The Great Sundering (2019-2024)

The *Great Sundering, also known as the Global War of 2019-2024*, was a period of widespread armed conflict that engulfed much of the world between 2019 and 2024. Emerging from the embers of regional disputes, notably the Lighthouse War, this global conflagration dramatically reshaped international relations, resulting in tens of millions of casualties and a profound re-ordering of geopolitical power. Unlike previous conflicts, the Great Sundering was not easily categorized by ideological divides, but rather driven by a complex interplay of historical grievances, resource competition, and shifting alliances. The war concluded with an armistice formalized in the Treaty of Nordennavic, yet its legacy continued to cast a long shadow, leaving behind a world scarred by loss and uncertainty.

Origins of the Conflict

The roots of the Great Sundering can be traced to the turbulent decades following the Circum-Pacific War and the Continental War, conflicts which, while geographically contained, exposed deep fissures in the global order. The rising prominence of the Kingdom of Erusea, fueled by rapid industrialization and a burgeoning aerospace industry, created new tensions within the established balance of power. While officially committed to peaceful development, Erusea's assertive foreign policy, particularly in the Usean continent and surrounding regions, was viewed with increasing suspicion by other major powers, most notably the Osean Federation.

Osea, still the dominant global power in the early 21st century, found itself navigating a world where its unchallenged hegemony was increasingly contested. Decades of maintaining global stability through a network of alliances and economic influence had fostered resentment in some quarters, with nations like Yuktobania and Emmeria harboring historical grievances and aspirations for greater autonomy. The collapse of the Asteroid City and the subsequent Lighthouse War, while initially localized, acted as a catalyst, demonstrating the vulnerability of the global infrastructure and the potential for rapid escalation of regional disputes into wider conflicts. The deployment of advanced drone technology and space-based weaponry during the Lighthouse War further underscored the changing nature of warfare, raising anxieties about a new arms race and the erosion of traditional security paradigms.

Furthermore, the economic fallout from the Lighthouse War and related crises exacerbated existing inequalities between nations. Resource scarcity, particularly access to rare earth minerals and energy sources, became a major flashpoint. Nations that felt marginalized by the existing global economic system saw the growing tensions as an opportunity to renegotiate their positions, leading to a volatile mix of national ambition and economic desperation. It was in this complex and fraught atmosphere that the initial sparks of the Great Sundering ignited, quickly spreading beyond regional confines to engulf the world in a conflict of unprecedented scale and intensity.

Precursors to War

Several key events in the years leading up to 2019 foreshadowed the impending global conflict. Firstly, the Erusean Reclamation Treaties of the late 2010s, while ostensibly aimed at reintegrating territories lost in previous conflicts, were interpreted by many nations as aggressive expansionism. These treaties, often backed by military deployments and economic pressure, strained Erusea's relations with neighboring countries and raised alarm bells in Osea and its allied states. Secondly, a series of proxy conflicts in resource-rich regions, particularly in the Southern Cross and on the Aidean continent, saw Erusean and Osean-aligned nations backing opposing sides, testing the limits of international diplomacy and further militarizing global politics.

Perhaps the most significant precursor was the Nord Usean Crisis of 2018. A border dispute between Nordennavic and its southern neighbor, Ostmark, escalated rapidly as both Erusea and Osea intervened, backing opposing sides. This crisis saw the deployment of large-scale military forces, including advanced aircraft and naval fleets, into the region, bringing Erusea and Osea to the brink of direct confrontation for the first time since the Circum-Pacific War. While ultimately de-escalated through intense diplomatic efforts, the Nord Usean Crisis served as a stark warning, demonstrating the fragility of peace and the ease with which regional tensions could spiral out of control. It also solidified the emerging alliance structures, with nations aligning themselves along either an Erusean or Osean axis, setting the stage for the global conflict that would erupt just months later.

Belligerents

The Great Sundering was characterized by two major opposing coalitions: the Erusean Coalition and the Osean Entente. However, unlike the clearly defined ideological blocs of earlier global conflicts, the allegiances in the Great Sundering were often fluid and pragmatic, driven more by geopolitical considerations and historical circumstances than by rigid ideological alignment. This resulted in a complex and often paradoxical array of alliances, with nations finding themselves on opposing sides despite sharing certain political or economic systems.

