Thalassan Tigers
The Thalassan Tigers is a term used to describe the highly developed economies of Andalla, Giokto, Konalani, Rohini, and the Sunset Sea Islands. These five countries experienced rapid industrialisation and maintained exceptionally high growth rates (in excess of 7% a year) between the 1980s and 2000s. As of the mid-2020s, they are regarded as advanced and high-income economies.
History
The term Thalassan Tigers came into use in the late 1980s, marking the rapid industrialisation and economic growth of these five nations. However, their journey towards becoming the Thalassan Tigers was far from straightforward, with their paths significantly influenced by the Thalassan War (1941-1947). This war, which involved the majority of Thalassan nations, led to significant political, social, and economic upheavals that set the stage for the future development of these nations.
In the aftermath of the Thalassan War, all five nations embarked on aggressive developmental strategies in an attempt to rebuild their war-torn economies. Their experiences during the war and their subsequent recovery efforts played a crucial role in shaping their economic policies.
Prior to the 1980s, all five were characterised by low income levels and underdeveloped infrastructure. However, starting from the 1980s, they pursued aggressive developmental strategies which resulted in rapid economic growth and industrialisation.
Economic strategies
The five Thalassan Tigers shared several similar strategies that contributed to their rapid development. These include a focus on export-oriented industries, significant investment in human capital, and tight fiscal discipline.
Despite their shared experiences in the Thalassan War and their similar economic strategies, each country's path to development was unique, reflecting their distinct histories, cultures, and political systems. It is this combination of shared experiences and unique paths that has led to their collective identification as the Thalassan Tigers.
Country Profiles
Andalla
Andalla's economic growth has been spurred by its extensive trade policies and focus on services sector and maritime industries. Significant investments in human capital, technology, and infrastructure have resulted in a high-income mixed economy.
Giokto
As an Andallan protectorate, Giokto has benefited from Andallan support and has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades, with particular strength in the technology and manufacturing sectors. Its strategic location has also helped it become a significant player in regional trade.
Konalani
Before the Thalassan War, Konalani's economy was defined by a reliance on exporting cash crops and other foodstuff, with a GDP per capita of $1,604 in 1940. With the agricultural sector heavily damaged during the war, various post-war governments pursued economic diversification and re-development, aided by Allied funding through the 1950s and 1960s. With the mass unionisation of agricultural workers and the continued decline of the plantation industry during the Labour government between 1961 and 1967, tourism emerged as a notable addition in the fledgling service sector to counteract unemployment, and remains one of the key pillars to Konalanese economic growth. By 1965, GDP per capita exceeded $6,000.
The administration of Prime Minister Jack Cartwright between 1967 and 1979 oversaw a monumental reform of most economic sectors and services in the country. Influenced during the 1970s by a strong neoliberal agenda, colloquially known as “Jackonomics”, the Cartwright government pursued mass deregulation in tourism, hospitality, and an emerging finance industry, positioning Konalani as a desirable space for multinational corporations with a minimal corporate tax. Economic growth rates exceeded 10% between 1973 and 1984, making Konalani one of the fastest-growing economies in the Oriental Ocean, with a GDP per capita of $51,138 in 1980. Despite this massive economic growth, Jackonomics has been criticised for the emergence of exceptionally high income inequality, lack of services to periphery communities by favouring centralisation towards the capital of Halawai, and Konalani's international reputation as a tax haven.
Konalani's explosive growth in the latter half of the 20th century, and its continued adherence to certain neoliberal principles (primarily low corporate tax rates) has often seen the country deemed “the Tiger of the Thalassan Tigers”, due to the country's high standard of living and GDP per capita compared to the other Thalassan Tigers, with Konalani's current GDP per capita double that of the next-largest Tiger, Giokto.
Rohini
Since the 1980s, under the direction of president Uro Cecini, Rohini experience rapid economic development. This is largely thanks to its location on the strategically very important northern archipelago between Europa and Argis. President Cecini, who governed the nation between 1985 and 1997, pushed the country towards great economic development. Rohini has advantageous tax and finance laws, and is regarded as a tax haven. Its international financial centre offers amongst other things offshore banking services. It features in systems to use neutral nations with such laws to gain access to valuable foreign currency.
Sunset Sea Islands
The Sunset Sea Islands, formerly known as the Empire of Mat Troi Lan, underwent rapid economic transformation from the 1980s. The country is now a major hub for finance, technology, and tourism in the region.
Impact
The remarkable transformation of these economies from underdeveloped states to prosperous nations has had significant implications, influencing economic policies and development strategies in other countries. Their success stories serve as a model for many developing nations, demonstrating the power of economic liberalisation, investment in human capital, and export-led growth. The Thalassan Tigers continue to play a critical role in the glubal economy and remain influential players in their regional geopolitics.
