Sub-Continental Nations Defence Union (SCNDU)
The negotiations which ultimately led to the establishment of SCNDU were extremely protracted, with the plenipotentiaries* involved being changed several times, especially by India and Pakistan, whose long history of enmity almost proved too great a stumbling block. However, the invasion of Tajikistan two years into the process focussed minds on reaching a Treaty with minimal further delay. In fact, the announcement that the Treaty of Lalitpur had been signed and ratified by all concerned nations shocked the world, who had been convinced that no agreement could ever be reached.
SCNDU comprises India and Pakistan (the ‘superpowers’), together with Bangladesh, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and several other small countries. Each contributes a single Delegate to the Great Council, a top ranking military officer to the Defence Committee, and a top ranking police officer to the Internal Security Committee. In the event of an external threat, the Great Council consults with the Defence Committee until such time as military operations become unavoidable. If such military action becomes necessary, the Internal Security Committee becomes an active adjunct to the Defence Committee. Since creation, no such emergencies have occurred, which is seen as validation of SCNDU.
* Plenipotentiaries were used due to lack of genuinely secure communications. The Delegates to the Great Council also hold plenipotentiary status.
Global Council of Nations (GCN)
The successor to the United Nations, which proved ever more ineffective in a rapidly changing world, particularly with the bias towards countries no longer of great significance politically or militarily. The power of veto enjoyed by such powers led to a mass resignation of members, who established the GCN instead. With no other option open to them, the veto holders terminated the United Nations and eventually applied for membership of the GCN.
The structure of the GCN is less convoluted and relies far less on administration than on action. While the GCN will act as arbitrators in international disputes, they refuse to maintain military or paramilitary policing rights or duties. They do, however, have extensive powers in dealing with criminal activities, including the power to either work with or supersede national police forces when dealing with international crimes and criminals. The concept of extradition treaties between nations has been largely eliminated as the GCN has immediate global jurisdiction when a crime or criminal crosses national borders. This role was a fortunate inclusion when Interpol was wrecked in the collapse of Europe some six years later. The GCN Criminal Division consists of the Investigations Bureau and the Global Courts. The Investigations Bureau maintains a network of offices worldwide, overt agents and covert operatives. The Guardians maintain a close relationship with the Criminal Division, in a policy designed to minimise the risk of international difficulties, thanks to aides attached to the Ministry and the reputation of the Director. Terrorism, drugs, and other major criminal endeavours have been severely damaged thanks to the Criminal Division.
Several international disputes which could have led to war have been successfully arbitrated by the GCN. This success is thanks to the fact that the Arbitration Bureau is trusted by all nations. The fact that no nation has more than a single voice in the General Council, and the GCN enjoys full financial and political autonomy has made it far more honest, with the historic excessive influence exercised by the superpowers eliminated. Its headquartering in Switzerland has also eliminated distrust of American influence. Committees are formed by a strictly secret ballot for membership, held within just two hours of the ballot announcement, which diminishes the risk of secret deals being made prior to voting. Members found to be in contravention of any anti-corruption regulations are subject to exclusion from all but the obligations to the Criminal Division and to emergency relief operations. They may reapply for membership after five years.
Global Sports Protection Federation (GSPF)
Replacing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and numerous other international sports governing bodies, in the face of ever increasing allegations of corruption, and an increase in politically (and even partisan) motivated terror attacks on sports teams and individuals, the GSPF has proven a far more effective body. Coordinating with the GCN’s Criminal Division has seen most terror attacks eliminated and corruption, especially involving global gambling consortia, has been almost completely crushed. Athletes in all sports are now free to participate in their sports without fear. That said, athletes found to be in violation of regulations governing drug use and other forms of cheating can expect to be treated extremely harshly. The growth of enhancement technology (mostly implants created to help persons suffering disabilities) saw a brief flurry of ‘tech cheats’ but these were quickly identified and banned for life from all sports. In addition to governing sports (including rules oversight), promotion of sports individually and collectively (such as the continuation of the Olympic Games), and protecting athletes and sports, the GSPF also guarantees a fair income for all athletes, by subsidy where necessary.
