  Foreign politicsFriland Friland's foreign politics are characterized by a form of realpolitik with a self-willed, somewhat isolationist attitude. Friland seldom does what other countries want it to and regularly takes decisions that go against the will of the entire international community. Friland is not a member of the IMF, the World Bank or NATO. It did join the United Nations however. Even though it takes a neutral stance in almost every conflict, there is sometimes sympathy for a certain side behind the screens. For example, during the Cold War it was a public secret that Friland passed observations of Russian submarines to NATO. Besides that Friland has strong ties with most European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. Worthy of special mention are Iceland, Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, the Scandinavian countries and the Benelux, with whom Friland has a close friendship. European Union There are extensive trade agreements and a strong cooperation with the European Union, but because of her neutrality policy Friland does not want to become a full member. Another important reason is the fact that the European Union is no longer about cooperation but about integration; especially the introduction of European laws and transferring sovereignty to the European Parliament would be unthinkable for the Frilanders, who value freedom and self-determination above everything else. International cooperation Friland cooperates with other countries in foreign development. The emphasis of this foreign development lies not on depositing money but on supplying know-how that allows the inhabitants of a developing country to improve their situation themselves. Friland is a member of ESA and cooperates with other European countries in a collective space program. Friland also seeks cooperation in environmental protection and scientific research. Hiveria Hiveria's foreign politics are predominantly aimed at joining international bonds. The last couple of years however, Hiveria came in increasing isolation due to the lack of democracy and freedom of speech in the country, especially since the controversial electoral victory of president Collignon. As an alternative Hiveria now works on a good relationship with powerful countries like the United States, Russia and China, who are, in exchange for economic promises, prepared to defend Hiveria's interests on the international political stage. European Union Hiveria would like to join the European Union and was already engaged in admission negotiations in 2007. However, at the end of that year president Collignon's assumption of power made an end to these negotiations. International cooperation Hiveria reserves large sums for foreign development, in exchange for this Hiverian corporations often receive the right to exploit the natural resources of the country in question. Apart from that Hiveria is a member of ESA.  |