Ascensionism

Ascensionism is a collection of economic and political strategies first outlined in "The Ascensionist Edict" by Frei-ako Tengin. The term comes from the Egercian word "Arducha". The ideology is largely based around Nemqurpolitik and collectivism.

Ascensionism has yet to be implemented fully in a country, but the Ascensionist party of accelerated collectivised progression has achieved many seats in the Sahr parliament and influenced many policies.

Etymology

The word Arduchas comes from the Egerican words Ardu ("To Rise") and Chas ("To Change Direction"). The combination of these words effectively means to change direction upwards. The Arduchas parti uses the word ascensionism as a transliteration. Arduchas and Ascensionism are often used synonymously as the Arduchas parti was the first Ascensionist group to be created.

Social and political theory

Ascensionism has been described as a "progress cult". The fundamental goal of Ascensionism is constant exploration of science, art, technology, and the universe. In order to do this a high emphasis is placed on strict rationalism and constant questioning of the status-quo.

Economics

Ascensionists view moderate socialism as a useful foundation for expanding and experimenting with economic systems. They tend to criticize socialism and capitalism as these are seen as having the end goal of creating the most capital using previous capital rather than using capital to expand technological development.

Politics

Frei-ako tengin noted that in order to maintain steady Ascension authoritarianism is needed as a necessary evil. A strong centralised state is thought to guide the process the most efficiently. The Ascensionist Edict stated the term "Ideological watering down", a process in which an ideology becomes infiltrated by stagnant and corrupt influencers as it gains popularity. Avoiding a watered-down leadership in a centralised Ascensionist state is said to be the largest issue with the ideology. Should such a process occur it would result in a state which expresses power over its subjects by accusing them of stagnant materialism.

Spreading Ascensionism as an ideology was described in the Edict as a process which cannot come from a group of conspirators seizing power. By this method it places the pursuit of Ascension in the hands of the elite who are led by Ascensionists. This elite has an interest in destroying the system it is in so their wealth and influence can be expanded more easily. Tengin wrote that Ascensionism must come as an institution from the lower class upward to avoid this.

Criticism

Criticism of Ascensionism is mainly based around social liberals, market liberals, globalists, and nationalists, though criticism exists in other circles as well.

Social and market liberals

In The Ascensionist Edict Tengin denounces government action in social progression as creating unnecessary turmoil which in the long run will harm the efforts of Ascension. Social progress itself is not denounced, as Ascensionists believe the culture will adapt naturally as long as faith can be kept in the society as a whole.

Ascensionism has been criticized by market liberals as it favours autarchy over free trade. Tengin described imports as a potential weakness foreign powers will use to tie a nation down to its interests.

Pan-Aontism

Pan-Aontists criticized Sahr in particular for its disregard of Aontan interests above Sahren interests. The Arduchas parti has stated Ascension cannot come to the other member states unless an Ascensionist government can be appointed.