History PlayingWith / PeoplesRepublicOfTyranny

** The Dark Militaristic Empire of Evulz is a secular liberal democratic federation. Its 'Emperor' is (currently, anyway) basically a figurehead with severely limited powers who is elected by the Imperial Supreme Assembly (in other words, the parliament) for five years, can serve for no more than two terms, and must have their mandate confirmed by a national referendum. The 'Militaristic' part came from the fact that its military was the part that the constituent parts of the 'empire' united around at the outset, prior to deeper integration. As for the 'Dark'... well, the first Emperor just thought [[RuleOfCool it would sound kewl]].

Back to [[PeoplesRepublicOfTyranny the main article]], brought to you by the News and Information Agency of the Glorious, Joyful and Happy People's Democratic Republic of TVTropia!

** The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated Workers’ Just]], [[LightIsNotGood Light-Filled]], and Gloriously Peaceful [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Socialist Federal Republic of Ruritania]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive thousandthworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].

** The People's Democratic Republic of Ruritania is run by an authoritarian, but not totalitarian government, it can be called a "flawed democracy", there's obvious government corruption, most parties across the political spectrum are loyal to the president, who promised to serve for only four years... [[PermanentlyElecteOfficial thirty years ago]], opposition parties are allowed to exist but are never allowed to have any real power. As long as you don't complain too much about the government, your life is pretty much normal, but complain too much and suddenly you start having endless bad luck. However, there are enough BreadAndCircuses that most people don't complain much.

** The Dark Militaristic Empire of Evulz is a secular liberal democratic federation. Its 'Emperor' is (currently, anyway) basically a figurehead with severely limited powers who is elected by the Imperial Supreme Assembly (in other words, the parliament) for five years, can serve for no more than two terms, and must have their mandate confirmed by a national referendum. The 'Militaristic' part came from the fact that its military was the part that the constituent parts of the 'empire' united around at the outset. As for the 'Dark'... well, the first Emperor thought [[RuleOfCool it would sound kewl]].

** The People's Republic of Ruritania is a dictatorship ... but then the people revolt! However, a military junta takes control shortly after that. But then another democratic resistance movement revolts and replaces the military government. It looks like it's going to turn into a FullCircleRevolution, until it doesn't ...

** TheGovernment can attack whomever it pleases with no provocation provided it does so in the name of "the people."

* '''Defied''': "'People's Republic'? [''SpitefulSpit''] That's stupid. [[RuleOfCool 'Empire' sounds way more badass.]]"

* '''Implied''': The main cast is watching television together. The People's Democratic Republic of Ruritania is mentioned during a news segment, and [[TheIllegal Zulik]], who hails from there, rolls his eyes upon hearing Tropeistan's full name.

Back to PeoplesRepublicOfTyranny

* '''Straight''': The People's Democratic Republic of {{Ruritania}} is a tyrannical dictatorship.

** The People's Democratic Republic of Ruritania is run by an authoritarian, but not totalitarian government, it can be called a "flawed democracy", there's obvious government corruption, most parties across the political spectrum are loyal to the president, who promised to serve for only two years ... thirty years ago, opposition parties are allowed to exist but are never allowed to have any real power. As long as you don't complain too much about the government, your life is pretty much normal, but complain too much and suddenly you start having endless bad luck. However, there are enough BreadAndCircuses that most people don't complain much.

** The Dark Militaristic Empire of Evulz is a secular liberal democratic federation.

* '''Subverted''': The People's Republic of Ruritania is ... a functioning democracy, once the characters get to see something other than enemy propaganda.

** Ruritania turns out to be a CrapsaccharineWorld.

* '''Downplayed''': The Republic of Ruritania can't be described as a functioning democracy but it's not a dictatorship.
** The People's Democratic Republic of Ruritania is run by an authoritarian, but not totalitarian government, it can be called a "flawed democracy", there's obvious government corruption, most parties across the political spectrum are loyal to the president, who has been running the country since 1994, opposition parties are allowed to exist but are never allowed to have any real power. As long as you don't complain too much about the government, your life is pretty much normal, but complain too much and suddenly you start having endless bad luck. However there are enough BreadAndCircuses that most people don't complain much.

