User:NuclearVacuum/Sandbox/New Union

= New Union =


 * La Nueva Unión (Spanish version)

To-Do List

 * Soviet Union


 * Soviet Union Pavilion at Epcot
 * Kaliningrad Disney
 * (alternative)
 * LGBT flag of the Soviet Union (New Union).svg Гей окей! (60% opposition/16% support in 2002)
 * New Soviet interplanetary missions (e.g., ', ', Saturn?).
 * The USSR's economy was (after the US).
 * The population of the USSR was larger than the USA's around 1990.
 * The becomes the basis for Nintendo's popularity in the USSR.
 * 1999 elections in Russia
 * Russian push for 2012 Moon shot
 * (Russian is the second most-used language [OTL])
 * to become more of a global search engine (on par with Google).
 * Dagestan was a directorial republic? (see )
 * Dagestan was a directorial republic? (see )


 * Foreign Issues


 * Have and  remain in a currency union with the USSR . The Baltic states were moving out, while Moldova becomes moot following reunification with Romania.
 * Have Armenia and Georgia remain part of the (zone 7). Possibly have Mongolia (and maybe Afghanistan) join in?
 * With NATO not expanding into Eastern Europe, NATO as a whole would be more willing to cooperate with the USSR?
 * Cuban election ideas
 * (Democratic socialist Cuban)
 * (Spanish version says this guy is president??)
 * Partition of Afghanistan for ending the war
 * remains in power in . He may be voted out of office after a single term.
 * (and/or his sons) retain power in Iraq to this day.
 * Why Did They Rename Zaire?

Flags of New Union
{{legend|pink|OTL contemporary flag}} {{legend|lightblue|OTL historic flag}} {{legend|wheat|OTL proposed flag}} {{legend|lightgreen|Personal flag}}

"States" of a Romanian Federation
Following the successful separation of and and  from  in the early 1990s, there no longer exists any reason why Moldova can't reunify with Romania. Reunification takes place in the mid 1990s, with a new constitution and government being adopted for the newly reunified nation. A federation is established with Moldova becoming its own "state", while "Romania Proper" is separated into several new subdivisions.


 * Potential States/Provinces


 * (maybe)




 * /Moldavia (historically known as )


 * (historically known as )


 * Flag of Szekely Land.svg





Soviet ruble 2014

 * Old layout (2012)

Denomination ideas

 * Coins


 * 5 kopeks
 * 10 kopeks
 * 25 kopeks
 * 50 kopeks
 * 1 ruble
 * 2 rubles


 * Banknotes


 * 5 rubles
 * 10 rubles
 * 25 rubles
 * 50 rubles
 * 100 rubles
 * 200 rubles
 * 500 rubles
 * 1000 rubles

'Merica
As of right now it has been canonized that in 1998 Puerto Rico. This snowballs into the admission of two states into the US. Puerto Rico and the USVI become the single "State of Puerto Rico," while Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are united to for the "State of Mariana."

However, I've been considering for a while the fate of. Clearly too small to become a viable state, I've been considering the idea that it is annexed/merged into Hawaii (thereby getting the benefits of being within the US). A couple of sites have suggested the same thing.

I feel this to be the best options for the following reasons.


 * 1) There exists proposals to just tack on American Samoa onto a Guam statehood proposal. Hawaii is closer to AS than Guam (or Micronesia in general).
 * 2) Culturally the  and  are, with their languages being very similar.
 * 3) In an ironic twist, the monarchies of Hawaii and Samoa were confederated. This was for a VERY short time, but a historical connection none the less.


 * Links


 * http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=51st_state&oldid=360395097#Other_U.S._territories_or_former_territories
 * http://petervandever.com/2013/03/should-american-samoa-be-a-state/
 * http://www.hawaiiankingdom.org/treaty_samoa.shtml

Another Look At Europe


With the ongoing crises in Eastern Europe OTL, I've decided to take another look at what Europe would be like in the New Union timeline. The following is what I currently have in mind.


 * and the

There was an unwritten agreement between and  that NATO would not expand beyond a reunited Germany (i.e., East Germany). This agreement never lasted, with Poland et al. becoming part of NATO in 1999 (with more joining by today).

