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Politics in the World of Avatar

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Dai Li in the Throne Room of the Earth Kingdom Royal Palace
Politics in the World of Avatar
General information
Type

Politics and government

Examples
Politics and government in the World of Avatar are based around several political systems.

There are four broad types of political systems, each of which has a distinctive character that corresponds with the element of its respective nation. The Air Nomads had a theocracy led by four Councils of Monks or Nuns,[1] the Water Tribes a tribal system led by Chiefs,[2] the Earth Kingdom a confederate monarchy led by the Earth King,[3] and the Fire Nation an absolute monarchy led by the Fire Lord.[4] There are, however, some exceptions.

The Avatar is one of the few people who act independently of any nation, regardless of origin, as a means of maintaining peace and order among the four nations.[4]

Contents

Air Nomads Edit

Council of Elders.
HaybernathyAdded by Haybernathy

Government system: Theocracy
Head of state: No overall head of state
Current head of state: None
Territorial divisions: Four temples and an island[5]
Capital: No overall capital

The Air Nomads had no overall government that made unified decisions before their genocide. Instead, there were four Councils of Elders that presided over the four temples respectively. The Council of Elders had no exact leadership or rule. They were just a group of wise airbending masters that made decisions regarding the temple and its people.[1]

Southern Air Temple Edit

Ruler: Council of Elders
Current leader: None

The Southern Air Temple had five monks on its Council of Elders, which made decisions on behalf of the temple. This council included High Monk Pasang, Tashi and Gyatso.[1]

Other air temples Edit

Each air temple had their own council that operated the exact same way as the Southern Air Temple's Council of Elders. It is known that Sister Iio was the Mother Superior and thus head of the council in the Eastern Air Temple.[4]

Water Tribe Edit

Chief Hakoda.
Lady LostrisAdded by Lady Lostris

Government system: Tribal Chiefdom/Royal Chiefdom
Head of state: No overall head of state
Territorial divisions: Two tribes, plus Foggy Swamp
Capital: No overall capital

The Water Tribe does not have an overall leader. The Chief presides over only their own division of the Tribe.

Southern Water Tribe Edit

Title of leader: Chief
Most recent known leader: Chief Hakoda
Capital: Hakoda's village

Decisions in the Southern Water Tribe are made exclusively by the current Chief. Politics appear to be extremely simple in the Southern Water Tribe, with only one person in power and all others completely loyal to that person. It is not known how the Southern Water Tribe elects their chief, as, unlike in the Northern Water Tribe, the Chief's children, like Katara and Sokka, were not viewed as royalty.[6]

Northern Water Tribe Edit

Title of leader: Chief
Most recent known leader: Chief Arnook
Capital: Northern Water Tribe City

Politics in the Northern Water Tribe are more complicated than in its southern sister tribe. There is one all-powerful leader, but there is a small council that advises him, including the tribe's greatest waterbending master, Pakku being the most recently known to fill this role. Politics can also be personal. For example, marrying the Chief's daughter, the Tribal Princess, can be a significant step in a political career.[2][7]

Foggy Swamp Tribe Edit

Little is known about the politics of the Foggy Swamp Tribe. However, Huu seemed to have some kind of authority, although his relationship with the rest of the tribe is fairly informal.[8]

Earth Kingdom Edit

Earth King Kuei.
RenatablsAdded by Renatabls

Government system: Confederate Monarchy
Head of state: Earth King
Most recent known head of state: Earth King Kuei
Territorial divisions: Unknown number of provinces
Territorial divisions led by: Kings, mayors, others unknown
Capital: Ba Sing Se

Though the King of Ba Sing Se, titled as the Earth King, is the official overall leader of the Earth Kingdom, the country functions as a sort of confederation, with individual provinces and cities given a great deal of autonomy. Outside of the cities, the central government has little influence. Furthermore, the Earth Kingdom has no unified system of laws, with each region having its own legal code.[9] These territories do, however, provide support and troops to the Earth King when necessary, and the military functions as a unified body.[3]

Ba Sing Se Edit

Title of leader: Earth King
Most recent known leader: 52nd Earth King, Kuei

The Earth King is the leader of the Government of Ba Sing Se, and by extension the entire Earth Kingdom. It should be noted that the day-to-day affairs of the city are managed by the Grand Secretariat, who answers only to the Earth King.