** Or, Ruritania is trying to project a democratic image to other countries despite being an oppressive dictatorship.

* '''Deconstructed''': The governments of the world used to have the best intentions when they started and so they all had democratic names. Unfortunately, {{Realpolitik}} kicks in and the progressive policies and democracy must be dropped. It's a point of shame for every leader, but they can't change it because of the idealism that every citizen embraces.
* '''Reconstructed''': The very names give governments (and people) ideals to which to aspire, and once some semblance of order comes to the country, they're reminded of the principles whereunder the nation was created and redouble their commitment to them.
* '''Played for Drama''': The Democratic People's Republic of Ruritania ''successfully'' presents itself as a {{Utopia}} and an ideal vacation destination to the rest of the world, especially by virtue of its misleading name. In truth, the country is an Orwellian dictatorship that shoves the vast majority of its population into absolute poverty and violently keeps them from revealing the truth to the rest of the world. [[SceneryPorn Its best vacation destinations]] are breathtaking to look at, and [[SkyscraperCity its wealthiest cities]] are [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas marvelous technological wonders]], but anywhere outside these locations is a [[DeathWorld complete wasteland]] [[CrapsackWorld filled with people desperately trying to survive.]] Alice and Bob are [[HawaiianShirtedTourist clueless tourists]] visiting Ruritania's finest places, but through a series of unfortunate mishaps and bad luck, they find themselves squarely in one of Ruritania's many {{Wretched Hive}}s, seeing Ruritania's worst through their own eyes and being viciously chased by government agents seeking to [[KilledToUpholdTheMasquerade "silence" them to maintain Ruritania's masquerade]] of Utopia to the world.

** Ruritania is full of {{Actual Pacifist}}s, and its first government gives it the designation "People's Republic" to make other people ''think'' it is an oppressive dictatorship with considerable military force, to scare off any would-be attackers.

* '''Inverted''': The Dark Militaristic Empire of Evulz is a secular liberal democratic federation.

* '''Lampshaded''': [[Series/YesMinister "Ruritania, isn't that a democracy?" "Its full name is the People's Democratic Republic of Ruritania." "Ah I see, so it's a communist dictatorship."]]

* '''Reconstructed''': The very names give governments (and people) ideals to which to aspire, and once some semblance of order comes to the country, they're reminded of the principles whereunder the nation was created and decide to pursue those again.
* '''Played for Drama''': The Democratic People's Republic of Ruritania ''successfully'' presents itself as an {{Utopia}} and an ideal vacation destination to the rest of the world, especially by virtue of its misleading name. In truth, the country is an Orwellian dictatorship that shoves the vast majority of its population into absolute poverty and violently keeps them from revealing the truth to the rest of the world. [[SceneryPorn Its best vacation destinations]] are breathtaking to look at, and [[SkyscraperCity its wealthiest cities]] are [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas marvelous technological wonders]], but anywhere outside these locations is a [[DeathWorld complete wasteland]] [[CrapsackWorld filled with people desperately trying to survive.]] Alice and Bob are [[HawaiianShirtedTourist clueless tourists]] visiting Ruritania's finest places, but through a series of unfortunate mishaps and bad luck, they find themselves squarely in one of Ruritania's many {{Wretched Hive}}s, seeing Ruritania's worst through their own eyes and being viciously chased by government agents seeking to [[KilledToUpholdTheMasquerade "silence" them to maintain Ruritania's masquerade]] of Utopia to the world.

* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated Workers’ Just]], [[LightIsNotGood Light-Filled]], and Gloriously Peaceful [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Socialist Federal Republic of Ruritania]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive thousandthworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].

* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated Workers’ Just]], [[LightIsNotGood Light-Filled]], and Gloriously Peaceful [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Republic of Ruritania]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive thousandthworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].
* '''Downplayed''': The Republic of Ruritania isn't a republic but is actually a monarchy with a strict but fair king and an elected legislature that share power. It still has a misleading name but the average standard of living isn't too bad.

* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated Workers’ Just]], [[LightIsNotGood Light-filled]], and Gloriously Peaceful [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Republic of Ruritania]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive thousandthworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].

** The Oppressive Tyrannical Dictatorship of Ruritania ''was'' a dictatorship, but is now a democracy. The people have tried to change the name, but the vote on ''what'' to rename it always ends in a tie. They wonder, [[DemocracyIsFlawed "Why did we become]] [[DemocracyIsBad democratic again?"]]
** The Ruritanian people are very LiteralMinded, and are extremely confused as to why everyone assumes they are an oppressive dictatorship when they put "Democratic People's Republic" right in the name.
** The dictator of Ruritania is named "Peebles", and calls the country "Peebles' Democratic Republic of Ruritania".

** The People's Republic of Ruritania is a dictatorship ... but then the people revolt! However, a military junta takes control shortly after that. But then another resistance movement revolts and takes over the government. It looks like it's going to turn into a FullCircleRevolution, until it doesn't ...
** Tropeistan calls itself something in Ruritanian which can be translated as both "the People's Republic of Tropeistan" and "the State of Tropeistan". The protagonists never visit Tropeistan, and what they hear about it is extremely contradictory: they hear positive and negative things from sources of all political persuasions and varying degrees of trustworthiness.

** Continuing from Double Subverted #2, the next government brings in changes that build on Ruritania's good aspects, making it a truly good place.

* '''Enforced''': Ruritania, though a FictionalCountry, is a [[NoCommunitiesWereHarmed thinly-veiled]] parody of and TakeThat to a real country with a similarly false name.

* '''Invoked''': "Change it from 'Empire' to 'People's Republic', it sounds better and helps us sleep more soundly."

** Ruritania is full of {{Actual Pacifist}}s, and its first government gives it the designation "People's Republic" to make other people ''think'' they are an oppressive dictatorship with considerable military force, so that any would-be attackers will be scared off.
* '''Defied''': "'People's Republic'? That's stupid, [[RuleOfCool 'Empire' sounds way more badass.]]"

* '''Played for Drama''': The Democratic People's Republic of Ruritania ''successfully'' presents itself as an {{Utopia}} and an ideal vacation destination to the rest of the world, especially by virtue of its misleading name. In truth, the country is actually an Orwellian dictatorship that shoves the vast majority of its population into absolute poverty, and violently keeps them from revealing the truth to the rest of the world. [[SceneryPorn Its best vacation destinations]] are breathtaking to look at, and [[SkyscraperCity its wealthiest cities]] are [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas marvelous technological wonders]], but anywhere outside these locations is a [[DeathWorld complete wasteland]] [[CrapsackWorld filled with people desperately trying to survive.]] Alice and Bob are [[HawaiianShirtedTourist clueless tourists]] visiting Ruritania's finest places, but through a series of unfortunate mishaps and bad luck, they find themselves squarely in one of Ruritania's many {{Wretched Hive}}s, seeing Ruritania's worst through their own eyes and being viciously chased by government agents seeking to [[KilledToUpholdTheMasquerade "silence" them to maintain Ruritania's masquerade]] of Utopia to the world.
* '''Played for Laughs''': Ruritania's pretensions of democracy don't convince anyone but [[ProfessionalButtKisser Pete]], whose attempts to convince his fellow Tropeistanians that Ruritania is at least as good as Tropeistan are comically inept.

* '''Intended Audience Reaction''': Both Tropeistan and Ruritania have democratic elements, but the former regime is closer to the 21st-century Western ideal of liberal representative democracy while the latter takes after [[AncientGreece ancient Athens]] more. This is intended to inspire a discussion of the merits of each.

* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated Workers’ Just]], [[LightIsNotGood Light-filled]], and Gloriously Peaceful [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Republic of Rurtania]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive twentiethworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].
* '''Downplayed''': The Republic Of Ruritania isn't a republic but is actually a monarchy with a strict but fair king. It still has a misleading name, but isn't too bad.

