Foreign policy in EVE

The Congress of Vienna

EVE Online is a wonderful universe full of endless possibilities not restricted to a script based system of quests and end game content.  This world, as has been said many times before, is unlike any other created in the virtual dimension. It invites the noble, the dishonest, the violent, and the hero to build fortunes, expand empires, and influence thousands of others players. Conflict is inevitable (and for most part encouraged) and power politics, diplomacy, public opinion, and all the matters that statesmen attempt to master add to the flavor of an already delicious experience.

EVE is a dog eat dog world where enemies strike whenever the opportunity presents itself, with or without what the real world defines as a just cause. In such an environment, corporations should take a different approach to diplomatic affairs, and if they do not, deserve to go the way of Hydra and only exist in the archives of alliance warfare maps. Anthony Everitt, in his bestseller Cicero, explains an ancient approach that seems fitting given the nature of conflict in EVE. “The Romans were tough, aggressive, and, to reverse Clausewitz, inclined to see politics as a continuation of war by other means.”  Players in the major corporations should be inclined to agree.

The grand alliances (BoB, Goon, Morsus Mihi, and Against All Authorities), whether they realize it or not, are taking an approach to their neighbors that the real world has dabbled in before. The two styles of policy some might be familiar with are raison d’etat and realpolitik. The two concepts are very alive and well in the EVE universe. Alliances shift based on the needs of the state and anyone can find themselves subject to annexation if a precious resource is needed for the war effort. Balance of Power diplomacy? Not so much. There is no Britain in this equation and no distinct desire to maintain the status quo.

The goal of these alliances is simple, domination. There is no need to sit pretty and enjoy the current territory held. Borders must constantly expand, new systems must be taken, and recruits must be given velators and tossed into the fray. Security is not in the equation, nor is morality (Richelieu would be proud at that). Destroying enemies in an epic struggle for the domination of the galaxy is the goal, not maintaining a balance between the big four as our NPC empires were previously doing. If we wanted to initiate a concert of alliances, in the style of Metternich, it would not work given the nature of our world, nor would it be that much fun.

As the galaxy stands today, in total war, it is very much fun (and profitable). In this sandbox of a world, you can be a pirate, trader, or diplomatic mastermind crushing and rebuilding the lives of thousands of players with the flick of a wrist. As Otto von Bismarck said, “All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle for existence.” EVE is just that, a constant struggle for existence, as many fallen alliances and growing ones can attest. Unique in the MMO universe, exciting in an already exciting game, and just another fine example of just how intricate this world really is.

~ by xiphos83 on October 22, 2008.