The Erusean Coalition

The Erusean Coalition was spearheaded by the Kingdom of Erusea, which emerged as the driving force behind the alliance. Erusea's motivations were multifaceted, encompassing a desire to overturn the post-Circum-Pacific War order, secure access to vital resources, and establish itself as a global power commensurate with its growing economic and military strength. Key members of the Erusean Coalition included:

• Kingdom of Yuktobania: Bound to Erusea by a treaty of mutual defense and historical ties dating back centuries, Yuktobania saw the conflict as an opportunity to challenge Osean dominance in the northern hemisphere and assert its own regional influence. Yuktobania's highly modernized military and vast industrial capacity made it a crucial partner for Erusea.
• Federal Republic of Emmeria: Having suffered under Osean economic pressure and seeking to expand its sphere of influence in the Aidean continent, Emmeria joined the Erusean Coalition early in the war. Emmeria's advanced air force and strategic location were vital assets for the coalition.
• Principality of Aurelia: Motivated by resource competition with Osean-aligned nations in the Southern Cross and seeking to secure its maritime trade routes, Aurelia allied with Erusea. Aurelia's naval strength and experience in island warfare proved invaluable.
• Democratic Republic of Belka: Always opportunistic and driven by revanchist ambitions stemming from its defeat in the Belkan War, Belka saw the global conflict as a chance to destabilize the region and potentially regain lost territories and influence. Belka's advanced military technology and willingness to engage in unconventional warfare made it a dangerous, if unreliable, ally for Erusea.
• Republic of Voslage: A resource-rich nation in eastern Usea, Voslage joined the Erusean Coalition primarily to secure favorable trade agreements and access to Erusean markets. Voslage's geographical location was strategically important for controlling key land routes.
• Theocratic Union of Estovnia: Despite its name similarity to Estovakia, Estovnia was a distinct nation in southern Usea, and joined the Erusean coalition due to long-standing border disputes with Osean-backed Sapin and the promise of territorial gains. Estovnia contributed manpower and ground forces to the coalition.
• Federated States of Valahia: A nation located on the Aidean continent, Valahia joined the Erusean coalition seeking to break free from Osean economic influence and gain access to Erusean technological assistance for its industrial development.

The Erusean Coalition, while diverse in its composition, was united by a common desire to challenge the existing global order and reshape the balance of power in their favor. Erusea, as the dominant member, provided the strategic direction and much of the military and economic resources for the coalition's war effort.

The Osean Entente

The Osean Entente was formed around the Osean Federation, which sought to maintain its position as the leading global power and preserve the existing international order. Osea's motivations were primarily defensive, aiming to contain Erusean expansionism and protect its allies and economic interests. Key members of the Osean Entente included:

• Osean Federation: As the cornerstone of the Entente, Osea brought its vast economic and military might to bear against the Erusean Coalition. Osea's strategic goals were to contain Erusea, maintain global stability, and uphold the principles of international law and free trade.
• Kingdom of Sapin: Historically aligned with Osea and sharing a border with Erusea, Sapin was on the front lines of the conflict and played a crucial role in resisting Erusean advances in Usea. Sapin's strong military traditions and advanced air force made it a vital ally for Osea.
• Republic of Ustio: Having benefited from Osean support in the past and viewing Erusea as a potential threat to its independence, Ustio joined the Osean Entente early in the war. Ustio's strategic location and experience in mechanized warfare were valuable assets.
• Federal Republic of Leasath: Despite historical tensions with Osea, Leasath joined the Osean Entente due to its deep-seated rivalry with Erusea and fear of Erusean expansionism in the Aidean continent. Leasath's naval power and advanced missile technology bolstered the Entente's capabilities.
• Republic of San Salvacion: Economically and politically aligned with Osea, San Salvacion joined the Entente to protect its trade routes and regional interests in the Southern Cross. San Salvacion's geographical location and naval forces were strategically important.
• Republic of Recta: A former member of the Independent States Allied Forces (ISAF), Recta joined the Osean Entente out of a sense of solidarity with Osea and a shared history of resisting external aggression. Recta's experienced air force and advanced electronic warfare capabilities were valuable.
• Kingdom of Nordennavic: Despite its later role as a neutral peacemaker, Nordennavic initially joined the Osean Entente due to security concerns and historical ties with Osea. Nordennavic's highly advanced industrial base and technological prowess contributed significantly to the Entente's war effort in the early years.

