Characters / TRO Asia

Main Character Index Superpowers: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics | United States of America | United Kingdom | French Republic Major Powers: Republic of China Other Countries By Region: North America | South America | Europe | Asia | Africa Miscellaneous: Miscellaneous Countries

Middle East

Republic of Turkey

Official Name: Republic of Turkey

Ruling Party: Demokrat Parti^note Democrat Party

Ideology: Populist Conservatism^note Traditional Conservatism

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• Military Coup: It's pretty much an Open Secret from the beginning that the Turkish army's leadership are unhappy with Menderes' presidency, not least because he is running a campaign of depoliticisation against them, but they do not dare to move openly against him, due to his seemingly unshakable public support. However, as a major economic recession and a couple of major political scandals rocks the Turkish people's faith in Menderes, and should Menderes fail to manage these crisis in a timely manner, the army suddenly stands with a ripe opportunity to remove him.

Adnan Menderes

Role: President^note Head of State

Party: Demokrat Parti^note Democrat Party

Ideology: Populist Conservatism^note Traditional Conservatism

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• Landslide Election: As of 1962, Menderes' electoral machine is simply too strong for the CHP to ever clench a victory in 1964, unless he's already been deposed by the military.

Cemal Madanoğlu

Role: President^note Head of State (Officers' coup)

Party: Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri^note Turkish Armed Forces, Ac

Ideology: Military Junta^note Despotism, Left-wing Nationalism^note Socialism

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• Choosing Neutrality: Madanoğlu reverses Menderes' rapprochement with the ICA and promotes Turkey as the leader of the non-aligned world in the Middle East.

İsmet İnönü

Role: President^note Head of State (Military coup)

Party: Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi^note Republican People's Party

Ideology: Kemalism^note Anocracy

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• Choosing Neutrality: Immediately after returning to power, İnönü begins a program of international withdrawal, in an attempt to secure Turkey's full independence.

Talat Aydemir

Role: President^note Head of State (Military coup)

Party: KHO

Ideology: Fascism

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• Emergency Authority: Immediately after overthrowing the civilian government, Aydemir declares a state of emergency 'until the nation is stabilised'.

Lebanon

Official Name: Republic of Lebanon

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• War Is Hell: Lebanon, often called the Switzerland of the Middle East, managed to find peace in the tense region it is in after gaining independence. French investments even helped to flourish the tourism industry. Unfortunately this situation is violated when the new revolutionary and pro-Nasserist government of Syria decides to invade Lebanon as the butterfly effect of the Suez crisis continues to unfold with the clear aim of annexing the country. Although the battle is not lost and Lebanon may even win and drive out the invaders, it will take decades for the country to recover as a result in the best case scenario.

State of Israel

Official Name: State of Israel

Ruling Party: Mifleget Poalei Eretz Yisrael^note Workers' Party of the Land of Israel

Ideology: Labour Zionism^note Social Democracy

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• Curb-Stomp Battle: The Israeli Operation Kadesh (in cooperation with the ECO's Operation Musketeer) that Ben-Gurion decides to carry out despite internal Israeli concerns, always succeeds in taking the entire Sinai Peninsula as a buffer against the Egyptian threat.
• Neutral No Longer: The young state of Israel is trying to find its place in the Cold War and survive in the face of multiple enemies. Formally it does not belong to any of the three major power blocs of the world. This policy, however, can change substantially and Israel can join various factions if it so desires following possible deep internal political changes after the end of the Suez crisis.
• Nazi Hunter: The Mossad pursues and captures Nazis who managed to escape from Europe during World War II.

David Ben-Gurion

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State

Party: Mifleget Poalei Eretz Yisrael^note Workers' Party of the Land of Israel

Ideology: Labour Zionism^note Social Democracy

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}From student to teacher and eventually a leader, David Ben-Gurion had been involved with the Zionist movement since a young age, promoting the teachings of Herzl throughout Poland before moving to live in Ottoman-controlled Palestine. Over the years, Gurion slowly rose through the ranks of different Jewish organizations, eventually becoming the leader of the Labor Zionist movement. When the British replaced the Ottomans as occupiers, he worked to undermine the White Paper and brought in thousands of refugees from war-torn Europe. When Irgun and Lehi attempted to revolt, he opposed them, believing the British would leave when WW2 was over. When this didn't happen, Gurion had secretly joined an alliance to drive back the British and revoke the White Paper. Only leaving the alliance after a disastrous terror attack left countless dead, and Britain finally prepared to leave the mandate. Although Gurion reluctantly accepted the partition, days after the announcement, the first war between Israel and the Arab League began.