With the USSR continuing to be a superpower and under the administration of Nikolai Ryzhkov, Moscow would put more pressure on its neighbors to remain out of NATO. ('see "Visegrad Group" below'').

As for the European Union, it may also not expand much ATL for similar reasons as NATO. Norway would join in 1995 (with their referendum being a yes). Eastern Europe and the Balkans would not be included, but would still show close ties with the EU.



The V3 was established between, , and in the early 1990s as a co-operative organization. The main goals of the V3 were to be integrated into NATO and the EU, which would not happen ATL. Instead the group would be re-organized into something new (an expansion of my "").

From what I've read about him, I feel confident that could play a key role in this scenario. Havel was the President of Czechoslovakia and unilaterally dissolved the. In a similar move, he favored the notion that NATO was going to dissolve in the future and would be replaced with a pan-European defense organization (barring the USA and USSR). The ongoing conflicts in the Balkans and the former USSR lead Havel to see this as being impossible and that NATO was the best option for the region.

ATL, the wars in the former USSR would be minor and short-lived, while the Yugoslav Wars would not be as devastating as OTL. It would also be likely (though probably downplayed slightly) that those in Slovakia (which is still part of Czechoslovakia) would remain pro-Soviet (compared to the anti-Soviet Czech Republic). In comparison, the situation in Czechoslovakia would be similar to that of the (divided loyalties). Fearing a violent dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the continued belief that NATO was still lacking motivation since the end of the Cold War, Havel would propose a new policy for the Visegrad Group. Havel opposes NATO membership and instead favors a united defense force for the V3 that co-operates with both sides (something similar to what's being proposed OTL). EU membership is still seen as a goal, but it would not happen by today. The V3 instead begin to integrate themselves into a "mini-EU." The overall goal of this is to assure regional independence/co-operation, while creating a buffer zone between NATO and the USSR (which would be favored by Moscow).

There may also exist the possibility of and  becoming members of the V3 (V5), as these states have historical connections. I also seem some potential for the to join this group, but it wouldn't surprise me to see these three willingly remain out (''see "Baltic States" below).



,, and would likely remain the most anti-Soviet states of Europe (just like OTL). Because of this, they may oppose participation in the Visegrad Group and would focus completely on NATO and EU membership. Both would not happen by today and their membership in either is a controversial topic. Regardless of which, the Baltic States would still be pro-European and would be closer to them.


 * (excluding Yugoslavia)

(minus and ) would still reunite with  into a federation.

From what I've read about and, these two have the potential to remain economically tied with the USSR. In 1994, a pro-Moscow government is, but crumbles OTL. With the USSR being economically and politically stable, I could see them helping Bulgaria out and allowing the BSP to remain popular. Romania would continue to be lead by a socialist government until the 2000s (OTL). The inclusion of Moldova would mean more votes of a left-leaning government.

Both states would remain militarily neutral (though I could see the USSR inviting them to join the CSTO). Instead, these two would become economically and politically closer to Moscow.

I would also guess that would re-emerge as being pro-Soviet in a manner similar to how they are pro-USA OTL (51st state).


 * Former Yugoslavia

The still dissolves into five new states (with one of them being a rump ). Croatia and Slovenia would be closer to the west, while Macedonia and Yugoslavia would be closer to the USSR. Macedonia may have considered reunification with Yugoslavia during the 2000s.

Rather than rejecting the at the last second, the leaders of  ratify the plan. BiH would adopt a Swiss-styled system of ethnic cantons and a directorial executive. The (as we know it) doesn't happen (as the major factions agree to share power early on). Instead, the more nationalistic groups start an insurgency, which is gradually crushed due to UN-peacekeeping (no NATO). BiH becomes a buffer state between Croatia and Serb-dominated Yugoslavia, which continue to fight each other.

The ends around 1995 when the proposed  is reluctantly ratified between Croatia and the  (the Soviets would put pressure on Yugoslavia and Krajina to accept the deal). Krajina is required to return much of its claimed territory, in exchange Croatia would recognize them as an autonomous territory. Both sides are unhappy with the plan, yet war ends.

