[COS] Earth and Luna as of 2025

We have a world map now!

Previous Posts:

Mars

Venus

The full gallery for the timeline:

www.deviantart.com/superhornet…

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A few Q&A

What’s the premise of this?

Well in case you’re lazy enough to click the aforementioned links, the Children of Sol is an imaginary alternate universe where Venus and Mars somehow retained habitability, changing the politics of the Cold War and altering the Space Race, hopefully for the betterment of humanity.

What is the PoD for Earth

The history diverges from OTL Earth about 1945, nearing the end of WW2. The next events follows a similar path, such as space race etc. But for the entire Solar System, the Point of Divergence is indeterminate. 

Will you continue this?

Yes, all the way to the 22^nd century and possibly, beyond, If I’m not lazy enough lel, I already have some drafts regarding the future politics of the Solar System.

 

Now let’s dive in, this would be a long-ish essay

A Forced Atompunk World

While global politics may be complicated, many people around the world enjoy a high standard of living, particularly in First World countries. One major development is the widespread adoption of fusion nuclear technology, which has resolved many of the world's energy crises. Additionally, the space industry is thriving, with orbital hotels offering vacations for a reasonable price. While the internet still exists, it is mostly enclosed, with countries like the US and the Soviet Union having their own cyber spaces. While a global internet does exist, it is riskier to navigate due the risks of scam and being spammed by bots.

Social media is not as widespread as in our timeline[1], but some forms of it do exist and are popular among young people around the world. Military technology is focused on the use of nuclear weapons, including nuclear tanks, aircraft, battleships, and even portable nuke launchers. The automobile industry has not switched to electric vehicles or nuclear cars, but instead has developed electric-hydrogen cars, although there are some expensive cars powered by nuclear engines. The increase in nuclear usage has also led to advances in cancer research, with some models tested proving to be effective in preventing or eradicating cancer.

And let's not forget about the space industry. Thanks to advances in rocketry, interplanetary travel is now feasible with short transit times. Many major nations have started to develop their own space forces, but they are limited by the Geneva Space Accords, which were put in place thanks to the efforts of the Russians and Americans. However, the space industry is a topic for another discussion.

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North America

North America has been referred to as the "center of the world" by some American scholars, and there is some truth to this statement. At the heart of North America lies the United States of America, which holds an unquestionably dominant position in the region. In terms of GDP, the US surpasses its counterparts in our timeline by a significant margin. As an economic powerhouse, the US exerts considerable influence over its neighboring countries, treating them more as economic satellites than independent entities. Canada, in particular, functions as a protectorate of the US, while Mexico is engaged in the fight against communism with support from the OSS[2]. The Banana Republics of Central America still exist, albeit with loosening restrictions that limit their freedom. However, the US is gradually shifting its attention towards space exploration, allowing its space program to flourish. This shift in focus has had a notable impact on Cuba, which is experiencing the consequences of this changing dynamic.

 

The United States stands as a formidable powerhouse in the manufacturing industry. In terms of social stability, it has experienced fewer “cultural wars” compared to our timeline, largely due to the significant impact of the civil rights movement during the 1960s and 1970s. The country proudly displays its "Made in the USA" trademark as it surpasses imports with its robust export industry. The establishment of the North American Union aims to strengthen economic and cultural bonds among member nations. Canada, while maintaining a calm and pacifistic stance, holds considerable influence in the cultural sphere, particularly in music and international education programs. However, its space program and military remain closely aligned with the United States. Mexico, following the splintering of its Communist Party, is governed by an oligarchic regime. It relies on the United States for support in combating remaining pockets of communism, particularly in the southern regions. On a positive note, the presence of drug cartels is not as pervasive as in our timeline.

 

South America

Often regarded as nothing more than United States’ backyard, South America was seen as presenting significant opportunities for political exploitation. The Soviet Union under a new political superstar, Gorbachev, took advantage of this, and the infamous late 1970s Pink Tide began. Panic ensues across the United States, demanding the government to take action. The following proxy wars and geopolitical struggles between the two superpowers significantly hindered the economic progress of the region. However the South American Pink Tide met its end after the Brazilian Coup of 1994, which put an end to the last major leftist power on the continent.

 

It can be argued that Brazil and Argentina still hold significant power on the South American continent, with both countries experiencing notable economic progress. Brazil, despite being governed by a military junta on paper, is in the process of democratization with support from European financial backing. It has emerged as a rising space power and recently achieved a milestone by sending its first colonists to an International Habitat on Mars. The close relationship between Brazil and Brussels has raised concerns for the United States and its ally, Argentina. Argentina, known as a “legendary grey state” in the continent, has managed to navigate through two leftist coup attempts and remained under a jingoistic fascist dictatorship until the early 2000s. While rivalries with Brazil persist, they are now more politically oriented rather than ideological. Venezuela, on the other hand, has experienced a boost in its economy through renewed focus on energy and technology. However, its neighbor Colombia has faced numerous challenges. Political corruption, mafia influence, and occasional drug lord activities have eroded stability within the country, leading to a migrant crisis along the Venezuelan-Colombian border.