** Ruritania was once founded by WellIntentionedExtremist revolutionaries with the noble ideals of transforming the country from an autocracy into a genuinely democratic republic, which would govern only its own people with their consent. However, [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized during their struggle]], [[KnightTemplar their methods became so extreme]] [[HeWhoFightsMonsters that by the time the revolutionaries finally seize control]], [[MeetTheNewBoss the government that they have created is just as]] [[ReignOfTerror oppressive and brutal as]] [[FullCircleRevolution the one they replaced.]]

** Ruritania ''was'' originally a democratic republic run for the benefit of the people, until the present ruling party took power. To maintain a veneer of legitimacy, said party don't bother to change the name or the constitution but rely on all manner of LoopholeAbuse in order to [[LawfulEvil maintain power "legally."]]

** See Exaggerated #1.
** In this universe, dictatorships are only taken seriously if they give themselves democratic-sounding names.
** The People's Republic of Ruritania doesn't get any aid from other countries because they're all going to their rival neighbours the Democratic People's Republic and Commonwealth of the Peaceful, Definitely Not Oppressed Tropese, who routinely threaten to bomb all their neighbours.
** The Oppressive Tyrannical Dictatorship of Ruritania ''was'' a dictatorship, but is now a democratic country. They have tried to change the name, but the vote on ''what'' to rename it always ends in a tie. [[DemocracyIsFlawed "Why did we become]] [[DemocracyIsBad democratic again?"]]

** The People's Republic of Ruritania is a dictatorship ... but then the people revolt! However, a military junta takes control shortly after that. But then another resistance movement revolts and takes over the government. ...
** Tropeistan calls itself something in Ruritanian which can be translated as both "the People's Republic of Ruritania" and "the State of Ruritania". The protagonists never visit Tropeistan, and what they hear about it is extremely contradictory: they hear positive and negative things from sources of all political persuasions and varying degrees of trustworthiness.
** Alternatively, continuing from Double Subverted #1, the DirtyCommunists turn out to be or become ChummyCommies -- but then [[CorruptCorporateExecutive Dirty Capitalists]] take control.

* '''Invoked''': "Change it from Empire to People's Republic, it sounds better and helps us sleep more soundly."

* '''Conversed''': "I can't believe Ruritania actually calls itself a republic, everyone knows they're anything but." --Alice, while reading the paper.

** The Ruritanian people are none too bright, so the government tries to dupe them into believing they live in a democracy.

** Ruritania originally ''was'' a democratic republic run for the benefit of the people, until the present ruling party took power. To maintain a veneer of legitimacy, said party don't bother to change the name or the constitution but rely on all manner of LoopholeAbuse in order to [[LawfulEvil maintain power "legally."]]

* '''Subverted''': The People's Republic of Ruritania is... a functioning democracy, once the characters gets to see something other than enemy propaganda.

** The People's Republic of Rurtania doesn't get any aid from other countries because they're all going to their rival neighbours the Democratic People's Republic and Commonwealth of the Peaceful, Definitely Not Oppressed Tropese, who routinely threaten to bomb all their neighbours.
** The Oppressive Tyrannical Dictatorship of Ruritania ''was'' a dictatorship, but is now a democratic country. They have tried to change the name, but the vote on ''what'' to rename it always ends in a tie. "Why did we become democratic again?"

* '''Zig Zagged''':
** The People's Republic of Ruritania is a dictatorship... but then the people revolt! However, a military junta takes control shortly after that. But then another resistance movement revolts and takes over the government. ...
** Tropeistan calls itself something in Ruritanian which can be translated as both "the People's Republic of Ruritania" and "the State of Ruritania". The protagonists never visit Tropeistan, and the stuff they hear about it is pretty contradictory.
** Alternatively, continuing from '''Double Subverted''', the DirtyCommunists turn out to be ChummyCommies - but then [[CorruptCorporateExecutive Dirty Capitalists]] take control.