The USSR (being their only real ally) would put pressure on the FRY to hold free elections by the late 1990s. would be elected President and would work to democratize and liberalize the FRY. This includes striking a peace deal with so that they remain in the FRY (now as an equal republic). and soon follow. What's left of Serbia is divided into regional republics.

New Elections for the Soviet Union
Based on new information that I came across, I've been rethinking how elections will take place in the. This will include the restructuring of the, new presidential elections, and a new lineup of political parties. The following is what I currently have in mind, though this may change over time.

The last legislative election to take place in the USSR was in. With the Supreme Soviet serving five-year terms, the next election would've been scheduled for 1994. For this scenario, the 1994 election will happen as planed. Subsequent elections will then take place in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014.

I don't recall the source, but I remember reading that was intending to resign the presidency some time after the  was ratified. For this scenario, he waits until a new constitution is ratified before resigning. This means that presidential elections will take place in 1992, which (no doubt) would be an positive move for the newly transformed USSR to democratically elect their leader. With the President serving a five-year term, this means that subsequent elections would take place in 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012.

The first democratically elected leader of the USSR would be, whose administration would be seen as a compromise between hardliners and reformers. His administration focuses mostly on domestic issues (such as corruption and the economy) but would continue to support their allies abroad (especially in their own moves towards democracy). The USSR does not implement to its economy, opting instead for a middle, China like ground of gradual privatization. This improves the Soviet economy and allows the ruble to become a global currency by today.

The presidential election in 2002 would see the rise of a new candidate who runs under a conservative and platform. This administration would be noted for its role in the "re-globalization" of the USSR, especially in the and the Soviet invasion of  following terrorist attacks in Moscow. In a manner similar to George W. Bush, this administration would be more and would attempt to curb liberties in the name of security. Unlike OTL, the Soviet people won't tolerate this, voting him out of office in the most heated election in Soviet history. A potential candidate to fit this persona could be, a former general whose quoted many authoritarian leaders (e.g., ). Despite dying in 2002, Lebed's death could be butterflied away if elected President months prior.

The heated election of 2007 would see the rise of to the presidency, whose administration would be liberal and populist. Her administration sees the largest economic growth of the Soviet Union, further privatization, and generally a very positive time for the USSR. Tereshkova will remain in office until 2017.

As part of this scenario, the USSR today would be dominated by three political parties: a conservative party on par with, a liberal party on par with , and a pro-Gorbachev socialist party. These three form the basis for the "" of the USSR. With the first system being complete control by the Communist Party (1917-1990), the second system comprises the domination of the CPSU and the during the 1990s. As of the recent legislative elections (either 2009 or 2014), I'm thinking the Socialists form a coalition government with the Communists (similar to what has been trying to do with the ), creating the first socialist government of the USSR in over a decade.


 * Political Party Name Ideas


 * Constitution(al) Party &mdash; liberalism
 * Democratic Party &mdash; conservatism
 * Workers' Party &mdash; socialism

An alternative (since my mind is still on Venusian Haven a little) is that the Communists and remain in power today. Anti-communist sentiment still leads to the rise of the LDPSU in the early '90s. The latter-half of the decade sees the falling out of the LDPSU into two new parties: the Democratic Party and the Liberal Party. The Democrats center around nationalism and conservatism, while the Liberals are... well, liberal. During this infighting, the Communists gradually reform their platform. First into Rutskoy's Communists for Democracy and into today's social democrats/democratic socialists (i.e., comparable to other communist parties during this time).

The Democrats win the presidency in 2002, only to loose it to the Liberals in 2007. In 2014, the Communists win the control of the Supreme Soviet for the first time in a decade.


 * Old List


 * Communist Party &mdash;, ,


 * Democratic Unity &mdash;, ,


 * Green Party &mdash; ,


 * Party of Regions &mdash;, ,


 * Pirate Party &mdash;


 * Renaissance Party &mdash;


 * Soviet People's Bloc &mdash;, , ,


 * Union of Social Democrats &mdash; ,


 * "Yabloko" &mdash; ,

Others




 * More Detailed CPSU/LDPSU Ideas

Ryzhkov (an Independent) wins the presidential election in 1992. Legislative elections take place in 1994, in which the LDPSU wins a plurality (if not a majority). Political parties during this time were predominantly regional, but the LDPSU gained national popularity as an anti-communist alternative. The party itself was internally split between a conservative base and a liberal minority, with anti-communism and regionalism being the main factor keeping it together.