The Osean Entente, while geographically dispersed and politically diverse, was united by a common concern over Erusean ambitions and a commitment to maintaining the existing global order. Osea's leadership and resources provided the backbone of the Entente's war effort, but the contributions of its allies were essential in sustaining the long and arduous conflict.

Course of the War

The Great Sundering unfolded in distinct phases, marked by shifts in momentum, technological advancements, and evolving geopolitical landscapes. What began as a series of regional conflicts rapidly escalated into a global war, characterized by both conventional and unconventional warfare, with devastating consequences for civilian populations and infrastructure.

Initial Erusean Offensives (2019-2021)

The war commenced with a series of coordinated offensives launched by the Erusean Coalition in early 2019. Taking advantage of pre-existing tensions and utilizing advanced military technologies, Erusea and its allies achieved significant early successes. The Usean Blitzkrieg, as it became known, saw Erusean forces rapidly advance into Sapin and Ustio, overwhelming initial Osean Entente defenses. Simultaneously, Yuktobanian forces launched offensives along their borders with Osean-aligned states in the north, while Emmerian and Aurelian forces secured key strategic locations in the Aidean continent and the Southern Cross, respectively.

These initial offensives were characterized by the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cyber warfare, and precision-guided munitions. Erusea's advanced drone technology, refined during the Lighthouse War, proved particularly effective in disrupting enemy command and control, overwhelming air defenses, and conducting deep penetration strikes. The Osean Entente, initially caught off guard by the scale and sophistication of the Erusean attacks, struggled to mount an effective counter-response. By late 2020, the Erusean Coalition had gained control of vast swathes of territory, including major industrial centers, strategic ports, and key transportation routes. The early phase of the war seemed to indicate a decisive victory for the Erusean Coalition.

However, the initial Erusean successes also galvanized the Osean Entente and spurred a massive mobilization effort. Osea, leveraging its immense industrial capacity and global network of allies, began to ramp up military production, deploy reinforcements to critical fronts, and implement economic sanctions against the Erusean Coalition. The tide began to turn slowly in late 2021, as the Osean Entente started to regain ground and stabilize the front lines.

Mid-War Stalemate and Escalation (2021-2023)

By 2021, the war had devolved into a brutal stalemate across multiple fronts. The initial rapid offensives gave way to protracted trench warfare in some regions, while in others, mobile warfare continued, characterized by fierce air battles and naval engagements. Technological innovation accelerated on both sides, as each coalition sought to break the deadlock through new weapons and strategies. This period saw the deployment of advanced stealth aircraft, railguns, directed energy weapons, and increasingly sophisticated cyber warfare capabilities.

The Battle of the Aidean Straits in mid-2022 marked a turning point in the naval war. A massive engagement between Erusean and Osean-led naval fleets resulted in heavy losses on both sides, but ultimately saw the Osean Entente secure control of vital sea lanes, disrupting Erusean supply lines and limiting their ability to project power globally. On land, the Siege of Presidia became a symbol of the war's attrition. The Emmerian capital, captured by Erusean forces in the initial offensives, was subjected to a year-long siege by Osean Entente forces, resulting in immense destruction and civilian casualties before it was finally liberated.

The most alarming escalation of the war occurred in late 2023 with the Nordennavic Nuclear Incident. In a desperate attempt to break the stalemate on the Usean front, Erusean forces launched a limited tactical nuclear strike against a major Osean Entente logistics hub in Nordennavic territory. While the strike was contained and casualties were relatively limited, it marked the first use of nuclear weapons in a major conflict since the 20th century, sending shockwaves across the globe and raising fears of a full-scale nuclear exchange. The Osean Entente retaliated with a conventional missile strike against a high-value Erusean military target, but refrained from nuclear retaliation, seeking to contain the escalation. The Nordennavic Nuclear Incident served as a stark reminder of the catastrophic potential of the conflict and further intensified international pressure for a negotiated settlement.

Late-War Revolutions and Collapse (2023-2024)

By late 2023, war weariness had become pervasive across both coalitions. Years of relentless conflict, coupled with economic hardship, social disruption, and mounting casualties, fueled widespread discontent and anti-war sentiment. A wave of revolutions swept through several nations on both sides of the conflict, triggered by a combination of war fatigue, economic grievances, and political instability.

