Analyzing The Principality of Zeon

by Zoltanous

Zeons Ideology and Aesthetics

The Principality of Zeon is a country from the Gundam series. It's a group of space colonies fighting for independence from the Earth Federation in the show's storyline. Zeon believes that these space colonies should not be controlled by Earth and deserve to be independent, based on their history in the show where Earth used them for materials and workers. This belief was created by a character named Zeon Zum Deikun, who thought that the space colonists, called Spacenoids, were like a new group of humans with their own way of life and should be able to govern themselves. Deikun's philosophy, called Controlism, is founded on two main ideas:

1. Ere-ism, which held that Earth is sacred and that humanity should leave it to live in space.

2. Side-ism, which called for space colonies to be independent from the Earth Federation. 

Deikun also came up with the Newtype theory, suggesting that people living in space would develop a special ability to communicate mentally. He imagined a new type of human, called Spacenoids, who would live freely in space, away from Earth's influence, in a society without classes or a controlling state, much like the goals of communism. But when Deikun and later his successor Degwin Sodo Zabi took over, they altered this vision. Instead of a free society, they moved towards a dictatorship, similar to how some communist leaders, like Stalin, distorted the original ideas of communism. Deikun was killed by the Zabi family before he could see his plans in action, and then Degwin took over, changing the democratic Republic of Zeon into the Principality of Zeon, a kingdom-like state led by the Zabi family with Degwin as the Sovereign.

A family portrait of the Zabi family. Listed here is Gihren Zabi, Dozle Zabi, Degwin Zabi, Kycilia Zabi, and Garma Zabi

Under Gihren Zabi, Degwin's son, the Principality of Zeon took on traits common to fascist regimes, with influences from historical examples like Imperial Japan, Nazi Germany, Maoist China, and the Soviet Union. Zeon's government was a strict, all totalitarian state, with Gihren Zabi idolized to extreme levels. Gihren himself was a leader with a harsh, power-driven approach, similar to Adolf Hitler, a comparison underscored by his speeches and actions that closely mimic those of the Nazi figurehead — for instance, his use of phrases like "Sieg Zeon!" that echo Hitler's rhetoric. Gihren viewed the Earth Federation as a failed and corrupt entity that couldn't meet its people's needs or fulfill their dreams. He criticized the Federation, paralleling Hitler's disdain for the Weimar Republic, suggesting that Zeon was the necessary solution, much like Hitler proposed the German Reich as the remedy for Germany's woes.

"The Earth Federation is a decadent and rotten regime that is controlled by greedy bureaucrats. They are incapable of providing for the needs of the people and have no vision for the future. We, the Principality of Zeon, will show them the way forward and create a new order based on strength and discipline."

— Gihren Zabi

Gihren saw the Earth Federation as too timid and indecisive to secure humanity's future. He wanted the Zeon movement to disrupt the old ways and build a more effective system that truly served the people. His admiration for historical conquerors like Napoleon and Caesar shows his own deep ambitions. He viewed these leaders as role models for creating and ruling large empires and aspired to be seen as a great leader himself. Gihren also looked up to the Ancient Spartans for their military might, strict discipline, and the value they placed on strength and order. He believed that a powerful, centralized authority was key to societal stability and that personal freedoms should be less important than the state's needs. This view aligns with the Spartan practice of putting the state above the individual. Additionally, just as Spartans practiced a form of eugenics to maintain a strong warrior class, Gihren’s ideas on improving humanity echoed the beliefs held by the Nazis.

"The future of our race depends on our ability to evolve, to become better than we are. Newtypes are the next step in human evolution."

— Gihren Zabi

"Newtypes are not some special breed of human. They are the next step in human evolution. They are our future."

— Gihren Zabi

Zeon's ideology, which mirrors aspects of fascist belief systems, includes the idea that their people are superior to Earth's inhabitants. They argue that to achieve true independence and freedom, Zeon must lead a new world order where they are the dominant force. Their official motto, "Zum Deutschen Wesen Erwachen," echoes of Aryan supremacy. In the Gundam universe, this supremacist viewpoint is linked to Newtypes, imagined as evolved humans with advanced mental and psychic skills, representing a potential future for humanity in space, distinct from those on Earth.

Zeon promotes its nationalism and militarism by claiming that the Earth Federation suppresses their people, positioning themselves as noble fighters for justice and freedom, much like Imperial Japan's stance during World War II as the liberators of Asia from Western imperialism. The Federation, in contrast, takes inspiration from international organizations like the United Nations or NATO. Driven by their belief in racial superiority, Zeon engaged in devastating warfare against the Earth Federation, causing massive loss of life and committing war crimes. Their pursuit of military dominance, epitomized by their development of mobile suits, required immense resources and led to the harsh treatment of colony populations, including forced labor and the destruction of colonies.

In one of Gihren's speeches, he declares:

"I will create a new world, a world where the strong rule over the weak, where the pure-blooded reign supreme. And I will be the one to lead it, just as Hitler led Germany to glory."