Following Ryzhkov's re-election in 1997, the LDPSU begins to collapse. By the time of the 1999 legislative elections, the party ceased to exist and was divided into two new parties. The conservatives formed the Democratic Party (DPSU), while the liberals form the Liberal Party (LPSU). Both parties split the Supreme Soviet, giving the CPSU a slight edge.

In 2002, Democratic Lebed wins the presidency. Following the terrorist attacks on the USSR in 2003, the Democrats win a majority in 2004. Lebed's authoritarian policies cause him to loose to Liberal challenger Tereshkova in 2007. Both houses of the Supreme Soviet would be split in 2009 (with the Liberals possibly forming a coalition with the Communists?).

During this whole period, the CPSU goes through many changes during its time in opposition. The party of the 1990s was lead by the Lukashenko-Rutskoy Bloc (Communists for Democracy). This began to change during the 2000s as the party transformed into a social democratic and left-wing populist party (ironically more on par with Gorbachev's policies). In 2014, the Communists regain control of the Supreme Soviet for the first time in 20 years.


 * {{legend|red|Communist Party &mdash;, , , , }}
 * {{legend|blue|Democratic Party &mdash;, /, , }}
 * {{legend|yellow|Liberal Party &mdash;, , , , }}


 * Timeline WIP


 * 1992 &mdash; New constitution ratified, first presidential elections held. Following a run-off election, Nikolai Ryzhkov (I) becomes the first democratically elected leader of the USSR. Legislative elections are also held (though elected members are to serve only a two-year term). The CPSU looses its domination in both houses, with the LDPSU winning the majority.


 * 1994 &mdash; The second legislative elections are held. The LDPSU looses its majority, but retains a plurality. An Anti-Communist coalition is established between the LDPSU, minor parties, and Independents.


 * 1996 &mdash; A turning point for politics within the USSR, Communist challenger defeats  for the Russian presidency. The CPSU soon sees a revival of sorts.


 * 1997 &mdash; The LDPSU becomes splintered during the presidential elections. Ryzhkov wins a second term. The LDPSU soon splits into two new parties (DPSU and the LPSU).


 * 1999 &mdash; The CPSU, DPSU, and LPSU pick up seats. DPSU still retains a plurality.


 * 2002 &mdash; DPSU candidate wins the presidency, becoming the first non-Communist leader.


 * 2004 &mdash; Following the USSR's involvement in the War on Terror, the DPSU wins a majority in the Supreme Soviet. The CPSU looses some seats to the LPSU.


 * 2007 &mdash; In the most heated election in the nation's history, LPSU challenger defeats incumbent Lebed.


 * 2009 &mdash; The DPSU looses their majority. A coalition between the CPSU and the LPSU control the government.


 * 2012 &mdash; Tereshkova wins re-election.


 * 2014 &mdash; The CPSU picks up more seats. The CPSU/LPSU coalition remains in tact. (Communists may outnumber Liberals to lead the coalition).


 * Notes from OTL Parties


 *  &mdash; centrism, center-left? (LPSU?)
 *  &mdash; centrism, conservatism (DPSU)
 *  &mdash; centrism, liberalism (LPSU)


 * Other Party Ideas



New Political Parties of the USSR

 * Major Parties

{{legend|red|Communist Party &mdash;, , , }}

{{legend|blue|Democratic Party &mdash;, , , , }}

{{legend|yellow|Liberal Party &mdash;, , , , , }}


 * Minor Parties

{{legend|orange|Christian Democratic Party &mdash;, , }}

{{legend|white|Congress of Russian Communities &mdash;, , , }}

{{legend|green|Green Party &mdash;, , }}

{{legend|black|Monarchist Party &mdash;, , }}

{{legend|brown|National Bolshevik Party &mdash;, , , , }}

{{legend|olive|Renaissance Party &mdash;, }}

{{legend|pink|Social Democratic Party &mdash;, , }}


 * WIP Parties


 * and
 * and
 * and

Moscow Metro Bombing

 * References



Layout of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR
The Supreme Soviet (lit. "Supreme Council") is the of the. A body, the Supreme Soviet consists of a lower house (the Soviet of the Union) and an upper house (the Soviet of Republics). Both chambers have the exact same number of seats, both are given equal rights to introduce legislation, and both must agree on legislation before it can go to the President (to become law or vetoed).

