Have you ever had one of those days when you wish you could be in charge? The dream of having your own country shines like a star on the horizon before winking out with a wistful sigh. But for a select few this dream can become reality, and instead of sighing like a maiden aunt full of regret the stars blaze with glory as a new land is born. These countries, known as ‘Micronations’ can range from a person’s house to entire empires, with some of them having a rich history due to their unique perspectives on world affairs, so in order to gain a better understanding on what these territories are actually all about sickshirpse.com has interviewed the leaders of The Republic of Molossia and the Aerican Empire just for you. First up, it’s Molossia.
The Molossian nation was founded in 1977 (or year I on the Molossian Calendar) and, following a nomadic period was officially founded in 1995 (XVIII) in Nevada, USA. In 1998 (XXII) Molossia was officially declared a republic and Kevin Baugh was made President.
Molossia is one of the oldest Micronations and as a result has seen conflict with a number of other Micronations as well as East Germany, who never ceased hostilities begun in 1983 before becoming defunct.
Eric Hoeneker, The Molossian face of evil.
So what’s it like to run your own country? President Kevin Baugh was more than willing to answer a few questions for sickchirpse.com.
Sick Chirpse (SC): Mr President, how does Molossia maintain its independence from other nations?
President Kevin Baugh (KB): Frankly, we are so small that we are generally ignored by most larger countries. This is a huge advantage in that it allows us to avoid international entanglements and especially allows us to reap the economic benefits of our giant neighbour, the United States. In addition, our general obscurity ensures that we are beholding to no one and can develop our nation as we see fit.
SC: Do you find it a struggle to persuade people to accept the independence of Molossia? Do people ever refuse to take you seriously as a head of state?
KB: No, not really. Since the larger nations ignore us, there is no dispute from them regarding our sovereignty. As for the smaller, or “micro”nations, our longevity, activity and creativity has ensured that we are a very well-respected nation indeed.
SC: What are the chief products and cultural aspects of Molossia?
KB: Well, we lack much in natural resources, thus our economy is very focused on tourism; we receive about twenty tourist visits a year. In addition, we sell stamps, coins and honorary commissions in the Molossian Navy, all of which augment our economy nicely. Culturally we are rather eclectic, enjoying a relaxed, western lifestyle. We also enjoy adopting unique aspects of other cultures as they suit as, such as Chinese holidays, along with our own customs, such as cookie dough fests.
SC: Do you have any plans to extend Molossia economically, culturally or physically?
KB: We are always seeking opportunities to expand Molossia where and whenever possible. At this time there are no plans for physical expansion, but that could always change. Our culture is continually evolving, since we are a young nation, with an energetic and imaginative population. And of course we always seek ways to bring revenue into Molossia, as long as it is in concert with our national image and our commitment to the environment.
SC: Have the driving goals of Molossia altered at all since its creation?
KB: Not at all. Our driving goal has always been to have our own nation and to excel at it. In this I think we have been very successful.
SC: Are these goals at odds with any other nations, other than East Germany?
KB: Not that I am aware of. Most micronations seek their own niche, and avoid treading on others. Molossia has been going along on our current path for a very long time and we have gained a great deal of respect from other nations as a result.
SC: Are any nations hostile towards the existence of Molossia, other than East Germany?
KB: No, not really. On occasion new micronations like to declare war on Molossia, probably more out of envy and an excess of testosterone than for any other reason. But generally we are well-liked and we certainly prefer peaceful relations with all nations.
SC: Has being the ruler of your own micronation altered your life in any way?
KB: Yes, I think so. While not exactly a household name, I have gained a small amount of fame as the leader of Molossia, and this has impacted my privacy a bit. In addition I have to be careful what I say, as it can get repeated. Molossia has brought The First Family and I a certain amount of notoriety and with that comes responsibility.
SC: What is your proudest achievement in regard to being the ruler of Molossia?
KB: Molossia itself is my proudest achievement. My stamp is on everything that we have done and it is very much a reflection of me and my creativity. Along with that, I am proud of the impact that Molossia has had on younger micronationalists, an impact that I do not take lightly. Molossia is a leader among unrecognized nations and I am very proud to be at the helm of my nation.
So if you’ve ever wished you could run your own country take inspiration from the Republic of Molossia and live the dream my friends, live the dream.
You can find out more about Molossia at www.molossia.org and thanks again to President Kevin Baugh for his cooperation.
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