Scenario

Introduction to the 2008 Statesmanship Invitational

George Wythe College was founded to achieve an audacious goal—Good Government, Every Nation, Worldwide. This means that the scope of statesmanship transcends national, cultural, linguistic and religious boundaries. Statesmen are concerned with moving the Cause of Liberty across the earth at large, as well as in specific locales. We have therefore chosen a European focus for this year’s simulation. This focus gives mentors and participants the opportunity to look outside themselves and consider the worldviews held by families and individuals half-way across the globe, and to realize more deeply how vital Liberty is to the peace and happiness of human society.

This scenario may be difficult for some because it finds the United States at a time when it seems to have abandoned many of its deeply held governmental values. During such a time statesmanship within the U.S. would be desperately needed; it would also be needed in other nations. Remember that tyranny is the enemy and Liberty is the goal. Although Americans should never forget the allegiance they owe to their native country, it’s vital to a liberal education and to statesmanship that we look outside our own borders.

Unfortunately Americans have a reputation abroad for being somewhat myopic. I invite the Delegates of this Invitational to push beyond the common practice of seeing the world in American terms, and take in the larger perspective. If done rightly, this broadening of our views will enhance, not diminish, our love of Country and Liberty. Let’s give this our very best effort!

Warm regards,

Nels Jensen
Mentor, George Wythe College

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2028: The Hague, Netherlands

The European Union held great promise during the early 2000s both as a trade block and a potentially unified superpower. Since that time, however, the E.U.’s power and influence have declined due to the repeated failure of member nations to support and implement a unified constitution. The political balkanization of Europe during the past two decades has dropped the E.U. to middle power status, and many member nations have all but given up on the hope of a constitutionally unified Europe.

The United States and China are at war—in a desperate battle for global hegemony. China has amassed a military force that is successfully fighting a two-front war, combating the U.S. in both Pacific and Atlantic theaters. Further, China’s economic prowess is looking stronger than ever due to innovative trade policies, and key alliances in strategic locations including Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela, Kajikstan, Syria, Spain and Turkey.

In an effort to garner political support from small and medium powers, the U.S. has adopted an increasingly aggressive and imperialist stance in its foreign policy. The realpolitik of U.S. and Chinese diplomacy is creating a bi-polar world where smaller powers are forced to align with either a burgeoning communist regime or an imperialist hyperpower. Small and mid-sized powers are being bullied, and it appears that Europe is the only viable candidate to counter U.S. or Chinese domination.

With a long history of intermittent bloodshed and warfare, Europeans face the challenge of uniting across language and culture barriers to create freedom and peace in a world that seems destined for either U.S. or Chinese dominance. Britain, France, Germany, and Italy have allied with the U.S., creating a rift that further exacerbates European disunity.

The men and women and families of Europe are depending on the delegates of this convention to create a government that protects their inalienable rights while defending Europe in an increasingly hostile geopolitical environment. Delegates will gather at The Hague with the mandate to draft a constitution for all of Europe!