approaches you. "Why do we take such a hawkish approach to the actions of our foreign partners? Yes, the deal might not have been exactly what you were hoping for, but I for one think we should be congratulating Butiva for their bold sovereign decision! Why not take this opportunity to host a trilateral congratulatory summit in @@capital@@ next week, with the Butivan and Dàguórean leaders as your honorary guests? What a way to show the world what a good sport we are!"
Effect: a slap in the face to @@leader@@ is often met with a polite thank you
3- "So you're tellin' me that in exchange for letting Dàguó build military bases, they don’t have to pay back the money? Well how the hell do we get on that gravy train?" exclaims your brother. "If Dàguó are keen to splurge then I say we should be open for business! I could think of heaps of ways to use that money - more schools, hospitals, and I'm sure a handsome pay rise would be in order for the glorious leader who brokered the deal."
Effect: the nation’s integrity is on auction to the highest bidder
4- Angsty high school student and casual LARPer, @@randomnamemale@@, grumbles as he sheaths his styrofoam sword. "I don't learn that much at school, but one thing I have learned is that nations are a lot like people. And people don't respond to one-upmanship - or, frankly speaking, any kind of dialogue. If the Butivans have betrayed you, there's only one way to make them pay: put on your trench coat, grab your assault rifles, and shoot 'em all up. Then they'll really know who’s boss. In fact, put me in touch with your military general; I'd even be happy to help coordinate the attack. Trust me, I've done this loads of times before. Well, at least in roleplay anyway."
Effect: military orientation consists of repeated viewings of The Basketball Diaries