The Belkan Spring saw a popular uprising overthrow the autocratic Belkan government, replacing it with a provisional democratic administration that immediately sued for peace and withdrew from the Erusean Coalition. Simultaneously, internal unrest and military mutinies destabilized the Estovnian regime, leading to its collapse and withdrawal from the war. Within the Osean Entente, similar revolutionary movements erupted in Recta and San Salvacion, albeit with less dramatic regime changes, but nonetheless weakening their war efforts and diverting resources to internal security.

These revolutions, while diverse in their origins and outcomes, shared a common thread of anti-war sentiment and a desire for peace. They dramatically shifted the balance of power, weakening both coalitions and creating an opening for a negotiated settlement. By early 2024, with both sides exhausted and facing internal collapse, diplomatic efforts intensified, culminating in a ceasefire and the commencement of peace negotiations in the neutral city of Nordennavic.

Key Campaigns and Battles

The Great Sundering was punctuated by numerous large-scale campaigns and decisive battles that shaped the course of the war. These engagements showcased the evolving nature of warfare in the 21st century, blending conventional and unconventional tactics, and highlighting the devastating impact of modern weaponry.

Operation Western Shield

Operation Western Shield (2019-2020) was the initial Erusean offensive into Sapin and Ustio, marking the start of the ground war in Usea. Spearheaded by Erusean armored divisions and supported by overwhelming air power, the offensive aimed to rapidly seize key strategic objectives, including the Sapin capital of Gründer and the Ustio industrial heartland. The campaign was characterized by the effective use of blitzkrieg tactics, utilizing maneuver warfare and combined arms operations to outflank and overwhelm Osean Entente defenses. While initially successful, capturing vast territories and inflicting heavy casualties, Operation Western Shield ultimately bogged down as Osean Entente forces regrouped and launched counteroffensives, slowing the Erusean advance and transitioning the conflict into a war of attrition in Usea.

Battle of the Aidean Straits

The Battle of the Aidean Straits (2022) was a major naval engagement fought between the Erusean Coalition and the Osean Entente for control of vital maritime routes in the Aidean Sea. Both sides deployed their largest naval fleets, including aircraft carriers, battleships, and submarines, resulting in a massive and protracted battle that lasted for several days. The battle was characterized by intense air combat, surface engagements, and submarine warfare, with both sides employing advanced naval technologies and tactics. While both fleets suffered heavy losses, the Osean Entente ultimately emerged victorious, securing control of the Aidean Straits and effectively cutting off Erusean naval access to the Southern Cross and Aidean continent. This victory proved crucial in disrupting Erusean supply lines and shifting the naval balance of power in favor of the Osean Entente.

Siege of Presidia

The Siege of Presidia (2022-2023) was a prolonged and brutal urban siege of the Emmerian capital city of Presidia, which had fallen to Erusean forces during the initial offensives. Osean Entente forces launched a major counteroffensive to liberate the city, leading to months of intense fighting within the urban environment. The siege was characterized by heavy artillery bombardments, aerial attacks, and fierce street-to-street combat, resulting in widespread destruction and immense civilian casualties. Despite the Osean Entente eventually recapturing Presidia, the siege became a symbol of the war's devastating impact on civilian populations and the futility of attrition warfare. The ruins of Presidia served as a stark reminder of the human cost of the Great Sundering.

Treaty of Nordennavic

The Treaty of Nordennavic, signed in the neutral city of Nordennavic in mid-2024, formally ended the Great Sundering. Negotiations were protracted and complex, involving representatives from all major belligerents and numerous neutral observer states. The treaty aimed to establish a lasting peace, address the underlying causes of the conflict, and create a new framework for international relations.

Terms of the Treaty

The Treaty of Nordennavic was a comprehensive document encompassing a wide range of issues, including territorial adjustments, disarmament measures, economic reparations, and the establishment of new international organizations. Key provisions of the treaty included:

• Territorial Status Quo Ante Bellum: With minor exceptions, the treaty largely restored territorial boundaries to their pre-war state. Erusea was compelled to withdraw from occupied territories in Sapin and Ustio, while Osean Entente forces retreated from Erusean-held areas. This provision reflected the inconclusive nature of the war and the inability of either coalition to achieve decisive territorial gains.
• Disarmament and Arms Control: The treaty imposed limitations on military spending and the production of certain categories of weapons for all signatory nations. It also established an international monitoring agency to oversee disarmament efforts and prevent a renewed arms race. These measures aimed to reduce the risk of future conflicts and promote a more stable security environment.
• Economic Reconstruction and Reparations: The treaty established a framework for international cooperation in the reconstruction of war-torn regions. While no explicit reparations were demanded, the treaty mandated the establishment of a multilateral fund to support economic development and infrastructure rebuilding in nations severely affected by the war.
• Establishment of the Global Accord Council: Perhaps the most significant long-term outcome of the Treaty of Nordennavic was the creation of the Global Accord Council (GAC). Modeled loosely on historical attempts at international cooperation, the GAC was intended to serve as a forum for multilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the promotion of international law. All signatory nations to the Treaty of Nordennavic became founding members of the GAC, committing to peaceful dispute resolution and collective security.

