Greece

From Gothpoodle

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Latest revision as of 23:30, 18 June 2010

• Population: 7.8 million
• Aspects: Stable Free, Fifth Wave

Early in the century, a left-wing nationalist movement came to power in Greece and began engaging in political adventurism. The result was the Aegean War of 2011, a conflict involving Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey. The war caused thousands of deaths and significant damage to all combatants, but resolved few issues. The United States and the U.N. were forced to post large-scale peacekeeping forces in the region, and engage in years of painstaking diplomacy to resolve local disputes.

By 2030, Greece had recovered from the war and come under the control of a moderate coalition. At about the same time, it became the first major nation within the European Union to abolish most restrictions on genetic and biological technology. The result was a period of superb economic growth, led by the new biotech industries. Today Greece is one of the most prosperous and technically advanced nations in Europe.

Greece is a stronghold of Transhumanist thought. Greek parents are very likely to purchase improvements to the genetic inheritance of their children, and young Greeks are enthusiastic about exploring the possibilities of new technology. Much of this enthusiasm is tied in with a pseudo-pagan revival which has been increasingly popular since the 2060s. Although the Greek population remains Orthodox Christian, many Greeks are intensely interested in the culture and folkways of their Classical ancestors. This movement regards parahumans and other genetic constructs as examples of a “heroic” Greek spirit reappearing in the modern world. One element of the revival movement is a current effort to revive the Olympic Games; the plan is for the new Games to be for Greeks alone and open to parahuman competitors.