After the war, Gurion had spent the early years of his leadership establishing the foundations of Israel's institutions, rapidly developing the newborn nation, but the need for foreign support became increasingly necessary. Not wanting to alienate a significant number of Jews, Gurion implemented a policy that would keep Israel on friendly terms with both Europe and America, which only grew stronger after a miraculous victory in the week's war. However, the glory days of Ben Gurion's past seem to be over, and the cracks in his leadership are beginning to show. With his party now working to unite against his will and rumours of his mental state spreading, it may be time for a new face to lead the state of Israel.

But who could succeed the man who shaped the Jewish nation for so many years?

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• Cool Old Guy: Ben-Gurion at the beginning of the mod is already an old man whose best days are behind him. National politics is already trying to overtake him and his party is no longer completely loyal to him. However, the public is very sympathetic to the "old man" and will cry after his departure.

Shimon Peres

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Ben-Gurion succession)

Party: Mifleget Poalei Eretz Yisrael^note Workers' Party of the Land of Israel

Ideology: Labour Zionism^note Social Democracy

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}Throughout Israel's short history, there has been only conflict with its Arab neighbours. And each time, Israel has come out victorious. While this has been undoubtedly better than the alternative, a question has spread in Israel's newest generation: Is this the only way to survive?

As the new Prime minister of Israel, it is up to Shimon Peres to answer that. Born in Poland, he spent his early childhood under his grandparents, which caused him to be more religious than his parents. Like many Jews at the time, he and his family would migrate to Mandatory Palestine. It was there that he connected with Labor Zionism, where he would rise within the ranks all the way up to the head of naval service during the Independence War.

During the 50's, Peres worked tirelessly as the director of Israel's defense. Working to secure support from the Entente but also the Accords after a terror attack left their relations with Egypt on ice. His biggest victory would however come in the Week's War, which had only been achieved so efficiently thanks to years of planning and preparations. When he first entered politics, many expected Peres to be the hawk of Mapai's foreign policy. But as time went by, he found himself appealing more to those who still believe in peace. And when Suez struck a blow to Arab morale, he saw his chance.

Now that he is in power, Shimon Peres must traverse Israel through its greatest challenge yet. And although some would say he is a naive fool, many see him as the last hope of the Israeli dream. And as history shows, there is no place for small dreams.

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• I Come in Peace: Peres wishes to give the Israeli people a final gift: peace agreements and economic cooperation with the countries of the region in order to secure Israel forever.
• Beware the Nice Ones: Despite his inclusive and reconciling perception of Israel's enemies, Peres was the key to Israel's victory in the 1957 Week's War by being responsible for the modernization of the IDF in the period after the War of Independence

Golda Meir

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Ben-Gurion succession)

Party: Mifleget Poalei Eretz Yisrael^note Workers' Party of the Land of Israel

Ideology: Labour Zionism^note Social Democracy

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}Born in Russia, moved to America, and finally settled in the holy land. Every Israeli can trace its history to the many corners of the world, and most of them will trace it to one of many tragedies that reinforced the need for a zionist state. And Golda Meir is no exception.

Having experienced both great fear and loss at a young age, Meir made it her goal to help others even before she heard of terms like “Zionism”, “socialism" or "woman's suffrage". But once she did, they stuck with her. And much like many Jews at the time, she wished to answer the call and return to what was then known as Palestine.

There she established her family while rising to prominence in Histadrut, even being given the honour to represent the Jews in Palestine during the Évian conference. However, the lack of action from President Kennedy left a bad taste in Meir's mouth, which only worsened as he doubled down when the bodies were turned into ash.

