The New Millennium: 2000 AD RP (IC)

[Argentarino]

The New Millennium: 2000 AD RP

The date is January 1st, 2000 AD, and despite all of the fears surrounding Y2K, despite two world wars and a nuclear standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, despite innumerable plagues and natural catastrophes, the world remains standing. But the world remains fraught with tension. In the Middle East, decades of proxy wars and covert operations have led to political and economic situations that leave the region tenuously unstable: a single spark could reignite tensions between the various factions within the region, even as the specter of the Gulf War remains in the memories of its survivors and belligerents. In Europe, the fall of the Iron Curtain has given the Europeans a chance to expand their European Union, though economic and political difficulties remain, especially in Eastern Europe, where the yoke of the Soviet Union was most strongly felt. In the former Soviet Bloc, the new republics are all struggling with how to deal with the changes thrust upon them, and even the once mighty Russian Republic is struggling with its new reality, now that Boris Yeltsin has resigned in favor of political upstart Vladimir Putin. In Asia, emboldened by the collapse of the Soviet Union, new powers will begin to emerge in India, China, Japan, and perhaps elsewhere, though even these powers have their fair share of troubles facing them. In North America, the United States of America will decide whether to embrace the mantle of leader of the free world, to act as the sole hegemonic authority in light of the end of the Cold War...or whether it will try a different path to influence the world. And throughout Latin America, the dictators that had been formerly propped up during the Cold War are either deposed or forced to come face to face with their decisions, now that they lack the protection of the United States. And under the surface of it all, the rise of nonstate actors, namely terrorist groups throughout the world with varying ideologies, believe that it is their time to leave their mark on the world, and their actions have the potential to destabilize the world. Only time will tell how the world will proceed, how governments around the world will react and stand the test of time and adversity, or whether the world as we know it will even exist when the new millennia comes around...

OOC and Sign-Up Thread

[Argentarino]

The Kremlin, Moscow, The Russian Federation
January 1st, 2000

The Russian government was in shock: not an hour earlier, when President Boris Yeltsin was delivering the New Year's address, he had decided to resign from the Presidency. Granted, Yeltsin had been grossly unpopular with the Russian people after his failures in handling the economy, the Chechen situation, among a whole plethora of issues...including corruption. Corruption. What a dirty word. To the oligarchs and Russian elites, their usage of blat, that system of favors, of being well-connected, of knowing which gears to grease and which industries they could snatch up, was necessary. The Russian economy had no masters, and perhaps these men of means felt it was their patriotic duty to ensure that these industries were bought by Russians, run by Russians...or perhaps, that's what they told themselves. Nonetheless, these oligarchs and elites who made up Yeltsin's "Family" had decided that he needed to go a long time ago. The drunkard was making a mockery of Russia, and his policies and mishandling of the economic situation of Russia was leaving the people baying for blood. The Communist Party was surging back in popularity, and another potential challenger in the June elections, Yabloko, was gaining steam with its anti-corruption messages, and its talk of liberalizing the political process could only mean trouble for these elites. And so, they had pressured Yeltsin to resign in favor of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Gospodin Putin was a newcomer to federal politics: he had previously worked for the mayor's office in Saint Petersburg, and what little information the oligarchs did have on him pointed to him having had previously engaged in his own spout of corruption to enrich himself - a possible ally in the fight ahead to maintain their power. Of course, they also remembered that he was former KGB - "Is there really such a thing?" one oligarch had dryly joked, looking over his shoulder as soon as the words slipped out - but such a minor detail was unimportant to them. What they desired was power, a puppet, and to them, Putin was that puppet. He had been made Prime Minister of Russia back in August, and he had focused on portraying a law and order image when it came to dealing with the Chechen insurgents, which had contributed to his image, or so the oligarchs and Putin had been assured of, but they couldn't deny that the opposition was growing against them.

As a result of Yeltsin's resignation, the elections that were slated for June 2000 were moved up to March 26, 2000. The onus now was on the opposition parties to defeat the entrenched Putin. Putin may have officially been an "Independent", but he owed his position to the Unity Party, and would undoubtedly run for office under their banner. But no matter who won the upcoming presidential elections, they would have to contend with the fact that the Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly, was split after the 1999 legislative elections: the largest party represented in the Duma was the Communist Party, followed by the Unity Party, followed by Fatherland - All Russia. And 106 of the seats were held by a wide assortment of other parties and independent candidates. Governing Russia would be extremely difficult moving forward, until the next legislative elections possibly fortified the position of whoever won the presidency. The fate of the Russian Federation would be decided this election, and no one seemed to know who would dominate.

[Dentali]

The 5th Plenary Session of the 15th Central Committee will be held later this year to map out development over the next 5 years. A State council meeting is scheduled to be held later this month, concerning the development of China’s Western regions.



The China-Africa Cooperation Forum will be held later this year, 80 ministers from African countries and leaders of 20 african and international organizations will be in attendance. This forum will map out the development of a stable and mutually benefitical Sino-African Partnership. It will deal with the challenges of globalization and promoting peace and development around the world.



The Central Committee has announced a huge campaign to crack down on corruption in government offices. The National Audit Office instituted a new policy of routinely inspecting the accounts of all retiring high-ranking officials for evidence of financial improprieties. The announcement accompanied the arrest of Cheng Kejie for Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee for accepting huge bribes.

