Allied Eastern States

The Allied Eastern States (AES; : Pakt željeza; : Пакт железа; : Σύμφωνο του Σιδήρου), also known as AES for short, is a coalition of like minded nations within Eastern Artemia opposed to international interference and communism. AES also strives for strengthening trade within member nations of AES and expanding that trade outside Eastern Artemia with the observer economic program. Members of AES generally support each other economically and militarily. AES is officially a defense organisation, but regularly funds right-wing groups and the destabilization of enemy states in Eastern Artemian countries. The Allied Eastern States was signed into existence on July 11th 2001 by Ataman Yulian Antonovich of Lestykhol, Emperor Chiron IV of Helinika and Grand Marshal Viktor Martić of Rovsnoska in Krevnigrad to counter what they believed to be increased Yarovar, Pan-Artemian Coalition, and League of Free Nations influence within the region. Svenskt and Albaterra became observers shortly after to gain a larger economic influence within Eastern Artemia and support closely ideological nations. Austrasia would also join AES as an observer to tap into what it saw as an area with much economic potential.

Organizational structure
All AES members must be with the region of Eastern Artemia and all nations that wish to become AES trade associates that aren't within Eastern Artemia may become observers. Observers of AES are given the economic benefits, but are barred from making any important AES decisions or becoming involved in the Defense Council.

Defense Council
Every year, the member nations of the AES participate in annual Military Exercises and War Games to test each other's strengths and provide valuable training to their troops. If a member of AES is invaded by an outside force it is required for all members of AES to come to the defense of the invaded nation. It is not required for AES members to support invasions began by nations within AES or domestic wars within AES nations, although it is encouraged.

Rovsnoska is one of Lestykhol's primary suppliers of weaponry and vehicles, lending many surplus APCs and Zastava Arms weaponry. It is strongly encouraged to share arms development among other other AES nations.

Operations and Initiatives
AES has held biennial war games since 2003, held in: Helinika, Lestykhol, Rovsnoska, and Balkania. The goals of these war games have generally been to better joint cooperation and coordination between AES members. The most recent AES war game was held in Lestykhol 2019 and focused around arctic and naval warfare.

Objectives

 * Prevent and contain the spread of communism
 * Halt YZAGA, Pan-Artemian Coalition, and League of Free Nations influence and interference within the region
 * Defend each nation within the alliance from outside and interior threats
 * Preserve traditionalism
 * Advocate for nationalism and against enemy foreign interference
 * Support right leaning groups within enemy nations
 * Increase and expand trade between AES members and observers