* '''Enforced''': Ruritania, though a FictionalCountry, is a thinly-veiled parody of a real country with a similarly false name.

* '''Reconstructed''': The very names give governments ideals to which to aspire, and once some semblance of order comes to the country, they're reminded of the principles whereunder the nation was created and decide to pursue those again.

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%%* '''Plotted a Good Waste''': ???
%%* '''Played for Laughs''': ???

* '''Played for Drama''': The Democratic People's Republic of Ruritania ''successfully'' presents itself as an {{Utopia}} and an ideal vacation destination to the rest of the world, especially by virtue of its misleading name. In truth, the country is actually an Orwellian dictatorship that shoves the vast majority of its population into absolute poverty, and violently keeps them from revealing the truth to the rest of the world. [[SceneryPorn Its best vacation destinations]] are breathtaking to look at, and [[SkyscraperCity its wealthiest cities]] are [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas marvelous technological wonders]], but anywhere outside these locations is a [[DeathWorld complete wasteland]] [[CrapsackWorld filled with people desperately trying to survive.]] Alice and Bob are [[HawaiianShirtedTourist clueless tourists]] visiting Ruritania's finest places, but through a series of unfortunate mishaps and bad luck, they find themselves squarely in one of Ruritania's many {{Wretched Hive}}s, seeing Tropeistan's worst through their own eyes and being viciously chased by government agents seeking to [[KilledToUpholdTheMasquerade "silence" them to maintain Tropeistan's masquerade]] of Utopia to the world.

** Ruritaia was once founded by WellIntentionedExtremist revolutionaries with the noble ideals of transforming the country from an autocracy into a genuinely democratic republic, which would govern only its own people with their consent. However, [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized during their struggle]], [[KnightTemplar their methods became so extreme]] [[HeWhoFightsMonsters that by the time the revolutionaries finally seize control]], [[MeetTheNewBoss the government that they have created is just as]] [[ReignOfTerror oppressive and brutal as]] [[FullCircleRevolution the one they replaced.]]

%%* '''Plotted a Good Waste''': ???
%%* '''Played for Laughs''': ???

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* '''Straight''': The People's Democratic Republic of Tropeistan is a tyrannical dictatorship.
* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated Workers’ Just]], [[LightIsNotGood Light-filled]], and Gloriously Peaceful [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Republic of Tropeistan]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive twentiethworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].
* '''Downplayed''': The Republic Of Tropeistan isn't a republic but is actually a monarchy with a strict but fair king. It still has a misleading name, but isn't too bad.

** Tropeistan was once founded by WellIntentionedExtremist revolutionaries with the noble ideals of transforming the country from an autocracy into a genuinely democratic republic, which would govern only its own people with their consent. However, [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized during their struggle]], [[KnightTemplar their methods became so extreme]] [[HeWhoFightsMonsters that by the time the revolutionaries finally seize control]], [[MeetTheNewBoss the government that they have created is just as]] [[ReignOfTerror oppressive and brutal as]] [[FullCircleRevolution the one they replaced.]]
** The Tropeistanian people are none too bright, so the government tries to dupe them into believing they live in a democracy.
** Or, Tropeistan is trying to project a democratic image to other countries despite being an oppressive dictatorship.
** Tropeistan originally ''was'' a democratic republic run for the benefit of the people, until the present ruling party took power. To maintain a veneer of legitimacy, said party don't bother to change the name or the constitution but rely on all manner of LoopholeAbuse in order to [[LawfulEvil maintain power "legally."]]
* '''Inverted''': The Holy Militaristic Empire of [[BlandNameProduct Wikipedium]] is a secular liberal democratic federation.
* '''Subverted''': The People's Republic of Tropeistan is... a functioning democracy, once the characters gets to see something other than enemy propaganda.