 

For the time being, South America continues to function as Washington's political backyard, serving as both a shield and a buffer. The United States maintains a strong alliance with Brazil, particularly in countering the remnants of the communist regime in Peru. Peru has isolated itself from the international community and developed a strange ideological blend of communism and a peculiar Catholic-Aztec fusion[3]. Their actions have caused disturbances in certain Brazilian provinces, leading to the notion that Washington and Brasilia may eventually collaborate on a joint military intervention in Peru.

 

Europe

Once a major political battleground between the United States and the Soviet Union during the early years of the Cold War, Europe has gradually moved away from both superpowers in an attempt to establish an independent bloc. The transatlantic alliance between the United States and Western Europe began to fracture, especially after the Suez Crisis and the subsequent First African War, which witnessed pro-American guerrillas opposing pro-colonial regimes. The strained relationship reached a breaking point with the dissolution of NATO in 1989. While many considered it a significant American blunder, Western Europe, having integrated its economies to a great extent, formed the European Commonwealth as a direct successor to the Western Union and the Western European Coal and Steel Community. To fulfill the role previously held by NATO in terms of collective defense, the EuroCom established the European Common Defense Force and embarked on its journey in international politics, establishing itself as a formidable political bloc.

 

At the heart of the European Commonwealth lies France, a country that holds military dominance and wields significant economic power, exerting control over various aspects of Western European affairs. However, in recent years, Germany has emerged as a challenger to France's position, asserting itself as a formidable player within the European Commonwealth. In contrast, Britain has chosen to maintain its independence from French dependency and remains an associate member of the EuroCom, while continuing to uphold the British Commonwealth of Nations. Moving towards the southeast, Yugoslavia, once a unified entity under Tito's leadership, now struggles to function effectively following his passing. While still retaining its independence, Yugoslavia is increasingly aligning itself with the policies and direction set by Brussels.

 

To the East lies the Red World, a reference to the countries aligned with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Bucharest Pact, originally formed by the Soviet Union as a counter to NATO, has gradually lost its functionality over time. Despite Moscow's efforts, member countries of the Bucharest Pact have increasingly been drawn towards the economic opportunities presented by the European Commonwealth. This is particularly evident in the cases of East Germany and Poland, which have undergone significant reforms and express a desire to leave the Bucharest Pact behind. While the member states of the Bucharest Pact, except for the Soviet Union itself, have experienced improvements in their conditions compared to three decades ago[4]. The Soviet Union has also undergone transformations. Under the leadership of President Pavlov, Moscow has embraced a form of social capitalism similar to China's path in our timeline. Technocrats and state-business overseers wield significant influence in Soviet politics, and the nation has redirected its focus towards the space industry. Although tensions between Moscow and Washington have eased on Earth, the competition between the two superpowers in space has intensified since the newest administration.

 

Africa

Africa, tragically, stands as one of the most afflicted continents. Throughout the modern era, it has endured bloodshed and exploitation, becoming a major battleground for the opposing forces of Capitalism, Neo-colonialism, and Communism. The consequence of this struggle was the emergence of two devastating conflicts known as the African Great Wars. The First African Great War witnessed independent guerillas, both democratic and communist, clashing against colonial-aligned states. The Second African War, fueled by proxy battles between the United States and the Soviet Union, escalated to the use of tactical nuclear weapons. These wars resulted in the loss of millions of lives and left a trail of devastation across almost half of the continent. Nevertheless, Africa now faces the arduous task of rebuilding and rekindling the aspirations that were once lost.

 

Africa is currently dominated by three significant powers. In North Africa, the United Republics of Egypt and Syria have managed to contain the spreading chaos, although they remain disgruntled over France's retention of a significant portion of Algeria. Moving southward, Nigeria has endured and survived three consecutive civil wars, thanks in part to American weaponry. It now possesses a formidable arsenal of nuclear weapons, which has stirred unease among its regional neighbors. In the far south, South Africa stands as the most advanced nation on the continent. Following the Second African War, the era of Apartheid has ended, and a secular government has united the country with a common goal of maintaining stability. In the aftermath of these conflicts, the United Nations has established peacekeeping zones, where soldiers from various African powers rotate to help stabilize the region. Despite their conflicting interests, these powers are currently collaborating to rebuild and reestablish their presence on the international stage, at least for the time being.

 

Asia and Oceania

Asia is a continent experiencing significant growth, although some countries are currently facing stagnation, either under totalitarian communist regimes or corrupt oligarchies. When people think of Asia, two nations immediately come to mind: Korea and Japan. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly known as Korea, has transformed into a capitalist state with socialist undertones. It has become a technological superpower, and if not for the crisis in the early 2000s, it would have been the leading power in Asia[5]. Japan, on the other hand, is a rising contender in the region. It has recently emerged as a dominant force due to its advanced technology industry and flourishing cultural sector, exemplified by the global phenomenon of J-pop. Japan's military is relatively smaller than in our timeline, and there is a growing debate about potentially revising the Self-Defense agreement to counterbalance China's significantly increased military budget.

