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| The '''Empire of Atlantium''', based in ], ], is a political ] group promoting the idea of "global sovereignty" and aiming to cause a ] in the concept of what constitutes a ]. The Atlantium website uses several different self-description formulations, including the assertions that it is a "self-declared state" and an "aspirant ]", otherwise known as a ]. | The '''Empire of Atlantium''', based in ], ], is a political ] group promoting the idea of "global sovereignty" and aiming to cause a ] in the concept of what constitutes a ]. The Atlantium website uses several different self-description formulations, including the assertions that it is a "self-declared state" and an "aspirant ]", otherwise known as a ]. | ||
Revision as of 06:38, 15 January 2005
The Empire of Atlantium, based in Sydney, Australia, is a political advocacy group promoting the idea of "global sovereignty" and aiming to cause a paradigm shift in the concept of what constitutes a sovereign state. The Atlantium website uses several different self-description formulations, including the assertions that it is a "self-declared state" and an "aspirant microstate", otherwise known as a micronation.
The group dates its establishment to 1981, when its founders were teenagers. One founder, George Francis Cruickshank (born 1966), was chosen as "head of state" with the title Emperor George II. As prime ministers were appointed Geoffrey Duggan (1982-1986), Damian Scott (1986-1988), and Kevin Fanucchi (1988-1990). By 1990, when the original group members had graduated from university and moved to different locations, the group ceased to be active.
The earliest known documented media report relating to Atlantium is in a 1984 philatelic magazine article about stamps released by various Australian micronations.
In 1999 Cruickshank, now employed in the Australian telecommunications industry, acquired an apartment in the inner Sydney suburb of Potts Point and soon after revived the "Empire" and launched a website, which was instrumental in attracting new "citizens". As of August 2004, the group claims to have 831 members, in over 60 countries. There are no "taxes" or other membership fees and becoming a citizen requires the submission of either an online or paper application form; the application is likely to be approved if the supplied personal data is complete and is believed to be correct. It is not clear how many members are "active" in any significant way. The website names just over 20 members holding such functions as ministers, directors, magisters, or imperial legates.
Among the generally progressive causes Atlantium espouses are the right to unrestricted international freedom of movement, the right to abortion, the right to assisted suicide and decimal calendar reform.
Atlantium's territorial claims are limited to Cruickshank's 61 m² apartment (the so-called "Imperium Proper"), located several kilometres from the centre of Sydney's main business district, though in practice this territory remains under Australian jurisdiction.
No established nation has recognised Atlantium's sovereignty and it has no reciprocal diplomatic relations, but instead appoints "unaccredited diplomatic representatives" to serve its interests and support its citizens in various parts of the world.
Atlantium says its citizenship does not supersede previously existing citizenships. Atlantians contend that they are all dual-citizens, and that Atlantium actively encourages its citizens to participate in the political processes of their resident countries.
While the group uses the words "citizenship" and "diplomatic" idiosyncratically, supporters note that Atlantium has made no secret of its attempts at redefining existing paradigms, and claim that this is in fact a fundamental motivation for the group's existence.
The group mints and sells "solidi" coins. The website claims that the profits from those sales are used for "the Empire's ongoing operations" as well as charitable causes, though there is no verifiable accounting of that.
References
- "His Majesty George II: The boy from Hurstville who now rules a big flat" by Justin Norrie, The Sydney Morning Herald, May 7, 2004 p3
- "Micronations", by Justin Norrie, HQ Magazine, Nov-Dec 2003, p90-93 and 144-145
- "The Empire Strikes a Coin" by John Mulhall, The Australasian Coin & Banknote Magazine July, 2002
- "Passport to Pimlico - Aussie style" by David Fickling, The Guardian, 20 November, 2002
- "The national madness of King George" by Billy Adams The New Zealand Herald, 29 August, 2001
- "Cea mai mica tara este intr-un apartment" by Calin Stroila Libertatea (Romania), 16 July, 2001, p1
- "Atlantium Empire" by Bill Hornadge Stamp News July, 1985, p76
- "War Games!" by Bill Hornadge Stamp News February, 1985, pp78-79
- "Atlantium Empire" by Bill Hornadge Stamp News January, 1985, p82
- "Atlantium Empire" by Bill Hornadge Stamp News December, 1984, p94
- "Atlantium Empire" by Bill Hornadge Stamp News November, 1984, p108
- "Atlantium Empire" by Bill Hornadge Stamp News October, 1984, p76
- "Atlantium Empire" by Bill Hornadge Stamp News September, 1984, p196