Omashu Edit

Title of leader: King
Most recent known leader: King Bumi

Omashu, though part of the Earth Kingdom and therefore answerable to the Earth King in Ba Sing Se, has its own king and is relatively autonomous of the capital.[10]

Fire Nation Edit

Fire Lord Zuko.
ThailogAdded by Thailog

Government system: Absolute Monarchy
Head of state: Fire Lord
Most recent known head of state: Fire Lord Zuko
Territorial divisions: Homeland and Colonies
Territorial divisions led by: Governors
Capital: Fire Nation Capital

The Fire Lord's firstborn child is the Heir to the Fire Lord, usually referred to as the Crown Prince or the Crown Princess.[4]

Sun Warriors Edit

Government system: Tribal Chiefdom
Head of state: Chief
Most recent known head of state: Sun Warrior chief
Capital: Sun Warriors' ancient city

Although the Sun Warriors are firebenders, they are independent of the rest of the Fire Nation and are led by their own Chief.[11]

United Republic of Nations Edit

The United Republic Council.
Dcasawang1Added by Dcasawang1

Government system: Unitary Republic
Head of state: United Republic Council
Capital: Republic City

The United Republic of Nations is lead by a council, composed by one representative of each major nations, who represent the interest of their people.[12]

Avatar Edit

Korra, the current Avatar.
AnnawantimesAdded by Annawantimes

Current Avatar: Korra
Current Avatar's nation of origin: Southern Water Tribe

The Avatar is independent of all government systems and acts in the interests of world balance. He or she acts as the international authority for peace, justice and order and often deliberately contradicts and challenges the decisions of his or her own nation's leader if the leader is attempting to break the peace.[4]

References Edit

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "The Storm". Aaron Ehasz (writer) & Lauren MacMullan (director). Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon. June 3, 2005. No. 12, Book 1: Water
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The Waterbending Master". Michael Dante DiMartino (writer) & Giancarlo Volpe (director). Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon. November 18, 2005. No. 18, Book 1: Water
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "The Earth King". John O'Bryan (writer) & Ethan Spaulding (director). Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon. November 17, 2006. No. 18, Book 2: Earth
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Throughout Avatar: The Last Airbender.
  5. ↑ San Diego Comic-Con
  6. ↑ "The Boy in the Iceberg". Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko (writers) & Dave Filoni (director). Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon. February 21, 2005. No. 1, Book 1: Water
  7. ↑ "The Siege of the North, Part 1". Aaron Ehasz (writer) & Lauren MacMullan (director). Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon. December 2, 2005. No. 19, Book 1: Water
  8. ↑ "The Swamp". Tim Hedrick (writer) & Giancarlo Volpe (director). Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon. April 14, 2006. No. 4, Book 2: Earth
  9. ↑ Avatar Extras (Book 2: Earth)#.22Avatar Day.22
  10. ↑ "The King of Omashu". John O'Bryan (writer) & Anthony Lioi (director). Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon. March 18, 2005. No. 5, Book 1: Water
  11. ↑ "The Firebending Masters". John O'Bryan (writer) & Giancarlo Volpe (director). Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon. July 15, 2008. No. 13, Book 3: Fire
  12. ↑ The Legend of Korra: Welcome to Republic City. Nickelodeon (April 6, 2012). Retrieved on April 6, 2012.

See also Edit

Retrieved from "http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Politics_in_the_World_of_Avatar"

90 comments

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  • 121.73.74.134

    It is interesing to see the political develpment in the new series. The "equalists" raised some valid points in the opening epsiodes, reasoning the adage "power breeds corruption". I predict the villian in this series is going to be less clear, perhaps bending will become symbloic for power and eletism..maybe i'm just over-thinking...

    by an anonymous contributor
  • Damonusthegreat

    If Republic City is a 1920's republic, would it have several organizations based on modern politics: socialist, conservative, fascist and communist parties?

