Republic of Kozuc
 | This article refers to a micronation or element of micronationalism which is defunct and no longer exists. You can help make the article reflect that or ask on the talk page for further information. |
Republic of Kozuc | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| 'Motto: 'Fortitudine vincimus Latin: "Through endurance we conquer" | |
| Monterey, California | |
| Capital | San Chance |
| Largest city | Bakaria |
| Official languages | English (spoken) Latin (legal) |
| Demonym(s) | Kozuc |
| Government | Transitional state (de jure) Military dictatorship (de facto) |
| Riley Small | |
| Spencer Morris | |
| Emmett Small Dylan Knox | |
| Legislature | Rule by Decree |
| Establishment | 2010 (UPUC) 2015 (Revival) |
| Population | |
• Census | TBD |
| Currency | Kozuc Credit US Dollar (accepted) |
| Time zone | (PST) |
The Republic of Kozuc, known by many different names during past carnations, is a English-speaking micronation located in a region which is surrounded by Monterey County, California in the United States of America. Kozuc has had a long-standing history in the MicroWiki community, as an independent state, a Federation of the Federal Republic of St.Charlie and a Special Administrative Region of the Free State of Renasia. Occasionally, cultural practices of Kozuc have been brought into controversy by some, particularly drug legalization and the prominence of the Armed Services.
Kozuc was first officially created February 1, 2010 as the United Provinces Under Chance. The nation has gone through many political changes and fluxes of activity since it was founded. The Nationalist Revolution of December, 2015 installed a transitional military dictatorship, currently governed by the Revolutionary Council, President Riley Small and the Kozuc National Party. The government prides itself in having one of the most advanced military and security forces in the Community, a strong economy and an active political system.
This page refers to the most recent "Republic of Kozuc". For past governments that used the same name, please refer to the History of Kozuc. Previous Republics have been both democratic and pseudo-dictatorships; this article regards the transitional government put in place after the Nationalist Revolution.
Etymology
The name "Kozuc" originated as an acronym that was commonly used during the micronation's second government, the Kingdom of Zurdonia. Kozuc replaced "Kingdom of Zurdonia Under Chance", and was initially used as military nomenclature distinguishing friendly troops from combatants. The use of "Under Chance" refers to Chance Anderson, former King and leader during the first eras of Kozuc's history. The government officially used the word Kozuc when the first Republic of Kozuc was founded and Zurdonia collapsed. "Kozuc" has been used for a majority of the micronation's existence.
Other state and private entities find their origins in Anderson's name. San Chance, the capital city, was named after the former Overlord when it was formed as a "municipality" in 2011. Anderson Arms, security contracting/private military company, is another common recognition of Chance's contribution to the state. Now, the term Kozuc is no longer used as an acronym. Anderson has since left micronationalism but is remembered as one of the founders of the state, the first President and a "Guide to the Revolution".
Although often misspoken, "Kozuc" is officially pronounced /kôzək/ or "kaw-zukh". The adjective form and demonym are also "Kozuc". Only under specific circumstances is the name ever altered. For example, the Kozo-Kozuc Treaty was signed when East and West Kozuc were separated. The name does not find its roots in other languages, as it was originally an acronym. Zurdonia, the former micronation which dissolved into Kozuc, had a completely fictitious name with no alternate meanings.
History
For more information, see - History of Kozuc
Kozuc has had a long history plagued with governmental instability, fluctuating activity and military conflicts. First founded as the United Provinces Under Chance, it had a long period of falsifying its population and fabricating events. After being disowned by the MicroWiki community, the nation dissolved. The Kingdom of Zurdonia was founded but quickly disbanded. Then, the first Republic of Kozuc began a transition towards factual information, yet dissolved due to political instability. The second Republic lead by Liam Barnard was the first completely "realistic" carnation of Kozuc, but again failed when Chance Anderson lead a revolution. Former Vice President Riley Small took power with the third Kozuc Republic. He transformed the state and began the Kozuc Khanate, a purely online government-run by other micronationalists. This too would soon go into inactivity.
Small moved to join Federal Republic of St.Charlie in April 2011. He joined as a citizen and did not intend to establish another Kozuc. Small had a successful career as an ambassador for the Federal Republic, but exited when another local micronation was created. The People's Republic of Skendal (West Kozuc), and the fourth Kozuc Republic (East Kozuc), were formed and existed in cooperation for many months. Due to a change in schools by President Small, Kozuc experienced immense growth and activity. However, with Kozuc's Operation Jdub across the nation of Skendal, lead to their unification. An Empire was founded, but regardless of the military's attempts to maintain order, Skendal continued to push for sovereignty.