For this scenario, both chambers will consist of 900 seats (making a total of 1800 seats).

Soviet of the Union
The Soviet of the Union (lit. "Council of the Union") is the and is democratically elected by the citizens of the Soviet Union. Exactly half of these seats (450) are distributed among the subjects of the USSR based on population (though each is entitled to at least one). The remaining half is proportionally chosen based on a second, union-wide vote on the support of a particular political party (with a threshold of 5% required to gain any seats). This is called a (or mixed-member majoritarian).

Based on their representation, the subjects will be divided into single-member constituencies of (roughly) equal population. The leader of the Soviet of the Union will be the Chairman/Chairwoman, who is elected among the members of the council and is usually the leader of the ruling political party. Elections for the council take place every five years.

Soviet of Republics
The Soviet of Republics (lit. "Council of Republics") is the and is based on equality among the subjects of the Soviet Union. Each republic and union city will send 20 deputies (or senators?) while the autonomous republics send 10. Unlike the Soviet of the Union or the former, this council is not democratically elected by the people. Instead, the individual Supreme Soviets of the subjects vote on those to represent their subject (similar to the United States Senate prior to the 17th Amendment). This came about as a compromise to give the sovereign republics more national say (likely backed by Russia and the Ukraine, among others).

Somewhat similar to the of South Africa, the Supreme Soviets have generally appointed deputies/senators based proportionally to the control of that subject (though this is not always the case). All deputies/senators are up for election every five years (unlike the US Senate).

Among the jobs this Council does is confirm appointments by the President (Prime Minister, Justices, Cabinet officials, etc.). The leader of the Council will be the Chairman/Chairwoman, who is elected among the members of the council and is usually the leader of the ruling political party.

Getting Pissed Off!


I've been working on this particular topic on and off for the past few years, contemplating different ways to have it work out. But with all the personal frustration I'm having over Russia's blatantly backwards attitude over this issue, I've decided to "come out of the closet" (bad pun is bad) and will be openly working on the best case scenario for the New Union timeline.


 * The USSR would (once again) decriminalize same-sex relations around 1992 (possibly written within the constitution). This would become a federal law, meaning all the republics would now recognize this earlier (as is the case with Azerbaijan and much of Central Asia) or would now adopt what they wouldn't OTL (as is Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan).


 * While some republics may do so (such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, and the Ukraine), the constitution of the USSR will not define marriage between a man and a woman. A family code may be adopted, but more on this below.


 * With the continuation of and the, a Gay Rights Movement would gain more ground within the USSR. The LGBT community is able to safely state their case and gain more sympathy.


 * The mid to late 2000s would become a turning point within the USSR as the Liberal Party takes hold. While initially hesitant to take sides, the LPSU is now supportive of equal rights. The CPSU is slowly moving in this direction, while the DPSU is strongly opposed to this.


 * Some republics may independently take the final steps and recognize same-sex marriages. Karelia and Saint Petersburg seem like the best candidates, with Moscow being iffy (given ).


 * For the best case scenario, the Constitutional Court of the USSR rules on the issue and concludes that the republican bans and other laws go against the constitution. The USSR follows a similar path as Brazil and South Africa.


 * In such a case, an anti-discrimination act may need to be required to assure this takes hold.


 * The national consensus today stands at around 40% in support of gay rights and 60% opposed (on par with Brazil, South Africa, and South Korea).

Little Red Scare
The Little Red Scare is an idea I've had for a while. The period between the POD (1991) up until the would see the post-Cold War world begin to settle with a democratic USSR and its reemergence as a global superpower.