Years later, after the massacres ended and Israel was established, these feelings never truly faded. Under Ben Gurion's government, Meir worked to strengthen ties with the European Entente, which came especially useful in the period after the week's war.

But many in Israel would gladly disagree with her, especially after the Suez Crisis tore a hole in the Labour Zionists. And now that she has risen to the top, it is her job to not only lead a divided Israel but to make sure fears of becoming a British puppet do not become reality.

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• Allohistorical Allusion: In OTL, Golda Meir was prime minister of Israel from 1969 to 1974 and can arise to the same position in TRO.
• Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Golda Meir can become the first female head of government of Israel.
• Foreign Culture Fetish: Meir's work in strengthening ties with the Entente after President Kennedy ignored the Holocaust caused a public view of sympathy for French and English culture. Although it is relatively small and not yet widespread by the general Jewish public in 1962, if Meir becomes prime minister these perceptions will only increase among the public the more she pushes for a formal alliance with the European organization.

Yigal Allon

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Ben-Gurion succession)

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}As the country lies divided and the tensions of the Cold War escalate, one could assume that Yigal Allon is simply a continuation of what Ben Gurion had tried before. But while he was chosen for a similar viewpoint on foreign policy, the golden boy of Israel has not made it this far by agreeing with his predecessor.

Since a young age, Allon had experienced first-hand the hatred between Jews and Arabs, having to be given a pistol the day of his Bar mitzvah. He would afterwards join Haganah, advancing within the ranks and forming one of its elite units. When independence was declared and the war for survival began, he led many operations critical for Israel's victory. However, these were stopped because Gurion's mistrust caused Allon to be replaced by Moshe Dayan. The divide seemed to only grow worse as Allon entered politics, leading under the banner of the more left-leaning Mapam, and later Ahdut HaAvoda. Many of his ideals were often considered Radical, even at times more similar to Begin's than the Labour Zionists. Yet he was still just able to secure his position in the Knesset, where many expected him to remain. But in a stroke of luck, the Week's War changed Israel's political climate. Like others, Allon used the brief existence of the unitary government to rise, even convincing Gurion to hold on to Gaza after the war. Over time, Allon became more accepted by the members of Gurion's inner circle and was key in bringing Mapai and Mapam closer together.

Now that Yigal Allon is in power, the future of Israel has become uncertain. Whether it's the clash of idealism and reality or the growing expectations of Israel placed by the international community, there's no shortage of issues that he will have to face.

The question is whether he will bring change or try to keep Israel how it is.

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• Crazy-Prepared: Allon's life experiences made him want to increase Israel's armaments in order to prevent defeat, at any cost. If he becomes prime minister in the post-Ben-Gurion era, he will do exactly that.
• Dark Horse Victory: The selection of Yigal Allon by Ben-Gurion as his successor would come as a surprise for many due to the former not being a member of the latter's party, the Mapai.
• Led by the Outsider: Allon is not from Mapai like the other candidates Ben-Gurion can support to replace him but from the Labor Unity Party (Ahdut HaAvoda) which is in a governing coalition with Mapai and other parties. That's why Allon becoming prime minister surprises many in the public, in light of the fact that he managed to get Ben-Gurion's support against others in his own party.

Menachem Begin

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Election)

Party: Gush Herut–Liberalim^note Freedom–Liberals Bloc

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}It's commonly believed that the line between terrorist and freedom fighter is not decided at the moment, but in the history books. And as Gahal rises to prominence, the question once again arises: On which side of the line is Menachem Begin?

Born in Poland, Menachem Begin had been involved in Zionist movements since an early age. First as a boy scout, then as a rising star within Betar. It was within Betar that he became close with Vladimir Jabotinsky, the founder of Revisionist Zionism. When the Germans first laid interest in expansion, Begin worked tirelessly to save as many Jews from the Nazis as he could, only for him to spend two years in a Soviet Gulag. After being released two years later, Begin joined the free Polish Army, which was in the process of transferring to Palestine. Upon reaching it, like many others, he chose to stay and fight for Israel. He did so in Irgun, where he rose within the ranks and also Britain's most wanted list. Unlike the more established Haganah, Begin believed that the only way to form a Jewish state was by forcing its occupiers completely out of the region. And although his tactics were divisive, the general consensus quickly shifted in Begin's favour after it became clear that the British were intent on staying. Even then, Begin often found himself opposing Gurion, with their relations unsalvageable after the IDF nearly killed him. When Irgun came out of the underground and became Herut, Begin became the face of opposition against Mapai's socialist leanings. Although he often came close, Begin could never quite manage to win an election...