** Tropeistan turns out to be a CrapsaccharineWorld.

** The People's Republic of Tropeistan doesn't get any aid from other countries because they're all going to their rival neighbours the Democratic People's Republic and Commonwealth of the Peaceful, Definitely Not Oppressed Tropese, who routinely threaten to bomb all their neighbours.
** The Oppressive Tyrannical Dictatorship of Tropeistan ''was'' a dictatorship, but is now a democratic country. They have tried to change the name, but the vote on ''what'' to rename it always ends in a tie. "Why did we become democratic again?"
** The Tropeistani people are very LiteralMinded, and are extremely confused as to why everyone assumes they are an oppressive dictatorship when they put "Democratic People's Republic" right in the name.

** The People's Republic of Tropeistan is a dictatorship... but then the people revolt! However, a military junta takes control shortly after that. But then another resistance movement revolts and takes over the government. ...
** Tropeistan calls itself something in Tropese which can be translated as both "the People's Republic of Tropeistan" and "the State of Tropeistan". The protagonists never visit Tropeistan, and the stuff they hear about it is pretty contradictory.

* '''Averted''': Tropeistan simply calls itself the State of Tropeistan, or even just Tropeistan.
* '''Enforced''': Tropeistan, though a FictionalCountry, is a thinly-veiled parody of a real country with a similarly false name.
* '''Lampshaded''': [[Series/YesMinister "Tropeistan, isn't that a democracy?" "Its full name is the People's Democratic Republic of Tropeistan." "Ah I see, so it's a communist dictatorship."]]

** Tropeistan is full of {{Actual Pacifist}}s, and its first government gives it the designation "People's Republic" to make other people ''think'' they are an oppressive dictatorship with considerable military force, so that any would-be attackers will be scared off.

* '''Discussed''': AliceAndBob, Tropeistani nationals, argue MyCountryRightOrWrong versus MyCountryTisOfTheeThatISting over the designation of "People's Republic."
* '''Conversed''': "I can't believe Tropeistan actually calls itself a republic, everyone knows they're anything but." --Alice, while reading the paper.
* '''Implied''': The main cast is watching television together. The People's Democratic Republic of Tropeistan is mentioned during a news segment, and [[TheIllegal Zulik]], who hails from there, rolls his eyes upon hearing Tropeistan's full name.

* '''Played for Drama''': The Democratic People's Republic of Tropeistan ''successfully'' presents itself as an {{Utopia}} and an ideal vacation destination to the rest of the world, especially by virtue of its misleading name. In truth, the country is actually an Orwellian dictatorship that shoves the vast majority of its population into absolute poverty, and violently keeps them from revealing the truth to the rest of the world. [[SceneryPorn Its best vacation destinations]] are breathtaking to look at, and [[SkyscraperCity its wealthiest cities]] are [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas marvelous technological wonders]], but anywhere outside these locations is a [[DeathWorld complete wasteland]] [[CrapsackWorld filled with people desperately trying to survive.]] Alice and Bob are [[HawaiianShirtedTourist clueless tourists]] visiting Tropeistan's finest places, but through a series of unfortunate mishaps and bad luck, they find themselves squarely in one of Tropeistan's many {{Wretched Hive}}s, seeing Tropeistan's worst through their own eyes and being viciously chased by government agents seeking to [[KilledToUpholdTheMasquerade "silence" them to maintain Tropeistan's masquerade]] of Utopia to the world.

* '''Enforced''': International law requires that all dictatorships have democratic-sounding names.

* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated Workers’ Just]], [[LightIsNotGood Light-filled]], and Gloriously Peaceful]] [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Republic of Tropeistan]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive twentiethworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].

* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated Workers’ Just, [[LightIsNotGood Light-filled]], and Gloriously Peaceful]] [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Republic of Tropeistan]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive twentiethworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].

* '''Lampshaded''': "Tropeistan, isn't that a democracy?" "Its full name is the People's Democratic Republic of Tropeistan." "Ah I see, so it's a communist dictatorship."

* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated People's Just and Glorious Peaceful]] [[Literature/AmericaTheBook Shiny Happy People’s Democratic Workers' Republic of Tropeistan]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive twentiethworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].

