Australia

From Gothpoodle

• Population: 25 million
• Aspects: Very Stable, Very Free, Fifth Wave, Repressive Gun Laws

Australian society is unique. It is best described as a minarchist state, with one of the least intrusive and most business-oriented governments in existence. Many social functions undertaken by government in other nations are managed by private institutions here, including some aspects of social welfare and law enforcement. Weapon ownership is strictly regulated, but in every other aspect of life Australians may do almost entirely as they please.

Australia is a Fifth Wave nation, not far behind Japan in technology. Australian scientists are among the best ecologists in the world, due to their long struggle against a series of ecological disasters in the Australian wilderness. Australia also enjoys proximity to some of the widest expanses of shallow tropical ocean in the world, and has long been known for expertise in kelp-farming, fish-ranching, and other forms of pelagic agriculture. Since the 2030s Australia has been an important food exporter to the populous nations of Asia.

Australian foreign policy has long defended its society against Asian encroachment. Australians are painfully aware how tempting their rich and almost-empty country might be to certain Asian powers. Part of the Australian response has been staunch support for the Pacific Rim Alliance, whose other members are either too prosperous or too distant to conquer the island continent.

For decades, Indonesia has been Australia’s primary rival. Early in the century Australia supported Indonesian stability, fearing the flood of refugees that would follow any collapse of the central government. After a policy shift in the 2010s, Australia began to (covertly and overtly) support secession movements within the Indonesian empire, leading to the formation of Australian-backed client states in East Timor, Irian Jaya province, and the Moluccas. This strategy has been moderately effective, although since the formation of the TSA Indonesia has pushed back with an aggressive foreign policy of its own. Australia remains deeply involved throughout Oceania and Southeast Asia.