Avant-Garde Iberia

Flag of Iberia.

**Avant-Garde Iberia** (**AGI**), formerly the **Iberian Federation** (Spanish: **Federación Ibérica**; Portugese: **Federação Ibérica**) and commonly referred to as **Iberia**, is a nation located primarily on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe; however, its territory also includes former Spanish and Portugese Islands. Iberia is an Accelerationist state and exists to protect its ideology and promote Accelerationist unity.

Originally founded in 2057 as the Iberian Federation, the nation was reformed into Avant-Garde Iberia on 3 December 2154 after a "green flood" allowed the Accelerationists to gain seat majority in the Iberian General Court. Camilo de Leon, an Accelerationist, is Iberia's head of state.

## History

### **Pre-History (2025 - 2057)**

In the year 2025 Spain was facing political turmoil as riots swept the nation. Ethnic violence soared, and Spain sought out a solution. Rather than crack down on the protests, Spain compromised with Catalonia and the Basque Country for greater autonomy. In the years following, the calls for European unity were growing, and due to that sentiment, Portugal and Spain began greater cooperation. Slowly but surely, the economies, militaries, and then governments of Spain and Portugal were integrated with one another and merged. In this time, Spain continued to give greater autonomy to regions with separate identities. On September 1st, 2047, the Iberian federation was born.

### **Birth of the Iberian Federation (2057 - 2078)**

Following the model of Spain, the Iberian Federation would be divided into regions based on ethnicity and language. It would function similar to the United States, with each region having their own governors, and some say in their own laws. The Spanish Monarchy would be preserved, and the monarch would serve as head of state. The Iberian General Court was set up, with 500 Seats total. There is no term limit to how long a politician can hold a seat, and a term lasts four years. Half of the seats are on one election cycle, while the other half is on a different election cycle two years apart. This means that every two years, 250of the seats will be elected. The leader of the majority party is head of government. In the year 2060, Andorra voted overwhelmingly to join the Iberian Federation. Following several small skirmishes, including several incidents of the Iberian Federation violating UK waters, Gibraltar would be handed over in the year 2068. The Iberian Federation would see stable economic growth; however, a steady population decline over the next few years.

### **Governmental Crisis (2078 - 2084)**

Starting in the year 2078, Iberia would see a string of minority governments. An economic recession would be seen in this time, as the weak governments were too divided on a solution. In this time, the PPC would emerge as a party, and aim to eliminate partisan policy making. Several riots took place throughout the country, primarily in Barcelona. The Catalan Block would emerge as a party, aiming for greater representation of Catalonia in the Iberian Government, and some radicals even suggesting an independent Catalonia. In 2084, the PPC would gain a majority government and Iberia would enter another period of stability.

### **A Stable Iberia (2084 - 2146)**

Through the late 21st century, and the first half of the 22nd century, Iberia would remain incredibly stable. Despite the decreasing population, Iberia would see somewhat steady economic growth. The POI and PPC would remain the two most dominant parties throughout these years; however, other parties were still relevant. Iberia saw increased tourism in its cities, as many people from around the globe sought the opportunity to see the nation's beautiful sights during a period where Iberia saw its lowest crime rates to date.

### **Inflation Crisis, and Modern Day Iberia (2146 - Present)**

In 2146, the POI gained a majority without a coalition. However, this would not last. By 2147, the POIs spending policies were beginning to rack up debt, and inflation began to rise. In September of 2147, Iberia broke record inflation levels. Riots and protested ensued, and many workers went on strike. In 2148, The POI lost many seats, but made a desperate coalition government with communist and socialist parties to barely maintain a 251-seat majority. Citizens were outraged. The military was called in to disperse riots in Madrid. By the end of 2148, an emergency election was called, and the POI and other left-wing parties were destroyed in popularity. This downwards trend would continue through the 2150 elections. Iberia would go on to become a founding and prominent member of the World Assembly. Following this, Iberia would go on to become a founder of the EuroBloc after the Swiss proposed it to them.

#### **Reformation (2154)**

In 2154, the Nationalist Accelerationist Party gained a seat majority in the General Court overnight, after Camilo de Leon's mission succeeded and secret support from the Boer Confederacy led to massive Accelerationist support. After this, the General Court's power was weakened in favor of the head of state and was officially reformed into Avant-Garde Iberia. In addition, Iberia left the European Democratic Conglomerate and the World Assembly and formed the League Solar, a faction that would attempt to unite Accelerationists worldwide.