    by Damonusthegreat
  • Omashu Rocks

    It would be cool if political parties and some kind of legislature developed in LOK

    by Omashu Rocks
    • TheCatOwl

      If so, lets hope they are not lying, sly, corrupt, or greedy like some political parties...

      by TheCatOwl
    • 201.42.190.193

      Nah,I think the political system should be the same. but I bet some kind of democracy/vote system has developed IN United Republic/City as they must've probably an elected mayor/head of state. not an king/emperor,etc ... or NO xD we'll just see it and say about

      by an anonymous contributor
  • Avatar1023

    Who is like the main head of the Air Nomads????

    by Avatar1023
  • 76.71.155.35

    On the politics side of things: What happens to all the Fire Nation nobles (generals and war profiteers) who benefited from the war. Don't you think they will try to seize power from Zuko and cause a coup or civil war?

    by an anonymous contributor
    • 158.94.72.162

      And replace him with who exactly? The even more peace loving Iroh, who actually did fight against Fire Nation forces to free Ba Sing Sa (can't really level the same charge against Zuko)? Or the unstable Azula, who leading-up to her coronation had emptied the palace due to her paranoia? Or the powerless Ozai, who is no longer bender and so can't be the Fire King? It is true that Zuko is acting against the interest of many Fire Nation nobles and generals but I suspect that the reason he can is because there isn't anyone else formidable enough, with popular support, military backing, support from nobles and not to mention the Fire Sages to challenge Zuko. Plus, people might not like Maiko but Mai does seem to come from a fairly well connected family. So as long as Mai is with Zuko, very likely Zuko has support from Mai's family and that's probably is making a lot of difference.

      by an anonymous contributor
    • 201.42.190.193

      Ozai can't be Fire Lord because he lost his bending right? but you don't need to be a firebenders to actually RULE over a country specially since its not about winning the war... Ozai spent most of his life just training and perfecting his bending, but not actually going to the front and kicking-a$$ like Azula did after The Avatar State. Other option is Azula when she had recovered from that breakdown. There's the wise,strategist Qin [War minister] and of course Mai's family suppport to Zuko would help him rule. he could rule with Qin and generals as advisors and having the support from Fire Sages AND Mai's family [nobles ^_^]. BY THE WAY Zuko is acting against the avg. people too IF he decides destroying the colonies.

      by an anonymous contributor
    • 24.205.144.49

      No, because they're no match for Zuko. The Fire Lord is usually acknowledged as the most powerful firebender, and no one wants to mess with that.

      by an anonymous contributor
  • 153.107.33.158

    If Princess Yue is the daughter of Chief Arnook (Leader of Northern Water Tribe), she is Princess right? So, if Katara and Sokka are Hakoda's (Southern Water Tribe Chief) children, does that make them Princess and Prince respectively?

    by an anonymous contributor
  • Ol' Matsuda

    I dunno about all these government claims... I kinda thought that The Air Nomads had a Republic, Water Tribes had a Monarchy, Ba Sing Se had Communism, The rest of Earth Kingdom had Feudalism, and that the Fire Nation was Facism...

    by Ol' Matsuda
    • Lovelyb0nes

      First off: awesome user name. But less importantly, I think that the monks were clearly the leaders of the air nomads, therefore it's a theocracy. There was no suggestion of any monarchial system in the tribes.

      by Lovelyb0nes
    • PSUAvatar14

      With Long Feng and [likely] the Dai Li gone, BSS is likely to no longer be Communism.

      by PSUAvatar14
    • 121.73.74.134

      How can Be Sing Se be communist when it is clearly divided into classes? If it was communist it would be a classless society. The fact that there is a propaganda compaign and a conspiracy doesnt necessitate a communnist run government.

      by an anonymous contributor
    • The 888th Avatar

      There needs to be a recognition that ideologies and forms of government such as republics, communism and facism are all Western political philosophies. They are totally incompatible with how Eastern nations were run before the 20th century. Since A:TLA is a show mostly based on East and South Asian culture, Western political philosophies can be dropped from consideration altogether, especially after careful observations are made from the series. Feudalism was discredited as a way of running a country in Asia before 200 BC, so that can be ruled out as well. Excepting the Water Tribes, the choices are between various forms of monarchies, and various degrees of centralisation, which is reflected in the article.