Yet the unpopularity of Operation Kodesh, alongside Ben Gurion's resignation was too much for Mapai to handle. And when it came time to vote, the people chose for his Revisionist Zionist approach. Yet now that he is in power, Menachem Begin faces his greatest challenge. Can he live up to the promises he made, or is he just another demagogue who got lucky?

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• Your Terrorists Are Our Freedom Fighters: Menachem Begin is considered a controversial figure, called a terrorist by some and a freedom fighter by others.

Kingdom of Jordan

Official Name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Ruling Party: Majlis al-Umma^note National Assembly

Ideology: Semi-Constitutional Monarchy^note Anocracy

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• Abdicate the Throne: King Hussein's father was forced to abdicate the throne.
• Elite Army: The Royal Jordanian Army is considered one of the best in the Middle East.
• The Exile: Several of the putschist army officers fled in exile after the failure of the coup attempt.
• Military Coup: In 1957, a group of officers of the Royal Jordanian Army attempted to overthrow King Hussein after he disbanded Jordan's elected government but were defeated by forces loyal to him, sending several in exile.
• War Refugees: After the Nakba, many Palestinian refugees fled to the West Bank. There are programs to allow them to become citizens of Jordan, though most still desire to see a free Palestine.

Hussein bin Talal

Role: Monarch^note Head of State

Party: Majlis al-Umma^note National Assembly

Ideology: Semi-Constitutional Monarchy^note Anocracy

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• Emergency Authority: Hussein instituted martial law after the failed 1957 military coup and it remains in place in a relaxed form by 1962.
• Internal Reformist: Downplayed. Hussein is open to limited efforts to liberalize Jordan but clamped down on civil liberties when he saw fit.

Yemen

Official Name: Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen

Ruling Party: HaD

Ideology: Absolute Monarchy^note Despotism

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• Occupiers Out of Our Country: The people of Yemen are determined to reunite their country by kicking the British colonists out of its southern half.

Ahmad bin Yahya

Role: Monarch^note Head of State

Party: HaD

Ideology: Absolute Monarchy^note Despotism

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• The Caligula: Imam Ahmad is an ill-tempered, inconsistent ruler with an obsession with planes and copious cocktails of drugs.
• Enemy Mine: Ahmad has warmed up relations with the Saudis, whom he despises, as a potential ally to kick out the British out of Southern Yemen.

Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq

Official Name: Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq

Ruling Party: Hizb al-Ittihad ad-Dastouri^note Constitutional Union Party

Ideology: National Conservatism^note Anocracy

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• 0% Approval Rating: Almost everyone has something against the established regime, with most standing in opposition to the pro-western stance of the monarchy and feeling unheard by the conservative government of Nuri al-Said.
• Puppet King: King Faisal II is very reliant on the council of his uncle, former regent Prince Abd al-Ilah, making the former essentially the latter's puppet.
• Regent for Life: While Prince Abd al-Ilah's regency officially ended when his nephew King Faisal II came of age, the king continues to rely heavily on the political advice of his uncle, who is clearly the true power behind both the crown and government.

Democratic Republic of Iran

Official Name: Democratic Republic of Iran

Ruling Party: Ḥezb-e Tūde-ye Īrān^note Tudeh Party of Iran

Ideology: Marxism-Leninism^note Orthodox Communism

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Reza Radmanesh

Role: Head of State

Party: Ḥezb-e Tūde-ye Īrān^note Tudeh Party of Iran

Ideology: Marxism-Leninism^note Orthodox Communism

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Imperial State of Iran

Official Name: Imperial State of Iran

Ruling Party: Ḥezb-e Melliun^note Nationalists' Party

Ideology: Paternalistic Conservatism^note Traditional Conservatism

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• Corrupt Corporate Executive: The British Petroleum is detested by the Iranians because they see little of the huge profits the company makes on their country's oil ressources and due to its dominance on the country's politics thanks to the control of said ressources.
• Red Scare: The Shah and clergy constantly preach against the Democratic Republic of Iran, which they regard as nothing more than a puppet occupied by the USSR.