 

Among the notable powers in Asia are China and India. China, which has adhered to staunch Maoist principles throughout the existence of the People's Republic, is currently undergoing slow reforms under a new Premier. China's willingness to increase its military budget has raised concerns among neighboring countries, including India. On the other hand, India is a corrupt socialist republic that has experienced significant stagnation for over two decades. The survival of its industrial sector has largely relied on Korean interests and investments. Ongoing border conflicts with the US-allied Pakistan and volatile war zones in India's eastern provinces have further isolated New Delhi from global politics.

 

Turning our attention to Southeast Asia and Oceania, the Vietnam War reached a stalemate, leaving two nations with conflicting ideologies. The descendants of Ho Chi Minh controls the entire state, and leading a renewed tensions with their democratic southern counterpart. In another part of the region, Malaysia experienced a collapse after a heated confrontation with Indonesia, which now left SEATO after receiving promises of greater opportunities from Japan. Meanwhile, Australia remains focused on its ambitious space program and environmental initiatives, including greening the Australian Outback, showing little concern for the political dynamics of its neighboring countries.

 

Overall Situation

Tensions between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, are gradually easing on Earth, with the possibility of reaching an understanding in the near future. However, some speculate that this easing of tensions is primarily aimed at securing Earth against the rise of any new powers and maintaining a delicate balance of power between the two blocs. Europe is experiencing a significant rise in influence, particularly after the adoption of the Euro, or "Eurodollar," as the common currency across many developing nations in Africa. Another important dynamic to consider is the competition between Japan and China. Japan stands out with its technological supremacy and economic power, while China projects military strength and displays aggressive tendencies. The stability between the first and second worlds may not last indefinitely, as potential conflicts and rivalries between these nations could disrupt the current equilibrium.

 

Across human space, technology is thriving. It is seen as the driving force behind human progress, acting as a catalyst for exploration and advancement. On the moon, the race for resources has just begun, with various nations and private entities vying for control and extraction. On Venus, the focus is on biological research, uncovering the mysteries of the planet's unique ecosystem. And on Mars, colonization efforts are underway, with humans establishing permanent settlements on the brown planet.

 

While Earth may be relatively tranquil for now, the void of space is filled with intense competition and rivalries among spacefaring entities. This competition has a direct influence on Earth's culture[6], shaping its narratives and priorities. Government and corporate propaganda often revolve around space exploration and utilization, emphasizing the significance of these endeavors for the future of humanity. Space-related themes and phenomena have also become cultural phenomena, capturing the imagination and fascination of people around the world. The quest for space dominance has become a defining aspect of human civilization in this era.

 

Excited men and women eagerly lined up at recruitment centers of NASA, NASDA, ESA, and KPS[7], filled with dreams of venturing into the stars and shaping humanity's destiny as an interplanetary species. Their aspirations were fueled by the promise of exploration and discovery, but little did they know that the path ahead would be fraught with danger and potential bloodshed.

 

Meanwhile, on Earth, ordinary families from the developed world carried on with their daily lives, often oblivious to the grand ambitions and challenges unfolding beyond the planet's atmosphere. Their concerns centered around mundane matters and the tedium of politics, unaware of the monumental changes happening beyond their immediate surroundings. In contrast, families from central Africa faced a different reality. Their lives were marked by the struggle for survival, as they grappled with scarcity of resources and the constant search for sustenance. Many were forced to migrate to new territories, seeking a place they could call home and escape the hardships they endured.

 

Thus, while some embarked on spacefaring adventures driven by curiosity and ambition, others on Earth faced the more immediate struggles of everyday existence. The contrast between these two worlds, one reaching for the stars and the other grappling with basic needs, highlights the complex and often unequal nature of human existence in this interplanetary era.

 

 

DISCLAIMER:
This is a work of fiction. Not in any way this represents my stance at a "perfect world", the worldbuilding is intended to accommodate the premise I've created. Additionally, credits are mentioned in the map. 

[1] A Facebook-ish social media does exist, it mostly dominates the First World (US, Europe) and its allies. Most people are engaged in anonymous texts and chats, and there are website forums that exist on both American and Soviet internet to accommodate virtual social interactions as well. In contrast, the speed of internet is much faster than OTL (there’s no such thing as “4G” tho)

[2] You’re going to see OSS a lot, after WW2, the Americans kept OSS, becoming the main international intelligence agency for the United States instead of the CIA. FBI still exists though.   

[3] Why Communist Peru still exist is sheer luck. Their supreme leader managed to close the country off, and becomes a totalitarian Orwellian society. They’re going to lose sponsor though, and the “decommunization” of Peru is right in the corner.

[4] An alternate Prague spring successfully changed the whole Red bloc for good.

[5] No Korean anime sadly, they’re mostly government propaganda. ITTL Japan still made them.

[6] Yes, there are more films with sci-fi and space theme. Alternate Star Trek and Star Wars still exist, with both series reaching their 12^th installment as of 2023. Superhero genre exists, with more space undertone in it.

[7] The name KPS (literally “Soviet Space Program”) stuck despite Moscow having their own space agency as well, the Sovkosmos. The KPS became synonymous with Sovkosmos, and are popular within both NASA and USSC.