Jonathan_S wrote:
The Silesia annexation is too close to what the Peeps used to do. The use of overt force to annex the system wasn't that common in the beginning, instead they would do that via diplomatic means and by corrupting government officials into accepting those diplomatic means. The military often also arrived to restore order after a breakdown that was instigated by the Peeps themselves.
And even the OFS usually found some stooge to invite them in to replace the 'failed' system governments -- for the good of the inhabitants; you understand. Never for something so crass as money, influence, or power. Perish the thought.
The fact that this time the governments really were that corrupt, and the people really will be better off under the new management, doesn't change the fact that the partition of Silesia looks a hell of a lot like many other ugly territorial grabs from the past couple centuries of the Honorverse.
However, as you pointed out, Manticore's track record elsewhere with its neighbors is far different from the bad of days of Haven, or what the OFS does, and that will hopefully reassure its neighbors despite the scary looking precedent of forcibly partitioning Silesia.[/quote]
Given a few years, people who are watching will see infrastructure investment from the outside, not economic gouging, as was seen the OFS and Peep worlds, There will be strong rule of Law favoring the populace, not the government, free, transparent elections at lower levels and rising to planetary levels. Governors with good reputations who guide local populations, not crush them. And finally, a removal of crime syndicates and piracy, replaced buy free flowing trade.
It might not be perfect, but the planets of Silesia will be in a much better place in 10-15 years.