Please accept this as Carbanousa's official candicacy declaration for the postition of Minister of Defence. If you have any questions about this last term, or questions regarding future plans, please feel free to ask them here and I answer them as honestly and fully as possible.

What is your position on such organizations such as the "DEN"?

To what extent would diplomacy be used in reaching an agreement with this type of organization if it may occur?

An interesting question and one which I hope to answer to your satisfaction. I have been aware of DEN for about ten months now and, from my first impressions, it would be unlikely that Canada would enter into any kind of agreement except in the case of extraordinary circumstances.

Canada generally adopts a policy of 'non-intervention' with crasher and defnder Regions, although individual Nations of Canada may involve themselves as they decide.

To answer your question, if negotiations with DEN or similar organisation were to be presented, it owuld be my prioirty to work in conjunction with the Minsiter of Foreign Affairs liaising with the rest of Cabinet as necessary. Needless to say, that agreements, alliances, or diplomatic relations are never entered into lightly and that every possibility is discussed before a decision is made or communicated.

My personal position in regards to defender and crashing organisations may is one of mutual exclusivity, and a core mechanic of the game. I amy not understand or be aware of the politics of the organisations, as I am not currently involved with any, and so can only base by position on quantifiable facts from past actions by such groups.

As a game machanic, I see them as quintessential for the game to progress and develop. As a player of the game and, more importantly, the current Minister of Defence for Canada, I feel it to be the responsibilty of this Ministry to make sure that Canada does not become a viable target for their operations. As such, adequate measures and precautions are in place to prevent this from occuring.

I hop this answers your quesiton a_nirvana and if you need any clarification on any points or wish to discuss the issue further I would be happy to do so.

Could I ask: What is DEN?

Sure thing Mr. B. DEN is a Region that participates in the more marshal aspect of the NationStates game. There are also subsidiay Regions such as The New DEN, and DEN II.

The current policies would appear to be working well, but large regions (such as the Pacific) have previously been targeted.

Could I ask you to provide something like a mini defence review? Perhaps you could cover...

• What threats (if any) have we faced recently.
• What threats are we likely to face.
• How prepared are we for the less likely threats.
• Is 'more of the same' the best policy going forward.
• What alternatives are there,and what do you think of them.
• Do you have other concerns you would like to address.

Thanks in anticipation.

What threats (if any) have we faced recently.
I suppose the most recent threat was the Delegate bug that occured. Thankfully, nothing happened to Canada within this time whereas major disription was caused in other Regions or similar. and larger, population.
It could also be possible to count The North Pacific and New Pacific Order (NPO) Delegacy struggle. Although Canada did not get involved directly, is was agreed to accept a number of political refugees if needs be. Obviously, this would create the impression of sympathisers which may draw unwanted attention. Shortly after this (around 24 hours), Operation Puppet Master was implemented which brough the scenario to a close.

What threats are we likely to face.
Currently, there seems to be a lull in activity. Perhaps it is seasonal with Christmas around the corner. Perhaps a stoem is brewing somewhere. As we open talks with more Regions, both larger and more established, the more likely it is to potentially become threatened.

The largest threat that I can percieve, however unlikely, are the smaller groups of crashing Regions becoming more coordinated due to the dissolution or retirement of one of the largest forced , no matter how interpreted, the ADN. TITO (Ten Thousand Island Army), whom are a well known Freedom Fighting Force have been also quiet. In regards to threats against Canada, there appears to be no immediate threat.

How prepared are we for the less likely threats.
If needs be we could request help from a number of Regions. It would not be prudent to announce their names but small scale threats, I would hope, could be handled in-house. Larger threats would be a different matter entirely considering that many offensive alliances work out of multiple locations.

Is 'more of the same' the best policy going forward.
'If it 'aint broke, don't fix it'.
Often a get out clause for lack of innovation and development, yet also misunderstood. The Defence measures currently employed for Canada, including the acquisition of Intelligence, are adequate for both the demands placed upon, and the need. Should a situation warrant a critical review, then this would be undertaken thoroughly and systematically. It is not easy to maintain a peace-promoting Region with constant display of militay prowess or agressive acquisition of Intelligence. As much is done to uphold the Consitution of Canada whilst protecting it from threats.

What alternatives are there,and what do you think of them.
If you have any suggestions for alternatives I would welcome to discuss them with you.

Do you have other concerns you would like to address.
None currently, although some may arise as well as for the penultimate question.

Thanks Carb, an excellent exposition.

I always like to prod unopposed candidates a bit, just so we can see what they're up to! B)

It was a pleasure to answer your 'prodding'. Hopefully, before the campaign period ends, I will be able to add some additons :).