The Principality of Sylvestria has unveiled a major shift in its foreign policy with the adoption of the Musashi Doctrine, a new framework redefining how the young nation approaches sovereignty, diplomatic recognition, and the role of micronations and unrecognized states in international affairs.
In an official communique issued by the Bureau of Foreign Affairs, Sylvestria reaffirmed its support for the Montevideo Convention of 1933 and the declarative theory of statehood, which grants nations the right to declare independence. However, the new doctrine emphasizes that “true sovereignty is not merely declared, but performed.”
Under the Musashi Doctrine, Sylvestria will assess other states and emerging polities through their demonstrated governance, civic organization, and cultural coherence—what the government calls “performative sovereignty.” The policy seeks to encourage real-world practice of governance and development, blending respect for international norms with a dynamic, modern interpretation of legitimacy that Director General Belteaux sums up as "show don't tell".
The Bureau of Foreign Affairs has updated its portion of the national website to reflect the significant impact of these changes: https://www.sylvestria.org/foreign-affairs