The official People’s Daily newspaper reported, “There is no place for corrupt elements to hide in the party,” and “all citizens are equal before the law.”



Additionally a campaign to crack down on smuggling in Chinese ports was announced. An even more massive corruption scandal involving billions of dollars and some 200 officials wound its way through the courts of coastal Fujian province. The former vice-minister of public security, Li Jizhou, and the former police chief, vice-mayor, and head of the customs service in Xiamen city were among the accused.

Following the success of the “Pro Active Fiscal Policies” instituted by Sheng Huaren, minister of state economic and trade commission, further free market economic reforms have been announced. Easing restrictions and promoting free enterprise, at least relative to current practices.

[Princess Kenny]

CANADA
January 1st, 2000 AD

As the world enters into a new age, Canada finds itself in a questionable position. Only 5 years ago the citizens of Québec voted whether to maintain its unity with the country, despite unity being achieved on a thin thread, it would appear Canada would stay together. However, new challenges arise. Canada has become one of the most tolerant of globalisation and progressive ideas, which question the traditional values and colonial past of the country. Furthermore, indigenous rights, gay rights, immigration, and regulation will all have to be debated upon. Until then, the Liberal Party seeks to re-establish its grasp upon Canada in a planned upcoming election, despite the internal squabbles within. Meanwhile the conservative [soon to become] Canadian Alliance seeks to challenge this, although with less likelihood of succeeding.

Canada has not seen conflict since the Korean war, and although perusing actions in Kosovo, the military budget continues to lower, and Canada has gone quiet amidst the world stage. Although there are many challenges ahead of the nation, and although Canada is beginning to question what it means to be Canadian, there is a future ahead. Potential opportunities await as the Canadian economy expands, with dozens of businesses and less issues than ever. It would seem Canada will change, for better or for worse.

Resting upon the election, the Liberals have seen to have gained the minds of the public, although the torries will kickstart their campaign early..

[Dentali]

China



Civil Reform China is proud to announce that due to the success in fighting corruption in the government they are finally able to shake of the shackles oppressing the people. A number of leaders in the democratic movement in China, long forced underground have been invited to meet with the heads of state in Zhongnanhai. Though the leaders were initially hesitant to meet the passage of a number of reforms expanding the rights of free speech and expression becoming law encouraged the individuals to step out of the shadows.


The 5 Year Plan
Economically the Chinese government as announced a plan to decrease the number of state owned enterprises by 50 percent in the next 5 years, with assets of existing state enterprises liquidated and sold to private investors. Additionally further reduction of tariffs, trade barriers and regulation will be implemented over the next 5 years. Much of the archaic welfare system will be reformed and streamlined to account for the modern day challenges facing our glorious country

Petrol, Banking and a few other industries will remain controlled by the central government. Banking reform and a plan to reduce inflation have also been announced to be implemented later this year. Overall state authority will be decentralized to energize the economy and officials presiding over areas over area economic growth will be rewarded with promotion and advancement.

Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao oversaw regulations for the stock market, campaigned to develop poorer inland provinces to stem migration and regional resentment. Additionally a number of tax limitations have been instituted to protect peasants and low income workers from corrupt officials. Rules regarding foreign investment are becoming relaxed, encouraging more investors to an economically booming China

[Soviet Chernarus]

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

"Slobodan Milosevic is finished."
General Vuk Obradovic, leader of the Social Democratic Party

Chapter 1: A New Dawn

---

Belgrade
Serbia

Miloslevic was lost.

The self-proclaimed "Khomeini of the Balkans" sat down in his comfortable living quarter of the Beli dvor. It was the New Year, a new millennium -- for many, it boded a sense of hope for the future. Celebrations were taking place all over the world. But for Milosevic -- and the Yugoslavian rump state -- the reality was much more grim. The ambitious President had lead his country into four disastrous wars in an attempt to restore the former borders of Yugoslavia. Each time, he had managed to spin it into a victory, and strengthen his political position. Yet the last of his humiliations -- Kosovo -- had left Milosevic in a surreal panic. His popularity had plummeted. Protests had broken out over the country. He was desperate now, having summoned some of the country's highest ranking government and military officials. "Just hang on," Milosevic urged.

Over the past few months, he had engaged in a relatively bizarre and erratic campaign to discredit his opponents. Deriding them as the puppets of NATO and the lackeys of American imperialists, Milosevic had become delusional to many watching from across the world. He continued to vehemently deny that Kosovo had been lost, and insisted that Serbia's infrastructure had not been crippled by NATO.

Yet all was not lost; despite the rising tide of public dissent, Milosevic still held power. He had control over the ruling elites, some who, along with the Yugoslavian President himself, had been convicted by the Hague for crimes. They had no choice but to continue supporting Milosevic...

Serbia

With the dawn of a new millennium came Milosevic's attempt to crush the last of Serbia's independent media. Thousands of police swarmed TV stations and news outlets across the country. Personnel and staff were beaten on the scene; some were arrested on spurious charges. The police smashed and stole valuable equipment. Supplies and printed newspapers were confiscated without reason. Journalists saw their livelihoods stripped away at the hands of the infamous State Security Service. Smaller companies managed to escape the brunt of these assaults, but they were not ignored; many of them were slapped with abhorrent fees. Those who refused to pay were sent to special misdemeanor courts, where they would certainly lose against the state-appointed judges.