Carolyn’s Nation

Carolyn has just started playing Nation States, a simulation where you are the leader of a country. Each day you make a decision about a political issue that has come to a head. Since she can’t read yet, I read, summarize, and/or interpret the brief statements made by delegates about each position. It’s a fascinating dip into politics and democracy for both of us. Since she recently decided that clothing should be optional in her country, her encyclopedia entry now includes the following sentence.

The government is seen to favor Catholics, citizens can be frequently spotted going about their business stark naked, the tenet of free speech is held dear, and the cat is a protected species.

It’s quick, easy, and thought-provoking. Every couple of days we log in and check the issues waiting for decisions. For each issue, short statements are made by fictional members of opposing viewpoints. Carolyn picks to side with one of them or abstain.

This is a complex simulation designed for adults, so I have the ominous feeling it’s going to blow up in my face one day. In the meantime, however, it’s a fascinating informal way to explore politics.

Nation States was created by author Max Barry. Read his humorous writing about an encounter with the UN, or visit the Nation States home page.