Shortcomings and Long-Term Implications

While the Treaty of Nordennavic successfully ended the Great Sundering, it was not without its shortcomings and limitations. The treaty largely failed to address the underlying geopolitical tensions and historical grievances that had fueled the conflict in the first place. The restoration of the territorial status quo ante bellum left many nations feeling that their sacrifices had been in vain, while the economic reconstruction efforts proved slow and inadequate in addressing the widespread devastation.

Furthermore, the Global Accord Council, while intended to prevent future conflicts, was hampered by inherent structural weaknesses and the continued rivalry between major powers. The GAC lacked effective enforcement mechanisms and was often paralyzed by political divisions and national interests. As a result, the Treaty of Nordennavic ushered in an era of uneasy peace, rather than a truly lasting resolution. Lingering geopolitical tensions, coupled with the unresolved issues from the war, continued to cast a shadow over international relations, setting the stage for future conflicts and rivalries in the decades following the Great Sundering.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Great Sundering left an indelible mark on the world, reshaping geopolitical landscapes, transforming societies, and profoundly impacting culture and collective memory. The war resulted in an estimated tens of millions of casualties, both military and civilian, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. The physical destruction was immense, with entire cities reduced to rubble and infrastructure networks shattered across vast regions. Beyond the immediate devastation, the war had profound long-term consequences, creating a "lost generation" and altering the course of global history.

Rise of Erusea as a World Power

Paradoxically, despite not achieving a decisive military victory, the Kingdom of Erusea emerged from the Great Sundering as a significantly enhanced world power. Erusea's industrial base, while damaged in some areas, had proven remarkably resilient and had been significantly expanded during the war effort. The conflict had also accelerated Erusea's technological advancements, particularly in aerospace, drone technology, and cyber warfare, giving it a significant military edge in certain domains.

More importantly, the Great Sundering had shattered the pre-war global order, weakening Osean hegemony and creating a more multipolar world. Erusea, having demonstrated its military and economic strength on the global stage, was now recognized as a major power, with a permanent seat on the newly formed Global Accord Council and increased international influence. While the war had been costly and devastating, it ultimately served to elevate Erusea's global standing and solidify its position as a leading force in the 21st century.

The Lost Generation and Cultural Impact

The Great Sundering had a profound and lasting impact on the generation that lived through it. The "Lost Generation," as they came to be known, bore the scars of war, both physical and psychological. Millions were displaced, orphaned, or widowed, and the collective trauma of years of conflict left deep societal wounds. The war experience fostered a sense of disillusionment and cynicism, challenging pre-war ideals of progress and international cooperation.

Culturally, the Great Sundering permeated all forms of artistic expression. Literature, film, music, and visual arts grappled with themes of loss, trauma, and the futility of war. A new wave of pacifism and anti-militarism emerged, particularly among the younger generation. However, alongside this, there was also a resurgence of nationalism and militarism in some quarters, fueled by unresolved grievances and a desire for revenge. The cultural legacy of the Great Sundering was complex and multifaceted, reflecting the contradictory emotions and experiences of a world irrevocably changed by war.

Lingering Geopolitical Tensions

Despite the Treaty of Nordennavic and the establishment of the Global Accord Council, the Great Sundering failed to resolve the underlying geopolitical tensions that had ignited the conflict. The rivalry between Erusea and Osea, while ostensibly contained, persisted, with both nations continuing to compete for global influence and military advantage. Regional conflicts and proxy wars continued to erupt in various parts of the world, fueled by unresolved territorial disputes, resource competition, and ideological differences. The peace established by the Treaty of Nordennavic was fragile and precarious, with the specter of renewed global conflict always looming in the background. The legacy of the Great Sundering was not one of lasting peace and reconciliation, but rather of a world perpetually on the brink, grappling with the unresolved consequences of a devastating global war.