The Coalition
The Coalition | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Headquarters | Spire of Glass (in orbit of Earth) |
| Official languages |
|
Official script |
|
| Type | Intergovernmental organization |
| Membership | 397 member states |
| Leaders | |
• Secretary‑General | Fernando Aslan |
• Deputy Secretary-General | Mathias Gowrie |
• Security Council Presidency | Nicholas Scott |
| Establishment | |
• Coalition Charter signed | 12 February 2152 |
• Charter entered into force | 19 July 2152 |
Website coalition | |
The Coalition of Allied Systems, usually known as just “the Coalition”, is an alliance of planets, moons, starbases, and outposts that represents the majority of humanity and defines interstellar law within human borders. It maintains diplomatic relations with other members of the interstellar community, such as the Vertex Network and the Ir'vaki. It was formed in 2152 by the United Nations, the Central Martian Government, and the Indian Offworld Colonial Administration in the midst of the Second Space Race. The Coalition is formally led by an elected General Secretary, and is officially headquartered at the Spire of Glass, a massive space station in orbit of Earth that houses the General Assembly.
The Coalition maintains its own military, known as the Coalition Defence Fleet (CDF), which is an amalgamation of the forces of member states. Several Coalition departments operate to coordinate science and defence efforts across humanity, including the Interdimensional Research Treaty Organisation (IRTO), the Central Biosecurity Service (CBS), and the Industrial Exophysics Regulatory Commission (IERC). Other departments include the Interstellar Space Agency (ISA) and the Center for Synthetic Rights and Welfare (CSRW). While Raven maintains independence from the Coalition as a treaty-established non-departmental organisation, it is overseen by the Coalition General Assembly.
Funding & Membership
Most Coalition members pledge 14% of national income, but the split is heavily weighted in Raven's favour - 9% to Raven, and 5% to all other functions. Outposts, starbases, developing colonies, and developing nations are eligible for a reduced rate of around 5%, sometimes even as low as 2%, provided they receive sponsorship from an established Coalition member. Such developing nations are granted access to the full range of Coalition infrastructure, including IRTO membership, but they are expected to graduate and start paying the full rate once a GDP threshold is met. In order to become a Coalition member, prospective nations must pass a majority vote by all existing full members; developing members are not granted a vote.
Some countries, including the Coalition's founding members, have negotiated a "reduced rate" in exchange for non-financial contributions. This has had the effect of souring relations with other members and sowing division within the General Assembly. Many members that joined before the rise in rates suffered severe cuts to social services and infrastructure, lowering their standard of living significantly. On multiple occasions, the Strategic Intelligence Office has conducted coups against the governments of smaller members planning to leave the alliance over fees, in order to protect Raven's income.