      Additional note: Communism is not equivalent to dictatorship and oppression. Such methods were often used by historical leaders who wished to implement communist ideals. Summarised into a sentence, communism is about "from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs". Not the case in Ba Sing Se at all when the masses struggle in absolute poverty while a tiny minority live in luxury — the city is closer to imperial China than anything else.

      by The 888th Avatar
    • 121.73.74.134

      I agree with you in saying that comparisons between eastern and werstern philosophies should be made with caution. However, I think your somewhat mistaken in saying that the two are incompatible. Just beacuse 'communism' of 'facism' in the way we percieve them today were not a part of politics in anceint east asia doesn' t mean values the underpin such ideologies were not around either. It is only relatively recently however that these ideas have developed into concrete political systems such as Confucius' argument for a meritocracy laid the fondation for liberalism in the west. Also, im not sure about this but wasnt Japan a feudal nation unitl the late 19th century? But, with respect to your comment, you are correct in saying that we should eer on the side of caution when making comparisons between A:TLA and the real world.

      by an anonymous contributor
    • The 888th Avatar

      There are some common political values which all humans have in common. However, the general lack of cultural exchange between East and West before the Industrial Age (at first due to distance, later due to arrogance on the part of some Asian powers) meant that these developed completely separately from each other. A comparison of Confucius' idea of meritocracy with Western liberalism may yield some common points, but further study into it reveals that their key underpinning ideas are not the same. Liberalism argues for total equality before the law and freedom. On the other hand, Confucius argues for a paternalist society with a set structure that is "fair" but inherently unequal. Confucius and Eastern philosophy in general also don't bother with the term "freedom" very much at all.

      By the way, whether "Feudal Japan" was actually "feudal" before the Meiji Restoration of 1868 is up for debate. I don't agree that it was. "Feudalism" is really a Western term for a form of Western society, and I don't think that slapping it on medieval Asian systems of governance is culturally accurate.

      But yes... caution all the way when judging the politics of the Avatar world.

      by The 888th Avatar
    • 121.73.74.134

      Your right about Confucianism however, liberalism empahsises above all individual prosperity through the satisfaction of one's desires, an inevitable implication of this is a inequality between classes. Although equality is good to the liberal, individual development (with some social responsiblity) is the most important. Total equality before individual freedom is empahaised in a socialist doctrine more so. Therefore i stand by my previous comparison...But now i think im getting of topic...

      by an anonymous contributor
    • The 888th Avatar

      Total equality before the law i.e. legal equality. Not material equality. ;) Sorry if that sentence was a bit unclear.

      by The 888th Avatar
      history
  • 24.49.4.63

    The only question I have is: If Aang is the last Airbender (before his son) then that makes those two the only Airbenders left. Presumably this must mean that his son must effectively repopulate the Air Nomad race. I know this is a cartoon not to be looked into deeply, but unless the bending gene is especially strong, how is the Air bending line guaranteed? I suppose we eust wait until the series to see how many little Airbenders are Tenzin's.

    by an anonymous contributor
    • Theavatardemotivator

      Quote: . . . all children [born into the Air Nomads] are Airbenders . . .

      by Theavatardemotivator
    • Vulmen

      That was when it was Air Nomad x Air Nomad. :-|

      by Vulmen
    • Theavatardemotivator

      @Vulmen: Good point. But maybe this means that the Airbending trait is dominant. For example, not *all* Earth Nation kids [etc.] are Earthbenders, but *all* Air Nomads are Airbenders. Genetics?

      by Theavatardemotivator
    • Olórin The White

      It's because of their high spirituality rate.

      by Olórin The White
    • Vulmen

      And not *All* Water Tribe children are Waterbenders. Don't forget the Waterbenders. :o

      But genetics has a role; but is not wholly responsible. I think it's possible for a Waterbender to be born to Aang and Katara, personally. Air Nomad x Water Tribe : Offspring may not be 100% Airbender. Perhaps. :o

      by Vulmen
    • Theavatardemotivator

      So are you saying that the ability to bend depends on how spiritual you are? Because Ozai isn't very spiritual . . . ;)

      by Theavatardemotivator
    • Theavatardemotivator

      I'm still waiting anxiously for Tenzin to be a Doublebender, although I know it's impossible. :/

      by Theavatardemotivator
    • Olórin The White

      In an interview with the creators, they said it was partly genetic, nationality, spirituality, and a number of other factors. They went on to state all Air Nomads were Airbenders because of their high spirituality.