Manouchehr Eghbal

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State

Party: Ḥezb-e Melliun^note Nationalists' Party

Ideology: Paternalistic Conservatism^note Traditional Conservatism

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• Landslide Election: Eghbal's victory in the 1956 elections saw his party become the largest in the country.

South Asia

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Official Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Ruling Party: Muslim League

Ideology: Oligarchy^note Anocracy

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• 0% Approval Rating: The current government is hated by the population for its role in the Ekushey February Crisis, which started when the army opened fire on protesters, and because they never faced any repercussions for their failures. Louder and louder have become the calls for new elections to replace them, which have not taken place since the independence of Pakistan.
• Feudal Overlord: More than 80% of the Pakistani population lives in the countryside under control of aristocratic landlords, who enjoy near-absolute power within their fiefdoms and also extend their tendrils into the cities, as if it was still the Middle Ages.

Republic of India

Official Name: Republic of India

Ruling Party: Indian National Congress - Swatantra wing

Ideology: Classical Liberalism^note Liberalism

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C. Rajagopalachari

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State

Party: Indian National Congress - Swatantra wing

Ideology: Classical Liberalism^note Liberalism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}As the last Governor-General of India, many ordinary individuals would have expected Chakravarti Rajagopalachari to only go for a ministry position in the first years of the Indian Republic until retiring from politics after a long career which began in 1906. Many of them were wrong, for none of them knew the passion and determination of Rajaji's dreams for India and in 1954, his former achievements were nothing compared to his terms as Prime Minister.

To the public eye, Prime Minister Rajagopalachari is one of the ablest and certainly one of the most uncompromising of Gandhi's followers, whose policies have transformed India into a nation of rich opportunity. Programs such as the birth of a robust Indian market-based economy, maximum freedom to individuals with minimum state intervention and guaranteed protections of the Fundamental Rights of the Indian constitution have been at the forefront of his success.

Yet at the same time, in private, Rajaji's overzealous approach to liberalism has been questioned, as well as his unchangeable view on British relations. And with the Swatantra wing of the INC dominating the administration, alongside very few changes from his first term to his second, many begin to suspect that while Rajagopalachari's age is growing, it has not stopped him, nor does it look like he desires to retire from his position.

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• Determinator: Rajagopalachari is known for his overzealous dedication to liberalism. His advanced age has not stopped him, and he shows no desire to retire from his position.

People's Republic of Bangladesh

Official Name: People's Republic of Bangladesh

Ruling Party: Juktofront - Krishak Sramik Party^note United Front - Farmer Labourer Party

Ideology: Social Democracy

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• The Remnant: When Bangladesh fought for independence, most Islamic fundamentalists remained loyal to Pakistan. Because of this, even though Bangladesh is a primarily Muslim nation, the government is secular and remains alert against fundamentalist ideas.

A. K. Fazlul Huq

Role: President^note Head of State

Party: Juktofront - Krishak Sramik Party^note United Front - Farmer Labourer Party

Ideology: Social Democracy

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}For the Lion of Bengal, being the President of Bangladesh is perhaps the final assignment he will perform after a long career, yet even in his old age, the old lion still roars with the same blaze as half a century ago. While he joined politics in the early 1910s, Huq's climb began when he became the president of the All India Muslim League, formulating the Lucknow Pact of 1916 between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, later founded the All Bengal Tenants Association, which evolved into a political platform for the United Front after the partition and being elected the first Prime Minister of Bengal, which allowed him to present the Lahore Resolution by the early 1940s. Despite Hug's success, he had tense relations with the Governor of Bengal, causing him to eventually lose his Prime ministership during WW2 and lose seats in the 1946 elections, yet after the partition, Huq became the attorney general of the Government of East Bengal until the Ekushey February in 1952.

