Gapla is the second self-proclaimed state on the Danube after Liberland, writes Suddeutsche Zeitung. The country is located halfway between Belgrade, Sarajevo, and Zagreb. Although largely unknown, such micro-states have historically played a specific role.
“As a teenager, I established my own country and was invited to speak before the UN as a 17-year-old.”
The Süddeutsche Zeitung begins its feature article with Wyatt Baek’s statement about the ‘state’ of Gapla, covering an area of 205 hectares between Serbia and Croatia.
Gapla, as Baek said, is on the unclaimed land.
He himself has never been there, but he already has passports, license plates, a flag, and a website. “And the name, of course: Federal States of Gapla. It is just a few steps away from being a real country,” the reporter noted ironically.
Gapla should strengthen “peace and harmony” between the peoples and be a “modern and innovative nation.”
Crazy Undertaking
“Micro-countries always served as a form of revolution, philosophy, a real-life simulation game. What can a state look like without the old baggage? What makes a good country? Does it have to be good? Does it have to serve its citizens or can it only serve itself?” the Suddeutsche Zeitung philosophizes.
They also recalled the Elgaland-Vargaland micro-state, where a Scottish artist allowed everyone to be kings. According to DW, there is also a venture by Slovenian Peter Mlakar, who proclaimed his own country alongside an artistic collective in 1992, gaining numerous supporters in Nigeria.
Micro-states, according to the Munich-based newspaper, can emerge as free-trade zones for shady offshore banking, shipping companies, and casinos.
“Just like Liberland. This state, situated close to Gapla, was founded in 2015 and is described on its website as ‘the most liberal country in the world.’ Blockchain literally rules there. Anyone who wants to become a citizen must invest in a unique cryptocurrency.”
According to the newspaper, the citizens of Liberland, whom we have already written about, were driven by a dislike of bureaucracy and taxes, as well as the hope of profiting from various investments.
The Border Issue
“Liberland, understandably, is not internationally recognized. No one lives on the piece of land situated on the Danube.”
Suddeutsche Zeitung reminded of the issue – both Serbia and Croatia agree that the border lies on the Danube, but based on different historical periods, while the Danube has since shifted its course.”
“As a result, many small areas have emerged to which either both countries or neither of them lay claim,” the newspaper explains.
“The political situation is complex. The locals are annoyed by foreigners who think they can simply march in here, even though the ‘march’ is merely symbolic.”
According to the newspaper, territory is not even important for ventures like Liberland and Gapla but serves to legitimize them.
“States exist first and foremost as a group chat on the Discord platform, and diplomatic talks are conducted on a Reddit forum. It is hard to imagine California teenagers preferring to live on the muddy banks of the Danube.
Zuckerberg Wannabe
Gapla has its cryptocurrency, and the founders claim that, above all, they want ideas, not money. Baek said, “MrBeast’s company wrote to us and asked how to join. I honestly don’t know what to answer.”
MrBeast is the world’s most successful YouTuber, with half a billion followers on social media and a range of companies.
According to the newspaper, Baek states in his biography that he has developed AI texts, a school assessment platform, and a technology YouTube channel. He has also authored e-books on various topics, including the establishment of states.
The newspaper notes that he is ambitious and smart, briefly drawing comparisons to Mark Zuckerberg and the tech nerds of the early 2000s.
“Also, the trip to the UN Youth Forum ECOSOC was funded by Baek and two other people from Gapla through the Gapla organization for presenting, paid for by the Government of Gapla. Therefore, they know how to spend large,” Suddeutsche Zeitung concluded.