 * More Soviet involvement in the
 * Bulgaria and Romania return to Soviet influence.
 * Norway votes to join the EU.
 * The V3 and the Baltic States are pressured away from the EU and NATO.
 * Afghanistan becomes a pro-Soviet democracy and monarchy. This would be considered a huge embarrassment for the US as they can no longer oppose Soviet-dominance in the nation (especially since the pro-Pakistani forces aren't democratic).
 * Many pro-Western nations begin to open up with the USSR, ending western domination there. These include Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, and South Africa (to name a few).
 * With a growing Soviet presence in the Caribbean (Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, etc.), Puerto Ricans in 1998. All the territories of the US are eventually re-organized.
 * Sino-Soviet relations don't become as friendly as OTL and both remain rivals (comparable to the US-USSR relations). With a growing Soviet economy, the CCP also sees the Soviet's success as a threat to their control.
 * Sino-Soviet relations don't become as friendly as OTL and both remain rivals (comparable to the US-USSR relations). With a growing Soviet economy, the CCP also sees the Soviet's success as a threat to their control.

Autonomous Republics... Again
The majority of the autonomous areas within the USSR were in the process of becoming full ASSRs (if not full SSRs). This continues to this day.


 * Always Canon


 * (self creation)
 * (self creation)
 * (self creation)
 * (self creation)
 * (self creation)
 * (self creation)
 * (self creation)


 * To Be Re-Canonized


 * (exclave)
 * (supported by Yakutia)
 * (supported by Yakutia)
 * (oil rich)
 * (oil rich)
 * (oil rich)

Formal Names of the Autonomous Republics

 * Altai Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Altai (colloquial)
 * Altai (colloquial)


 * Baltia
 * Baltic Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Baltia (colloquial)


 * Chukotka
 * Chukotka Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Chukotka (colloquial) &mdash;


 * Evenk Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Evenkia (colloquial)
 * Evenkia (colloquial)


 * Badakhshan Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Badakhshan (colloquial) &mdash;
 * Badakhshan (colloquial) &mdash;


 * Birobidzhan Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Birobidzhan(er) Jewish Autonomous Republic (alternative)
 * Jewish Autonomous Republic (historic)
 * Birobidzhan (colloquial)
 * Birobidzhan (colloquial)


 * Khakass Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Khakassia (colloquial)
 * Khakassia (colloquial)


 * Yugra Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Republic (historic)
 * Yugra (colloquial)
 * Yugra (colloquial)


 * Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Nakhchivan (colloquial)
 * Nakhchivan (colloquial)


 * Nenets Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Nenetsia (colloquial)
 * Nenetsia (colloquial)


 * Steppeland
 * Steppe Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Autonomous Republic of the Steppe(s) (alternative) &mdash;
 * Steppeland (colloquial) &mdash; German


 * Talysh Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Talyshistan (colloquial)
 * Talyshistan (colloquial)


 * Taymyr Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Dolgan-Nenets Autonomous Republic (historic)
 * Taymyr (colloquial)
 * Taymyria (archaic)
 * Taymyria (archaic)


 * Yamal Autonomous Republic (formal)
 * Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Republic (historic)
 * Yamal (colloquial)
 * Yamalia (archaic)
 * Yamalia (archaic)

Political Structure of the USSR
I'm still not 100%. So this is just to help me out.


 * President &mdash; The head of state, commander-in-chief, and the main figure of the executive branch. Democratically elected to serve a five-year term (no more than two consecutive terms).


 * Vice President &mdash; Elected along with the President, the second most important figure within the USSR, and is to represent the USSR when the President is unavailable. The first in the line of succession.


 * Cabinet of Ministers &mdash; An executive body which assists the President. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Soviet of Republics (upper house). Pretty much similar to the presidential cabinet of the USA.


 * Prime Minister &mdash; the head of government of the USSR. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Soviet of Republics. The head of the primary minister of the Cabinet of Ministers (hence the name Prime Minister). Not required to be a member of the Supreme Soviet, though may need to be a member of the ruling political party . Fourth in the line of succession.


 * Chairman of the Soviet of Republics &mdash; the speaker of the upper house of the Supreme Soviet. Is elected among the members of the council and is usually the leader of the ruling party. The second in line of succession.