## Conflicts

### **Gibraltar Skirmishes (2067 - 2068)**

Beginning in 2067, Iberia would begin to pressure the UK to cede Gibraltar, in what is known as the Gibraltar Conflict. On June 2nd, 2067, a Spanish cruiser would violate UK waters in Gibraltar, and could be heard blasting Marcha Real from the British positions. On December 9th, 2067, two British soldiers and one Iberian soldier would be injured in a small skirmish. Eventually in 2068, the UK would reluctantly. cede Gibraltar to Spain, ending the conflict.

### **Canadian Crisis (2150 - 2151)**

In 2150, the UAPC had defied the WA in the Canadian Crisis by invading Canada and the GRN, which Iberia was a member of. Iberia would be one of the WA member states to help organize the Canadian intervention force. Iberian WA forces under General Silva would see frequent action, and unlike most other World Assembly states, Iberia would be successful. Iberian forces would encircle and destroy several UAPC divisions, including part of their Quebec landing force. Iberia would also support the Swiss, Boer, and Scandinavian forces in the siege of Fort Severn, relieving pressure there. The Iberian and Swiss Forces would go on to march to Winnipeg, contributing to the capitulation of the UAPC.

During the peace conference at Edmonton, the WA made a controversial and questionably legal move. Due to the incompetence and chaotic nature of the Canadian diplomats, as well as their refusal to accept WA demands, the World Assembly was growing increasingly weary. After A Canadian diplomat died during the conference, and another tried to remove the WA from the conference to enact their own terms, the WA grew fed up. An Iberian junior diplomat gave the emergency signal to the other WA members present, and WA security opened fire on the Canadians during the Edmonton Massacre. None were spared. The Canadian Crisis continued.

In the continuation of the Canadian Crisis, Iberian Forces saw further action. Iberians alongside other diplomats would hold out in the siege of Edmonton, until UFER forces could relieve them. General Silva would push southwards from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay, leading to the capitulation of Canada. Only the GRN stood after the UAPC fell shortly after. Iberian forces would assist the United Commonwealth lead WA landings in newfoundland, and Iberian marines would contribute to the Siege of Labrador City. Iberia would also send a mostly Catalan paratrooper behind GRN lines at Labrador City, and they would see great success. Finally in 2151, after the fall of Labrador City, the GRN would capitulate, and Iberia would be a leading voice in deciding on Canada's future in the WA peace conference held in Geneva.

## Iberian Armed Forces

### **Iberian Army**

The Iberian Army is the ground force of the Iberian Federation, and as of 2051, it numbers at roughly 160,000 personnel total. It has seen action in the Gibraltar Conflict, and Canadian Crisis.

### **Iberian Navy**

The Iberian Navy is responsible for tending to Iberia's matters at sea. As of 2051, it numbers at near 15,000. Iberia's navy is widely regarded as under funded, and it is limited to a coastal defense role.

### **Iberian Air Force**

The Iberian Air Force deals with all matters regarding aircraft, as well as paratroopers. It numbered at close to 25,000 personnel as of 2051. Iberia's Air Force saw mixed success in the Canadian Crisis.

### **Iberian Marines**

Iberia's Marine Force deals with all landings, as well as terrain such as marshland and rivers. It numbers at 20,000 personnel as of 2051. Iberian marines saw success in the Canadian Crisis, and recently have been preparing for action in regards to the United States' time program intervention.

## Iberian Foreign Relations

### **Global Relations**

Globally, Iberia escapes the minds of most civilians. It is only ever really recognized for being a founder of the WA, and for its intervention in the Canadian Crisis.

### **World Assembly Relations & Voting History**

Iberia is a founding and prominent member of the World Assembly. Iberian Diplomat Santiago Fernandez is usually sent to represent Iberia. Iberia has had an impact on the WA, proposing the plan for a post Canadian Crisis peace treaty, and then contributing to the finalized compromise treaty. Iberia ultimately wishes to stay neutral in most conflicts, but recently have reluctantly sided with Bulgaria against the European Federation in the Bulgarian-Boer Espionage incident. Iberia also initially agreed to support the UFER's claim to Alaska in the original WA peace conference, but then supported a referendum for Alaska, which they voted to join the United States once more. Iberia's voting history can largely be described as pro-democratic, pro-intervention, and anti-imperialist.

### **European Federation & UFER Relations**

The EF and UFER are widely regarded as Europe's superpowers. Iberia wishes to stay neutral amongst their tension and opposes both of their expansions. Things are subject to change however after the EF ousted its fascist government in favor of a more democratic one.

### **Relations With Switzerland**

The Swiss are perhaps Iberia's closest ally. They have signed a NAP with Iberia, and formed the WA together, where they often side together in WA votes. Together, they formed the EuroBloc, aiming for European economic unity.