      Ps why are you waiting for Tenzin to be a double bender if it's impossible?

      by Olórin The White
    • Theavatardemotivator

      Because you can fantasize, can't you? If you were a Doublebender, which two elements would you bend?

      by Theavatardemotivator
    • Olórin The White

      Fire and Water.

      by Olórin The White
    • Theavatardemotivator

      Air and Water. On the question of repopulating, I can just *imagine* the following conservation: Aang: So . . . about this whole repopulating-the-Air-Nomads thing. Katara: Yeah? Aang: We had one kid. Katara: . . . yeah? Aang: Well, I was thinking . . . Katara: You’d better stop right there before I kill you with Bloodbending. Aang: . . . that I could do the dishes tonight. Katara: That’s what I like to hear.

      by Theavatardemotivator
    • Turnbrand10

      LOL (PREVIOUS COMMENT)

      by Turnbrand10
    • MagicalChez

      i second that lol

      by MagicalChez
  • 173.30.47.181

    this is the second page where it's been mentioned that a Firelord without a male heir names his daughter Firelord. i assume this is speculation based on Ozai's naming Azula Firelord after Zuko and Iroh going against him. being as this is the only know time this has happend, and the fact that Ozai did so following his self-appointment as Phoenix King, i remain unconvinced that it actually indicates policy or trend.

    by an anonymous contributor
    • Water Spout

      Unless you can prove so otherwise, we go with what is provided by the series, despite references being brief or unlikely in the real world.

      by Water Spout
    • 74.73.7.242

      this wiki gets it wrong twice. gender ha nothing to do with who becomes firelord. it is the oldest (loyal?) child. there is no proof in the show that they are chosen on gender and also no evidence of sexism in the fire nation.

      by an anonymous contributor
    • MaisMistress

      Like the person above me said, gender has nothing to do with it. True, all the Firelords in the series have been male, but they also did not have any older sisters that we know of. Plus, there is no controversy when Azula is made the heir. This means the most probable case is that the heir has nothing to do with gender. I will make the appropriate correction.

      by MaisMistress
  • 173.22.162.3

    I don't know. Aang might come back...ALIVE. But maybe for, like, one episode. Just a guess.

    by an anonymous contributor
  • 71.203.145.29

    aang died so early cuz of staying in the avatar state in da icburg for 100 years!1!1!1!1

    by an anonymous contributor
  • 74.190.118.144

    ABSOLUTE!

    by an anonymous contributor
  • AmuletFortune

    Wahhh! Aang is dead!

    by AmuletFortune
  • 74.100.47.163

    Korra is the Avatar after Aang dies in the new series debuting in 2011, set 70+ years after the war.

    by an anonymous contributor
  • 94.3.64.251

    1. Energybending (best) 2. Waterbending (+bloodbending +plantbending) 3. Firebending (+lightning +boombending) 4. Earthbending (+sense + metalbending +plantbending) 5. Airbending Boombending is boiling the air in front of you making a beam of air that explodes on collision. (just like combustion man)

    by an anonymous contributor
  • 190.183.60.253

    No, because she didn't appears yet

    by an anonymous contributor
  • AcrobatFan

    Does anyone else think we should change the current Avatar to Korra?

    by AcrobatFan
  • 199.209.144.179

    Learn more at www.4element-tribe.com.

    by an anonymous contributor
  • 109.186.19.218

    What i don't understand about this series is this: The last avatar before Aang was a fire bender right? And he was a powerful one that in the end died to save his country. So the people in the fire nation should have great awe over the avatar and respect him. In that case fighting the new avatar sounds a huge political mistake as it keeps the citizens unhappy and even cause them to rebel. It's like trying to hunt down the pope while you lead a christian state.

    by an anonymous contributor
  • Olórin The White

    he is not smart, he is wise

    by Olórin The White
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