Imperial Nationalism

[LeperColony]

Given that Imperial government is more or less laid over the top of local government, and that most people do not typically interact with or are greatly affected by it (unless they happen to be psionic), is there much of a sense of Imperial nationalism? Do Imperial subjects consider themselves "Imperial first," in the sense we use the phrase? Or are their local and regional identities of more importance?

 

[BlackBat242]

To me, a current example would be the role of HRH Elizabeth Windsor (Queen Elizabeth II), as viewed in Australia, Canada, and the other members of the Commonwealth.

The Imperium (and the Emperor) seems to be, in many respects, barely more influential on a day-to-day basis on most of its worlds than the Commonwealth (and its queen).

 

[Dagrill]

Given that Imperial government is more or less laid over the top of local government, and that most people do not typically interact with or are greatly affected by it (unless they happen to be psionic), is there much of a sense of Imperial nationalism? Do Imperial subjects consider themselves "Imperial first," in the sense we use the phrase? Or are their local and regional identities of more importance?

Given the time lags I don't see it likely to be more than a general 'racial' identity for the general citizen, obviously for the marines and navy there is a much greater degree of indoctrination and indeed mobility. Indeed as the imperium doesn't interfere in planetary affairs I can see the average citizen as being planet-centric in outlook, but with certain ingrained attitudes.

Regards

David

 

[whulorigan]

I think it would depend highly on how cosmopolitan any given world-society is. One that is a Hi-Pop (Important) World with significant trade would would be more likely to see themselves as "Imperial Citizens" of World X, whereas more average worlds (and certainly backwaters) would be more likely to identify primarily with their homeworld.

 

[McPerth]

I think it would depend highly on how cosmopolitan any given world-society is. One that is a Hi-Pop (Important) World with significant trade would would be more likely to see themselves as "Imperial Citizens" of World X, whereas more average worlds (and certainly backwaters) would be more likely to identify primarily with their homeworld.

My guess is that world rivalties and common history would also play a part here, as will the strategic situation in the zone.

Some examples:

>As depicted in MT's Astrogator's Guide to Diapsora Sector, I guess Suffren will see them closer to the worlds latter forming the Unión of Suffren that to those forming the Vaslary Judicate. Is told that Suffren and Backman are long time rivals, and so I guess most of their citizens will see themselves as Imperial Citizens, but also as local political cluster's (not just planetary) ones, and hteir main loyality will vary according the situation (and in the HT they resorted to bitter zone nationalism, fogeting about Imperium).

>My guess is that the Vegan Autonomous Región, having the Solomani so close and as declared enemies, will have strong Imperial nationalism ingrained in them, as they depend more on the Imperium for their own survival than other zones.

>Spinward Marches will be in a similar situation to Vegans, die to the Zhodani/Vargr border problems and history of having been supported by the Imperium in the Frontier Wars.

>Corridor, a relatively poor, Navy dependent Sector, will have strong ties to Imperium and strong nationalism toward it.

>Illelish sector, having once revolted and been severely punished, will have some planetary/region loyality/nationalism, probably above imperial ones.

>Vland, with its long time history, will see themselves as vilani first and imperial latter.

All those examples given, now see how all of those zones developed when Rebellion began...

 

[savage]

>Corridor, a relatively poor, Navy dependent Sector, will have strong ties to the Imperium and strong nationalism toward it.

In general, I agree with your other nationalist statements, but I don't see Corridor as a poor naval dependent sector. Deneb, Corridor, Vland, and Lishun sectors would have an extremely high trade level with the Vargr depending on the neighboring Vargr state status as client state or an antagonist. Corridor is also a trade and travel center for the Marches and expansionism. It is also true that when the Frontier Wars and Vargr Campaigns occurred Corridor profited. But peace time travel income should be just fine.

Now the profit may not compare to a star-filled full sector, but certainly on a Subsector level is compatible. It even boasts one TL16 world on the trade route.