Henry Rousselle

Henry Rousselle is arguably the most controversial figure in the Atlantic Federation’s government. His adherence to the concept of ‘realpolitik’, a school of thought within international relations that political power is built not on ideology but the ability to project power, has aggressively shaped the Federation’s foreign policy worldwide in recent years.
Rousselle was born in the Republic of Gaulis, one of the constituent republic in the western parts of the Federation to a factory worker father and homemaker mother. During EW2, he joined the military and serviced as a rear echelon logistics officer, where he was quickly noticed for his capabilities as an administrator and organizer. After the war, he joined the business world, serving as the present for one of the largest industrial conglomerates in the world. His reputation soon attracted the attention of the government, and he accepted a post with in the Department of Trade, due to his international connections.
Here, Rousselle showed his adherence to the ideas of ‘realpolitik’. He was vital in securing the Federation’s post-war economic recovery by pressuring a large number of developing countries in Alkebulan and Asia to remove their trade tariffs towards imports from the Federation and allow in large amounts of corporate investments into their countries (While maintaining it for everyone else). Overtime, slowing turning them from trade partners and effectively into client states by having the Federation controlling large sections of their economy, securing markets and sources of raw materials throughout the world. With these successes, he was appointed by the High Council as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
With the power of his position, Rousselle have two overarching goals:
- Firstly, securing the Federation’s position as both the regional hegemon and the global status as a great power. Doing so though a mixture of economic dominance, soft-power and cultural influence of the next generation, and if necessary, covert operations against existing obstacles in the local political structure that stands in the way.
- Secondly, the containment of communist influence. Rousselle is open about he views that the rise of the UEESR is not just a one-time only occurrence caused by the Empire’s unique post-war conditions. But instead, if left unchecked, the forces of radical socialism will become a worldwide destabilizing force that can greatly threaten the Federation’s national security.
It is because of this that he advocates for a normalization of relations, perhaps even eventual reconciliation with the Imperial Remnant. Though he understands that the Empire as it stands is just as hostile towards the Federation as the communist, he is of the belief that they are a power living on borrowed time anyway and is no longer of any importance in the greater game of world politics. While on the other hand, a victory by the UEESR in wiping out the last vestiges of the old order and gaining control of their territory and resources will embolden actions against the Federation’s interest internationally, perhaps even push for a direct military confrontation on the Europan continent. As a side bonus, a resurgent Empire might push Galia into the Federation’s sphere of influence, further strengthening their position both economically and militarily.
His stance and approach towards diplomacy has earned him the hatred of the UEESR and mistrust of Gallia. While domestically, he is seen as an effective administer at what he does, but quite unpopular in many circles, making him sort of an influential, if marginalized politician.
There are rumours that he will be running in the upcoming election for the position of Head Councilor.
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Category:Civil War Universe