A staunch supporter of the Bengali Language Movement, Hug was injured during the brutal police action against demonstrators, making him one of the principal opposition leaders against Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War. After independence, the different independent movements created the Juktofront, with Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq as the first president of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Yet as the new state moves into the next decade, cracks within the coalition are starting to show, and while Huq has kept them together due to concessions and his wisdom, no one can tell what will happen when the old lion passes on. But when the tiger arrives, the lamb must give away, and A. K. Fazlul Huq will ensure that Bangladesh remains stable as long as he lives.

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Dominion of Ceylon

Official Name: Dominion of Ceylon

Ruling Party: United National Party

Ideology: Populist Conservatism^note Traditional Conservatism

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Dudley Senanayake

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State

Party: United National Party

Ideology: Populist Conservatism^note Traditional Conservatism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}For Dudley Shelton Senanayake, political life was not his first choice, but thanks to his family, an opportunity appeared for an extended career. Born into the prestigious Senanayake family and the eldest son of D. S. Senanayake, Dudley's education saw him gradually turn to a path in Ceylon's judicial system.

Yet, his father's desire to have his son join politics saw him rise to the State Council in 1936 and oversee the development of Dedigama as State Councillor for over ten years. During the debate on sovereignty in the 1940s, Dudley supported his father's choice of preferring Dominion status for Ceylon, yet did not join his father in resignation and earned the position of Minister of Agriculture and Lands, formerly held by his father. He kept this position after his father won the 1947 elections and served in this function until his father died unexpectedly in 1952. To the surprise of many, Dudley was chosen as prime minister by the Governor-General over his cousin Sir John Kotelawala, while he successfully led the UNP in the elections of 1952, he stepped down as Prime Minister the following year.

However, Dudley returned to politics in 1957 after the failures of the elections and returned the UNP to the majority in the 1960 elections. Despite his success, the issues facing Ceylon have not become less during his term, educational reforms and economic steadiness have been adequate, but the Sinhala matter and close ties to the ECO have caused minor unrest within the country. Ultimately, his career lies with the success of his policies, and whether he will bring victory or defeat in the next elections remains to be seen.

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East Asia

Republic of China

Official Name: Republic of China

Ruling Party: Kuomintang - Crown Prince Clique^note Chinese Nationalist Party

Ideology: Paternalistic Liberalism^note Liberalism

For its tropes, see the dedicated Republic of China subpage.

Dongbei Soviet Republic

Official Name: Chinese Soviet Republic

Ruling Party: Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng - M^note Communist Party of China

Ideology: Marxism-Leninism^note Orthodox Communism

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• Allohistorical Allusion: The CPC's situation mirrors that of the KMT in real life: after losing the Chinese Civil War, they only managed to hold on to a fringe part of China (the Northeast versus Taiwan) with the aid of a foreign superpower.
• The Remnant: Northeast China became the last refuge of the Communist Party of China after they lost to the Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War. While official fighting has ended, the PLA continues to hold frequent exercises and run propaganda missions, still holding out hope to liberate the rest of China from the oligarchic KMT, even though the pressure exerted upon the Northeast's limited resoures is visible.

Zhang Wentian

Role: Chairman^note Head of State

Ruling Party: Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng - M^note Communist Party of China

Ideology: Marxism-Leninism^note Orthodox Communism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}The fight for the Chinese Communist Revolution may have stalemated or perhaps even lost too many within the mainland of China, but towards the north, in the city of Shenyang, the CPC under the leadership of Chairman Zhang Wentian is ever determined to one day return south and claim the rightful mandate of Sun Yat-sen's revolution. And ever since the stalemate of 1952, the gains within the Dongbei Soviet have been strengthened by Zhang Wentian's economic, diplomatic and land programs.

However, even with his experience from Moscow in the late 20s, his successful leadership as General Secretary before and during the War of Resistance and his manoeuvring towards the position of Chairman during the 8th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, things have not always gone Zhang Wentian's way. Interparty differences, border security against the KMT pretenders and new popular movements have troubled Zhang Wentian ever since his re-election in 1959.