 * Chairman of the Soviet of the Union &mdash; the speaker of the lower house of the Supreme Soviet. Elected among the members of the council and is usually the leader of the ruling party. Third in line of succession.


 * Constitutional Court &mdash; the highest judiciary body of the USSR (equivalent to the US Supreme Court). To consists of 25 members, each to serve a life term. The President of the USSR appoints members when a seat is vacant, and the Soviet of Republics confirms these members.




 * 1) Vice President
 * 2) Chairman of the Soviet of Republics
 * 3) Chairman of the Soviet of the Union
 * 4) Prime Minister

Unlike in the US, the line of succession is only temporary and new elections are required to happen within three months of the President's resignation/death/impeachment.

Presidents of the Soviet Republics
The republics and autonomous republics of the Soviet Union will be headed by a President, who will be democratically elected by the citizens of those republics. Because the republics remain subordination to the USSR and that democratic elections have become the norm, many of the republics will have different leaders than OTL.

The following is a potential lineup for such Presidents.


 * 1)  (I?) (1994-2004)
 * 1)  (I?) (1994-2004)


 * 1)  (CPSU?) (1990-2000?) (w/o resignation)
 * 1)  (CPSU?) (1990-2000?) (w/o resignation)


 * c/s
 * c/s


 * 1)  (I) (1991-2001?) (future USSR VP?)
 * 1)  (I) (1991-2001?) (future USSR VP?)


 * 1)  (I) (1990-2000?)
 * 1)  (I) (1990-2000?)


 * 1)  (I) (1991-1996)
 * 2)  (CPSU) (1996-2006?)
 * 1)  (CPSU) (1996-2006?)


 * 1)  (CPSU) (1990-2000?) (w/o August Coup)
 * 1)  (CPSU) (1990-2000?) (w/o August Coup)


 * 1)  (I?) (1991-2001?)
 * 1)  (I?) (1991-2001?)


 * 1)  (CPSU?) (1990-2000?)
 * 1)  (CPSU?) (1990-2000?)


 * 1)  (I) (1991-1996?)
 * 1)  (I) (1991-1996?)


 * 1)  (CPSU?) (1990-2000?)
 * 1)  (CPSU?) (1990-2000?)


 * 1)  (CPSU?) (1993-2003?)
 * 1)  (CPSU?) (1993-2003?)

Middle East 2015
The following is a list of several scenarios that might play out in the Middle East during this timeline. Much is already canon, while others are clarifications from previous discussions.


 * Egypt


 * presidency 2012?


 * Iraq (completely new idea from what is canon)


 * remains in power (I doubt Gore would invade Iraq).
 * Sanctions are lifted around the 2000s (pushed by China and the USSR). The economy improves.
 * If Saddam naturally dies during this time, his son,, appears to hold the most potential in being his successor (at least from what I've been reading).
 * When the Arab Spring happens, either Hussein would very quickly crush any rebellion before it even started (similar to the post-Gulf War rebellions). Many Iraqis die yet the Husseins remain in power.


 * Iraqi Kurdistan (post Gulf War) was a de facto independent nation. I would assume this would remain so today. No country recognizes this, but many (such as the US and maybe the USSR [depending on their relations with Hussein]) are very friendly towards the Kurdish government. A Somaliland/Northern Cyprus-like situation is taking place. Such a Kurdistan would be much smaller than OTL (especially OTL recently).

Mesopotamia

 * The CIA pot to kill Saddam Hussein covertly takes place.


 * Saddam Hussein is assassinated around 1995. The power vacuum quickly leads to chaos and a civil war breaks out. The Sunni government is fighting against Shias in the south and the Kurds in the north.


 * After years of fighting (between 1998-2002), a ceasefire and peace agreement is established for Iraq. The nation is to be transformed into a new federation named Mesopotamia and to adopt a new image. Oil revenues are to be equally distributed across the nation.


 * The federation would consist of Kurdistan, Iraq (Sunni Republic), and Babylon (Shia Republic). The cities of Baghdad and Mosul become charter cities.


 * Republics/States


 * Iraq (Shia State)
 * Jazira (Sunni State)
 * Kurdistan (Kurdish State)


 * Baghdad (city state)
 * Mosul (city state)