On December 2, 2011, 20 days before Skendal declared independence, the Eastern government reformed into the fifth Republic. Once Skendal left the union, Kozuc joined St.Charlie as a Federation. In mid-2012 the government of Kozuc left the Federal Republic, and purged a large number of citizens in preparation for another school move by Riley Small. Kozuc went through government transitions, conflicts with neighboring states, and periods of instability. The nation joined Free State of Renasia as a Special Administrative Region, and nearly withdrew totally from international affairs. When then-President Small was sentenced to seek drug and alcohol treatment in Texas, acting President Rutger Sperry announced that Kozuc would be disbanded.
In June 2015, nearly a year and a half after his leave from the community, Small reached out to former citizens of Kozuc and Skendal, forming a new state. In July, the constitution for the Republic of Kozuc was approved by a referendum. Because of a deadlock between the former Socailist Party and Nationals, no laws were passed for six months. Although the government became inactive, the military reestablished dominance and the economy flourished. By December, President Small lead the Kozuc Nationalist Revolution, installing the current transitional military dictatorship.
Controversies
Kozuc has been the center of many legal and economic controversies throughout its history. In its first year, the United Provinces Under Chance was completely fictional and raised concerns on its legitimacy. Later, Kozuc and its citizens would generate the reputation of being criminals, specifically in regards to drugs. Some international entities even sanctioned the state as a sponsor of these crimes, citing it was a safe haven for dealers and addicts. The government has never itself condoned the use or distribution of narcotics, however, all classically controlled substances are legal within its borders. Another Kozuc activity which raised concerns was its infatuation with the military. However, it is well understood that the Armed Services is largely cultural.
In October 2015, the Socialist Party had called for the resignation of the parliamentary Opposition Leader, Spencer Morris, as he was serving jail time in the United States. President Small has stood by him, as he "never broke a Kozuc law". Small himself served a total of 19 months, sentenced four individual times as a juvenile. Now, Morris has left the agriculture industry to focus on politics and continues to serve as the Secretary General and all associated roles.
Some think that the recent revolution was done so by the President either to gain power or to extract wealth from the National Reserve. Socialists also argue he is creating a military oligarchy in the name of stability. Regardless, nearly every remaining citizen in Kozuc supports the revolution. According to the Revolutionary Council, the government is meant to be a transitional system. However, it has not been made public that any plans to change have been made.
Demographics & Culture
The Kozuc population has been constantly changing throughout its history, with multiple citizenship purges and simple immigration process. All current citizens reside in the American state of California. A high population of both atheists and Christians exist in the Republic, although no religion is recognized by the government. To be a citizen, one must join the Kozuc National Party. There are many more liberal members of the nation, but a vast majority supports the KNP government. Currently, the racial demographic is not very representative of the region Kozuc is located in, with nearly every citizen being Caucasian or a part Caucasian. There is a small population of Latin-Kozucs and it is a much smaller percentage than Latinos in the surrounding Monterey County. Current literacy rates are at perfect levels, and economic status is above the United States average.
The culture of Kozuc is heavily influenced by both its history and the area that surrounds it. As a Californian micronation with many ties to the United States, the nation is a capitalist liberal populous. Marijuana is legal in the micronation, although the government will not vouch for an individual if this is challenged by a macronational court or police agency. Currently, a majority of citizens in Kozuc either use marijuana or formerly have. When Kozuc was at its peak, it was seen as a "safe haven" for drug crimes, however, in practice, it did not do so. Legally there is nothing barring the sale or distribution of any substance both within its borders and in regards to exports. All of this business, called the "agriculture" industry, is done so by private individuals. It is known that White Mountain is still used for this purpose.
The Kozuc National Armed Services serves as both a symbolic and practical defense force for the micronation. Military exercises have been a part of the Kozuc culture since its early formation. Riley Small is revered as not only the head of state but also Guide to the Revolution, a movement pivotal in its revival. Holidays and state ceremonies are centered around the revolution. Although there are no compulsory taxes, it is custom for licensed corporations to make donations into the Kozuc National Bank so that the money can be used for loans and even some government services.
Economy
Kozuc is one of the few micronations with an active economy which generates government revenue. Ever since the Golden Age of Kozuc, the export and trade of "agriculture" have been the largest commodity in the region. Almost all of the Gross Domestic Product is estimated to be directly agriculture or related to the agriculture business in some way. Since the nationalist's Revolution, Kozuc News is a state agency and the Kozuc National Bank was created by a merger of the Treasury and the National Reserve. All corporations must seek a license by joining the Kozuc Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Department of Finance and Development. The Chamber was formed by what is known as the Market and Union Act (MUA), which reformed the local economy in December 2015.