Yet despite these concerns, the majority of the CPC remains in favour of the Chairman's policies, with the only critical point towards his administration being the growing ideological contrasts within the Party. Yet while few know the thoughts of Zhang Wentian due to his resistance to admitting mistakes, rumours have circulated that the Chairman has grown weary of the leadership position, seeing as he has been at the forefront of leadership ever since 1935.

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People's Republic of Mongolia

Official Name: People's Republic of Mongolia

Ruling Party: Mongol Ardyn Khuv'sgalt Nam^note Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party

Ideology: Vanguard Socialism^note Heterodox Communism

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• Born in the Saddle: Despite efforts of urbanisation and industrialisation, Mongolia remains at heart a nomadic nation of the steppes.

Damdin Sükhbaatar

Role: Head of State

Party: Mongol Ardyn Khuv'sgalt Nam^note Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party

Ideology: Vanguard Socialism^note Heterodox Communism

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• Red Baron: Sükhbaatar has earned the nickname Red Champion due to his dedicated leadership and humility to the Mongolian people.

Jamsrangiin Sambuu

Role: Head of State

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Peljidiin Genden

Role: Head of State

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People's Great Khural

Role: Head of State

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Democratic Republic of Korea

^{Flag of the Republic of Korea}

Official Name: Democratic Republic of Korea

Ruling Party: Joseon Inmindang^note People's Party of Korea

Ideology: Left-Wing Populism^note Social Democracy

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• Military Coup: Soon after the Comintern advised Korean communists to cooperate with the Republic, a group of officers led by Kim Il-sung decided to stage a coup, which was thwarted when Park Chung-hee sold out his comrades in exchange for survival.

Heo Heon

Role: President^note Head of State

Party: Joseon Inmindang^note People's Party of Korea

Ideology: Left-Wing Populism^note Social Democracy

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Chang Myon

Role: President^note Head of State (1962 election)

Party: Joseon Minjudang^note Democratic Party of Korea

Ideology: Liberalism

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Yun Posun

Role: President^note Head of State (1962 election)

Party: Joseon Minjudang^note Democratic Party of Korea

Ideology: Fiscal Conservatism

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Kim Gu

Role: President^note Head of State (1962 election)

Party: Hangukdoglibdang^note Korea Independence Party

Ideology: Paternalistic Conservatism^note Traditional Conservatism

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• Short-Lived Leadership: Citing health-related reasons, the 87-year-old Kim resigns as Prime Minister less than a year after taking office.

Jang Jun-ha

Role: President^note Head of State (Kim succession)

Party: Hangukdoglibdang^note Korea Independence Party

Ideology: Traditional Conservatism

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Syngman Rhee

Role: President^note Head of State (1962 election)

Party: Jayudang^note Liberal Party of Korea

Ideology: National Conservatism^note Anocracy

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• Red Scare: Rhee campaigns around a platform of ridding Korea of communism, accusing Heo Heon of bending over backwards to Pak Hon-yong's communists.

Lee Ki-poong

Role: President^note Head of State (Rhee succession)

Party: Jayudang^note Liberal Party of Korea

Ideology: Anocracy

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Lee Beom-seok

Role: President^note Head of State (Military coup)

Party: People's Republic of Korea Armed Forces

Ideology: Military Junta^note Despotism

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• Military Coup: Lee comes into power by making backroom deals with the military to sideline Lee Ki-poong.

State of Japan

Official Name: State of Japan

Ruling Party: Nihon Shakai-tō (Uyoku)^note Japan Socialist Party (Right)

Ideology: Left-Wing Populism^note Social Democracy

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• Abdicate the Throne: Unlike in real life, Emperor Hirohito was not allowed to keep the throne after World War II; instead, he was tried in the Tokyo Trials and forced into internal exile in Hokkaido, leaving the throne to his son.
• Puppet State: After the Tokyo Bay Massacre, the Americans replaced the Governor position with the US Occupation Council, later renamed US Occupation Bureau, which still serves as Washington's iron grip on Japan.
• Vestigial Empire: After losing the Second World War, Japan has been under American occupation and suffered crisis after crisis.

