History of Vexian Government
Vexian society is currently in the Post-Sovereign Economic Phase (PSEP). Near the end of the 23rd century, all major nation-states and their governments collapsed and were eventually abolished in subsequent decades. Vex is described by scholars as a hypercapitalist society, where every single tangible and non-tangible element is considered private property.
The rise of giga-corporations (gigacorps) filled the void left over by the vanquished 22nd century nation-states. Overpopulation demanded heavy economic consolidation and fortification, leading to the rise of the gigacorps out of the growing need for highly effective industrial and technological infrastructure. Tensions increased amidst the leading governments of the largest nation-states, leading to fierce battles over oceanic, lunar and asteroid sovereignty. The ignition of this massive conflict is largely attributed to the Eos Collective and its sudden attacks on northern nation-state Acarius.
Vexian society's hypercapitalism means there is no formal centralized authority. There are no dictatorships, fiefdoms, democracies, or any form of organized government. The gigacorps and their military infrastructure and armament production created massive technological advancement and industrial fortification, superseding the importance and dominance of any government entity or individual in power.
Catalysts
21st Century
The regulatory attempts to contain burgeoning AI development in the mid- to late-21st century set precedents for seemingly omnipotent government entities to be at the mercy of global corporations in possession of key technological infrastructure.
22nd Century
By the late 22nd century, the global political landscape was destabilized by climate change, resource depletion, and the pressures of overpopulation. The rise of global corporations already in control of vital industries contributed to the collapse of traditional governments. Some nation-states attempted to retain control over certain resources, but they lacked the organizational capability to keep pace with the growing power of these corporate entities.
Major economic powers saw their traditional methods of governance crumble under the weight of globalized capital and resource scarcity. Local governments could no longer maintain order or provide for their populations.
Rise of the Gigacorps
In the late 22nd century, the start of the collapse of powerful nation-states occurred as a result of both internal and external crises. Economies faltered under the strain of resource shortages, social unrest, and the devastating effects of climate disasters. With governments unable to address the growing needs of their populations, power began to shift into the hands of the largest corporations, which had already begun consolidating power in the preceding decades.
The government of the Eos Collective passed Act F458-U, known colloquially as the "Big Scoop Act". This act gave unparalleled autonomy to the Eos Collective's largest corporate juggernauts (The Eos 4). The Big Scoop Act was passed unequivocally on the basis that the majority of the population of the Eos Collective's largest state were already employed by the large companies making up The Eos 4. The political climate of the time was one of deep disillusionment. The bureaucracy and red tape of the government had become an impediment to the swift decision-making necessary to address global challenges. Many Eosites, particularly those in the industrial and corporate sectors, were already resigned to the growing influence of corporations. The Big Scoop Act was passed with little opposition, as it promised a more efficient, albeit corporatized, future.
Large administrative regions of cities in the state of Paragus were already in ownership of the constituents of The Eos 4. The government signed over control of these key regions, containing tens of millions of citizens, to support expedited ramp-up of the production of drones, humanoid robots and computer chips. There were 5 key cities in the region previously known as the state of Paragus. Lyons, Trauss, Diome, Paragus City and Velv. The Eos 4 each had a presence in every major Paragusan city.
The Eos 4
During this time, the Eos Collective's 4 largest global corporations had consolidated unprecedented power and control. The intermingling of government and corporate executives proved too tedious for news media and the general public. Promises were made by Yuri Renard, then President of the Eos Collective, that once the conflicts of the planet had ceased, normal order amidst the nation-state would be restored.
The members of The Eos 4 were: Cybus, VantaCorp, AllHome, and Stanton Fragg.
Eos Collective Aggression
War
Theaters of War
Conflict spread across Vex’s three continents and extended into space. The battle for lunar and asteroid sovereignty, particularly on Vex’s moons and nearby asteroids, was crucial in determining the fate of various corporate factions.
Infrastructure
Technological Advancement
War-time Economic Boom
Start of the Post-Sovereign Economic Phase
Abolishment of the Nation-State
The Post-Sovereign Economic Phase (PSEP) marked the final death of the nation-state system, and the rise of corporate sovereignty became the dominant form of governance. The gigacorps were now the de facto rulers of the planet, with the CAG (Consolidated Asset Grid) acting as both the economic and legal framework through which all assets and wealth were tracked.
Corporate "Sovereignty"
Universally Accepted Commerce Principles
Contracts as the Bedrock of Society
Social Changes
24th Century Vexian Politics
Decentralization of Authority
Fragmentation of Authority
Pan-Privatization
Pan-privatization became prevalent in the early 24th century. Amidst the creation of the dominant gigacorps' cultures and ideologies, common ground was established among the competing companies around the principles of:
- Dissolving nation-states
- Abolishment of all systems of traditional government
- The rapid adoption of pan-privatization of all tangible and intangible goods.