your very own nation-state

[Faust]

Congrats, a military coup has ousted the tyranical dictator of Blightland. You've been elected as leader, whether you like it or not. There is a proud, nationalist streak to the weary public, but they are, all things considered, moderately socially-conservative and hopeful for change, and thus reasonably open to new direction so long as core cultural tradition is respected. The nation is flanked on all sides by ocean and rock, and its nearest trading partners are proximate to the Bay of Bengal. Unfortunately, Blightland is not blessed with abundance in natural resources. There are modest mineral and oil deposits, some bamboo-type lumber, sand for days, though plenty of a particular variety of exotic fruit which is not yet in danger of being over-harvested, one psychoactive plant used for recreation, and low-skill manufacturing. Attempts at coffee plantations have failed as the altitude is not appropriate. Oddly enough, a tea-related plant does grow there, though no spice. Inflation had a wild ride, but is not, at the moment, a huge concern. Debt levels due to mismanagement and previous military expenditure are high.

In broad terms, what will be your restructuring plan for the next 10 years? What is your main goal?

I don't think you need any more info to use your imagination, but if something is profoundly lacking, make it up and I can add it to the OP.

[ferrus]

I propose that every ethnic group in the country sends a delegation to plead for not being genocided.

[Faust]

I propose that every ethnic group in the country sends a delegation to plead for not being genocided.

Right, ethnic groups..

40% Chinese descendant, 20% Indian descendant, 20% Austronesian, 10% English by way of Australia or something, 5% Aboriginal, 5% Arabic.

That may sound "wrong" but that's what you gots.

[ferrus]

Right, ethnic groups..

40% Chinese descendant, 20% Indian descendant, 20% Austronesian, 10% English by way of Australia or something, 5% Aboriginal, 5% Arabic.

That may sound "wrong" but that's what you gots.

Okay. Well I propose using the Chinese ethnic group as a basis of support. Make various insinuations about the Indian and English ethnic groups and how they are profiteering off the backs of other people. Massive appropriations with 'regrettable' violence. Buy off your lackies. Launder vast sums of money. Escape by helicopter when it all caves in.

[Perdix]

Congrats, a military coup has ousted the tyranical dictator of Blightland. You've been elected as leader, whether you like it or not. There is a proud, nationalist streak to the weary public, but they are, all things considered, moderately socially-conservative and hopeful for change, and thus reasonably open to new direction so long as core cultural tradition is respected. The nation is flanked on all sides by ocean and rock, and its nearest trading partners are proximate to the Bay of Bengal. Unfortunately, Blightland is not blessed with abundance in natural resources. There are modest mineral and oil deposits, some bamboo-type lumber, sand for days, though plenty of a particular variety of exotic fruit which is not yet in danger of being over-harvested, one psychoactive plant used for recreation, and low-skill manufacturing. Attempts at coffee plantations have failed as the altitude is not appropriate. Oddly enough, a tea-related plant does grow there, though no spice. Inflation had a wild ride, but is not, at the moment, a huge concern. Debt levels due to mismanagement and previous military expenditure are high.

In broad terms, what will be your restructuring plan for the next 10 years? What is your main goal?

I don't think you need any more info to use your imagination, but if something is profoundly lacking, make it up and I can add it to the OP.

I hold mandatory fluid intelligence tests and spread illness to all but the top 5%, idk, like, prion disease. Control the media, request relief money from the US and UN.

[OrionzRevenge]

Try to institute nation-wide a democratic meritocracy.

Attempt truly egalitarian social policies. The US military has had wonderful success with this sort of thing. If they can do it...

Attempt to cultivate a global market for our 'tea'.

Do bio-medical research on the possible uses for our psychoactive plant. Attempt to implement government control of said production.

Attempt to attract international festivals and such, and invent our own based on our unique offerings. (Such as a cooking competition for our exotic fruit). With the aim of attempting to create an up-scale world market for a limited supply of said fruit.

---------------------------------

Overall, we are attempting to become a net exporter by creating a demand for what little we have.
Use part of the profits to pay down the debt and go green.
Attempt universal health and education initiatives with some of the profits as well.

[MoneyJungle]

Go to the UN and make a crazy speech.

[NedLudd]

Sell what little natural resources there are available to foreign interests and flee the country moments before the inevitable coup attempt.

[Polemarch]

Full employment is probably my main goal. As long as people are working, they don't have time to kill each other or protest in the square.

To attain full employment, I'm making my country extremely foreign investment friendly. Government funded training/education at a relatively basic level. Subsidies/assistance for things like call centers, basic manufacturing, etc. My main expenditures are: 1) infrastructure (roads, electricity, shipping) 2) police (lots of training, lots of oversight - I want to pay them enough that maintaining employment > being corrupt).

I'm not spending dick on social programs, higher education (beyond life skills and job training), etc. Not for at least 20-30 years, until my country has enough money to pay for things like that. For now, I'm keeping expenses low.

There will be human rights abuses, a certain degree of corruption, and a mediocre level of health. But eventually, after a generation of stability and income growth, it will be possible to gradually raise the standard of living.

[Osito Polar]

I would abolish the military (making it less likely for there to be another coup), set up the legal infrastructure for the nation to be an extremely politically transparent democracy that supports human rights. Basically, invest in education and health services of our citizens as the country's top priorities. In terms of strategy, do our best to keep the place stable and spending money wisely but ultimately it'd be a democracy so it'd be up to the consensus of the citizenry and who they choose to elect.

Basically that "no military" thing would be relying heavily on having a gigantic democracy like India as a neighbor. I figure if we throw the place open wide to foreign investment from them, there would be little chance of us getting invaded.