Asanuma Inejirō

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State

Party: Nihon Shakai-tō (Uyoku)^note Japan Socialist Party (Right)

Ideology: Left-Wing Populism^note Social Democracy

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Ikeda Hayato

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Elections)

Party: Jiyūtō - Shirarankai^note Liberal Party

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Ishii Mitsujirō

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Elections)

Party: Jiyūtō^note Liberal Party

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Matsumura Kenzō

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Elections)

Party: Kokumin Minshutō^note National Democratic Party

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Fukuda Takeo

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Elections)

Party: Kokumin Minshutō^note National Democratic Party

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Southeast Asia

Democratic Republic of Vietnam

Official Name: Democratic Republic of Vietnam

Ruling Party: Viet Minh - Unity

Ideology: Left-Wing Nationalism^note Socialism

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Hồ Chí Minh

Role: President^note Head of State

Party: Viet Minh - Unity

Ideology: Left-Wing Nationalism^note Socialism

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• Affectionate Nickname: He's affectionately known by his people as Uncle Hồ, the man who guided Vietnam to true liberation.
• Chummy Commies: Hồ Chí Minh is the leader of the Vietnamese communists who liberated the country from French imperialism.
• President for Life: A question that is fanning the flames in the National Assembly concerns a potential amendment to the Constitution to extend Hồ Chí Minh's Presidential term, since no other candidate is considered worthy enough to succeed him.

Laos

Official Name: Republic of Laos

Ruling Party: Lao Ruam Lao^note Lao People's Rally

Ideology: Paternalistic Liberalism^note Liberalism

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• Corrupt Politician: The Laotian armed forces and government institutions are plagued by nepotism and bribery, which have only gotten worse since the death of Phetsarath Ratanavongsa.
• Team Switzerland: Laos is currently ruled by the Neutralists, who seek to uphold Laotian neutrality from both the ICA and the WP.

Souvanna Phouma

Role: President^note Head of State

Party: Lao Ruam Lao^note Lao People's Rally

Ideology: Paternalistic Liberalism^note Liberalism

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Cambodia

Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia

Ruling Party: SRN - Sihanouk^note Popular Socialist Community

Ideology: Semi-Constitutional Monarchy^note Anocracy

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• Non-Indicative Name: Cambodia's ruling Popular Socialist Community is anything but. Neither popular, socialist nor a community, it is the only legal party in Cambodia's capitalist democracy, whose candidates already know that they're going to win before elections are held.

Norodom Sihanouk

Role: Monarch^note Head of State

Party: Sangkum Reastr Niyum - Sihanouk^note Popular Socialist Community

Ideology: Semi-Constitutional Monarchy^note Anocracy

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Kingdom of Thailand

Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand

Ruling Party: Revolutionary Council

Ideology: Military Junta^note Despotism

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Sarit Thanarat

Role: Head of State

Party: Revolutionary Council

Ideology: Military Junta^note Despotism

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• Military Coup: Sarit became Prime Minister not through elections or the will of King Rama VIII, but through an American-backed coup against Tiang Sirikhanth.

Oceania

Australia

Official Name: Commonwealth of Australia

Ruling Party: Australian Labor Party - Right

Ideology: Left-Wing Populism^note Social Democracy

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• Was It Really Worth It?: Many Australians wonder if it was really worth it to fight on the UK's side in the Great War, as too much ANZAC blood was spilled by the Britons' careless decisions.

Arthur Calwell

Role: Prime Minister

Party: Australian Labor Party - Right

Ideology: Left-Wing Populism^note Social Democracy

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New Zealand

Official Name: New Zealand

Ruling Party: National Party

Ideology: Liberal Conservatism^note Fiscal Conservatism

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• The Resenter: The people of New Zealand have grown increasingly discontent of the distant monarchy, which is seen as a useless obstacle to the nation's progress.

Bill Sullivan

Role: Prime Minister

Party: National Party

Ideology: Liberal Conservatism^note Fiscal Conservatism

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