* '''Straight''': The People's Republic of Tropeistan is a tyrannical dictatorship.
* '''Exaggerated''': The [[OverlyLongName Free and Liberated People's Just and Glorious Peaceful Democratic Workers' Republic of Tropeistan]] is an [[BigBrotherIsWatching Orwellian]] [[WretchedHive twentiethworld hellhole]] where IndividualityIsIllegal and where the smallest ThoughtCrime warrants [[{{Room 101}} eternal]] [[AndIMustScream torture]].

* '''Subverted''': The People's Republic of Tropeistan is ... a functioning democracy.

** Tropeistan was once founded by WellIntentionedExtremist revolutionaries with the noble ideals of transforming the country from an autocracy into a genuinely democratic republic, which would govern only its own people with their consent. However, [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized during their struggle]], [[KnightTemplar their methods became so extreme]] [[HeWhoFightsMonsters that by the time the revolutionaries finally seize control]], [[MeetTheNewBoss the government that they have created is just as]] [[ReignOfTerror oppressive and brutal as]] [[FullCircleRevolution the one they replaced]].

** Tropeistan originally ''was'' a democratic republic run for the benefit of the people, until the present ruling party took power. To maintain a veneer of legitimacy, said party don't bother to change the name or the constitution but rely on all manner of LoopholeAbuse in order to [[LawfulEvil "legally" maintain power]].

** In this universe, dictatorships are not taken seriously unless they give themselves democratic-sounding names.

** Tropeistan is full of {{Actual Pacifist}}s, and deliberately name themselves "People's Republic" to make people ''think'' they are an oppressive dictatorship with considerable military force, so that any would-be attackers will be scared off.
* '''Defied''': "'People's Republic'? That's stupid, 'Empire' sounds way more badass."
* '''Discussed''': ???
* '''Conversed''': "I can't believe Tropeistan actually calls itself a republic, everyone knows they're anything but." -Alice, while reading the paper.

* '''Reconstructed''': The governments are given ideals to aspire to by their very names, and once some semblance of order comes to the country, they're reminded of the principles that the nation was created under and decide to pursue those again.
* '''Played For Drama''': The Democratic People's Republic of Tropeistan ''successfully'' presents itself as an {{Utopia}} and an ideal vacation destination to the rest of the world, especially by virtue of its misleading name. In truth, the country is actually an Orwellian dictatorship that shoves the vast majority of its population into absolute poverty, and violently silences them from revealing the truth to the rest of the world. [[SceneryPorn Its best vacation destinations]] are breathtaking to look at, and [[SkyscraperCity its wealthiest cities]] are [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas marvelous technological wonders]], but anywhere outside these locations is a [[DeathWorld complete wasteland]] [[CrapsackWorld filled with people desperately trying to survive]]. Alice and Bob are [[HawaiianShirtedTourist clueless tourists]] visiting Tropeistan's finest places, but through a series of unfortunate mishaps and bad luck, they find themselves squarely in one of Tropeistan's many [[WretchedHive Wretched Hives]], seeing Tropeistan's worst through their own eyes and being viciously chased by government agents seeking to [[KilledToUpholdTheMasquerade "silence" them to maintain Tropeistan's masquerade]] of an {{Utopia}} to the world.

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%% Optional items, added after Conversed, at your discretion:
%%
%%* '''Plotted A Good Waste''': ???
%%* '''Played For Laughs''': ???

%%* '''Implied''': ???

** Tropeistan was once founded by WellIntentionedExtremist revolutionaries with the noble ideals of transforming the country from an autocracy into a genuinely democratic republic, which would govern only its own people with their consent. However, [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized during their struggle]], [[KnightTemplar their methods became so extreme]] [[HeWhoFightsMonsters that by the time the revolutionaries finally seize control]], [[MeetTheNewBoss the government that they have created is just as]] [[ReignOfTerror oppressive and brutal as the one they replaced]].

** Alternatively, continuing from '''Double Subverted''', the DirtyCommunists turn out to be ChummyCommunists - but then [[CorruptCorporateExecutive Dirty Capitalists]] take control.

%%* '''Played For Laughs''': ???
%%* '''Played For Drama''': ???