Also in the Chamber of Commerce are representatives from each of the licensed trade non-profits, which includes trade unions and political parties. Before the MUA, Kozuc had a corrupt economy due to lacking oversight and government intervention. SmallCorp, a company that now only works as an Agriculture Distribution Company, had nearly a total monopoly on all business and owned 90% of all the licensed companies. After the revolution, the conglomerate was broken up.
Up until the middle of 2012, private business was illegal in the nation, because of strict socialist leadership. While a St.Charlian Federation, the first process to create a company was put into place by the local assembly. The first company to be granted a license and the oldest corporation to still operate is Anderson Arms. Anderson Arms is was initially only a weapons development company but has since been granted special status as a private military company (PMC). The corporation has special regulations and responsibilities under the "Anderson Act".
Government & Politics
For more information, see - Revolutionary Council of Kozuc
The Republic of Kozuc has had many government forms in its history as a micronation. After its revival in July 2015, a popular referendum installed a multi-party semi-presidential republic against a proposal for a socialist state. Currently, as of the December Revolution, a coup has been initiated by the President to install a "temporary and transitional government". It is unclear how long they will remain in power.
As of December of that same year, the current government was put in power by a military coup. The President of Kozuc has been granted extraordinary power because of the revolution, with all other positions subordinate to him. The Kozuc National Armed Services rules the nation, with the President as Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal, head of state and government. Currently, the only requirement for a document to become law is a Presidential signature, effectively creating a "Rule by Decree" system.
There is a single, supreme entity that governs Kozuc, known as the Revolutionary Council. There is no separation of powers in the Republic, with the body serving similarly to a Council of Ministers, but also retains a judicial body and pseudo-legislative power. In addition to all these roles, the Kozuc National Party is run by the Revolutionary Council, being formed by out of their former Party Convention. Officially, the title of the head of state is the "President of the Republic, Chairman of the Revolutionary Council and Field Marshal of his National Armed Services". The military is involved in nearly every agency of the government.
There are five grades of membership within the Revolutionary Council: Chairman, Commissioners, Secretary General, Secretaries and Directors. The Revolutionary Council is split into two "Commissions", both under the direct authority of the President or "Chairman". The Justice and Security Commission and the Defense Commission each is headed by their respective Commissioner. Furthermore, the "Secretary General" is the chief political officer of the Kozuc National Party and is the head of all the independent offices (IO) of the government: IO of the Attorney General, IO of Party Policy, IO of the Inspector General and IO of Finance and Budget (which includes the Kozuc National Bank).
The Commissions are comprised of many different Secretaries and Directors, with the Secretary General observes both of the Commissions but is not a member of either. Currently, all of the members of the government are both members of the Kozuc National Party and the National Armed Services. The Justice and Security Commission serves as the sole and supreme court of the Republic as a type of military tribunal. There are only three members of this Commission, as opposed to the Defense Commission which has most of the departments. Finally, the Joint Committee for the Staff and Command of the National Armed Services (JCSCRAF) serves as the equivalent of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in most nations.
The government could be considered a dominant party state currently because the Kozuc Nationals organized the revolution. However, the Democratic Socialist Party is involved in talks regarding the future for the nation.
Subdivisions
The Republic of Kozuc is divided into two Districts and twp Territories. A region with the status of "District" is a piece of land within the Republic that has a registered population and a Governor, who serves as both political and military leader for the region. A "Territory" is a region with no population and is administered directly by the federal government, which appoints a local Commander for each of the territories. Typically, territories have been used for defense training and operation, as well as economic ventures by private companies who lease the land from the government.
Districts
- Current Districts: San Chance, Bakaria
There are two Districts of the Republic, each with its own defined population and local Governor who serves as the governor, commander of local armed services and gubernatorial chief executive. The capital District, San Chance, serves as the political epicentre for the nation and is the official residence of the President of Kozuc. Formerly, as designed by the constitution of July 2015, Districts were able to form local legislatures. However, under the new government which suspended the constitution, law-making can only be done at the federal level, with the Governor responsible for enforcing national policies.
Bakaria is the largest District by population but smaller in area. Due to the coup of December and the reforms instituted, Kozuc's land claims have been consolidated. San Chance consists of the Presidential Palace and the home of the President's cousin, located directly across the street. Bakaria, however, is only the residence of the current Governor and a lot of forest land next to it. Zendel, the former capital of Skendal, a region in Utah formerly claimed by the government, has been ceded back to America as of the December coup. Currently, General Emmett Small serves as Governor of San Chance and Commandant Caleb Baker as Bakaria's Governor.
Territories
- Current territories: White Mountain
Territories of the Republic are holdings which have no defined population and are administered by the Revolutionary Council. The President appoints a military representative to manage all operations, the Commander. Currently, there is a single territory located on public lands claimed also by the United States. White Mountain has been one of the classic claims of the Kozuc government throughout its history, and formerly a disputed region with the former micronations of Skendal and Frexico. The current Commander for the region is Colonel Kyle Bryan.
White Mountain "proper" is currently split into five "Sectors", denoted by Roman numerals I through V, which serve as simply organizational distinctions. Up until December 2015, the Bourland Territory was also itself a territory, however, was merged into White Mountain as Sectors Yankee and Zulu, which are considered "sub-White Mountain". In December, the government enacted eminent domain over all of the territory and stripped any private persons from owning land in any of White Mountain or now sub-White Mountain. This caused unrest with many former Skendal citizens who plotted properties in the former Bourland Territory when it was a part of their independent micronation in 2012.
The now soul Territory, White Mountain, is used for military operations and training. Regions are leased to private companies at discretion of the federal government in agreements known as "Insular Usage Contracts". There are three approved Insular Usage Contracts, for Anderson Arms, SmallCorp Distribution and MattoxCo Distribution. Anderson Arms' agreement is included in the greater Anderson Decree 2015, granting it permission to utilize any part of the Territory. SmallCorp Distribution is currently limited to Sectors III and V, and MattoxCo to Sector IV. The military is not responsible for the employees of any of these corporations.
Armed Services
For more information, see - Kozuc National Armed Services
The Kozuc National Armed Services (informally the Armed Forces or Uniformed Services), abbreviated as K-NAS, are the combination of executive offices, agencies and other entities responsible for defense, security or justice. Under the military lead Revolutionary Council, all of them are a part of the "Kozuc Revolutionary Armed Forces", and there is no civilian police force. The Revolutionary Guard is the primary branch given the duty of enforcing Kozuc laws. Both of the Commissions have multiple armed entities all of which both have been granted the powers as defense and police forces.
There are two main officials responsible for the command of this personnel, the Security and Justice Commissioner and the Defense Commissioner. Every department is under one of these Commissions, excluding some independent bureaus (Attorney General's Office, etc.), both civilian and military. Joint Committee for the Staff and Command of the National Armed Services (JCSCRAF).
Defense Forces
For more information, see - Defense Commission
There are multiple branches and agencies responsible for the Armed Services of Kozuc, but the Defense Commission maintains what is often called the military. This includes the Army Battalion, Auxiliary Corp, Corp of Engineers and the Commandos. These five units encompass what is the "Department of Defense", each with a commanding officer appointed to the Joint Committee for the Staff and Command of the National Armed Services (JCSCRAF), which is responsible for managing the general defense policies of the nation. The exact numbers of troops in each "Unit" is classified and may overlap at times, but in order of personnel:
- Army Battalion - main infantry group, main war entity.
- Auxillary Corp - provides support to the other divisions.
- Corp of Engineers - develops and manages land and borders.
A single "Special Unit" exists for both domestic and foreign threats to the nation, comprised of members of any Armed Service regardless of branch, department or commission. The Commandos are not permanently formed like the other units. During wartime or special operations, the government can take personnel from any of the uniformed groups and create the Commandos. Historically, this entity was known as the ISDO, and was involved in the first unification of the two Kozucs during Operation J-Dub.
Law Enforcement
For more information, see - Justice and Security Commission
All law enforcement is done by the Kozuc National Armed Services. Although any branch of the military may enforce the laws of Kozuc, this is mainly charged to the Revolutionary Guard, specifically under the command of the Justice and Security Commission. This Commission is comprised of its chairman, Commissioner Emmett Small (who directly manages the Revolutionary Guard), the Commander of the Domestic Service and the Director of the Information Bureau. In order of the amount of personnel, the branches are:
- Revolutionary Guard - law enforcement, politician protective service.
- Domestic Service - customs and border protection, national guard.
- Information Bureau - intelligence agency, runs state news network.
The Commandos Special Unit of the military can also be formed with uniformed members from these branches. The Justice and Security Commission serves as the sole court and military tribunal during the transitional government. The three members are responsible for all trials during this period, as well as general law enforcement policy. Although the smallest commission, it is considered of equal status to the Defense Commission.