— Gihren Zabi

Zeon's military-focused society embraced and even promoted the use of overwhelming and brutal force. This is seen in their strategy of colony drops, where they literally dropped space colonies onto Earth, leading to catastrophic destruction and widespread death. Through this tactic alone, millions perished, cities were obliterated, and the planet was left scarred. It's been noted that such actions, especially during Operation British — the first colony drop — resulted in the loss of half of Earth's population.

The Principality of Zeon doing the first colony drop, known as Operation British

The ideology of racial superiority in Zeon led to heinous war crimes in the colonies, such as the enslavement of people for forced labor and the detention of civilians in conditions similar to concentration camps. These facilities were notorious for extracting labor and resources, often resulting in countless deaths due to brutal working conditions and abuse. In extreme cases, Zeon also resorted to desperate tactics like kamikaze missions and suicide bombings. Zeon's ruthless approach to conflict and blatant disregard for life extended even to their own populace. The government did not hesitate to sacrifice Zeon lives if it served their strategic objectives. This was starkly demonstrated when they deployed the Solar Ray superweapon, which obliterated an entire fleet of the Federation's ships, but at the tragic expense of numerous Zeon citizens and soldiers.

Gihren’s speech using his brother Garma’s death as propaganda

The economic structure of Zeon was highly centralized, with an emphasis on bolstering the military and defense sectors, reminiscent of the economic policies in North Korea and the USSR, where the military received priority in resource allocation. The Zeon government exerted complete control over the economy, managing production, distribution, and consumption without room for private enterprise. Resources were funneled primarily towards the development of military hardware such as mobile suits and weaponry, often at the cost of civilian necessities. Propaganda was a key tool for the government, used to instill the belief that the military was the pivotal industry deserving full support—a tactic also employed by the USSR and North Korea to foster a sense of collective sacrifice for national strength.

In the aesthetic realm, the architecture and design within Zeon, as depicted in Gundam, drew inspiration from the Italian futurist movement, known for its celebration of speed, dynamism, and technological prowess. The sharp, angular lines of space colony structures and mobile suits echoed this movement and underscored Zeon's militaristic and forward-thinking character. The flag of Zeon, with its powerful imagery, was designed to embody the might and ambition of the faction, signaling their readiness to engage adversaries swiftly and decisively. Its resemblance to the Nazi battle flag, notably in color usage, invites parallels between the two emblems. Similarly, alternative Zeon flags featuring red and gold share visual elements with communist flags, with the color scheme representing strength, authority, and wealth. These design choices were likely intentional, aiming to evoke associations with historical powers noted for their military focus and ideological fervor.

The Nazi battle flag and Principality of Zeon flag

Various Zeon remnant flags and the USSR flag

Zeon military uniforms, recognizable for their unique helmets, have drawn comparisons to historical military designs. The helmets resemble the Italian Fascist M33 helmets of World War II and the USSR's SSh-40. In some cases, the helmets are akin to the German Stahlhelm, while others have been likened to the helmets worn by the Iraqi Fedayeen Saddam, also noted for their resemblance to Darth Vader's iconic helmet. The use of red armbands by Zeon officers recalls the armbands employed by the Nazis.

The formal attire of the Zeon military shares similarities with the uniforms of Imperial Japan. Their dress uniform features a high-collared tunic, belted at the waist, paired with trousers, echoing the style of the Japanese gakuran. The uniform's primary green hue is accented with a red collar and cuffs, and it is adorned with a red Zeon emblem on the cap, similar to the Imperial Japanese army's Type 98 uniform from World War II. The design elements, including the collar, cuffs, and cap emblem, further reinforce the visual connection to Imperial Japanese military garb. Zeon uniforms also incorporate military rank insignia resembling those used by the Imperial Japanese army, with bars and stars on the collar denoting rank. The Musai space cruisers in Zeon's fleet evoke the appearance of Imperial Japanese wartime battleships with their prominent superstructures.

Char Aznable, a notable adversary of protagonist Amuro, is outfitted with a helmet that bears a resemblance to a traditional samurai kabuto helmet. The design and color schemes of mobile suits like the Zaku and Gelgoog have been likened to Nazi tanks and military vehicles. The Geara Zulu, in particular, bears the most striking resemblance to Nazi designs, evoking the German Panther tank with its angular armor and sleek profile. The black and silver livery of the Geara Zulu is reminiscent of German military colors, while the Zeon emblem on its shoulder parallels the Iron Cross symbol of Nazi Germany. Furthermore, the helmet design of the Geara Zulu is notably similar to the German Stahlhelm.

Some Zeon military aesthetic designs

Zeon During The Series

In the original Gundam series, the conflict known as The One Year War erupted after the Principality of Zeon announced its secession from the Earth Federation in the year Universal Century 0079. Zeon had become disenchanted with the Federation's governance, seeking to create an independent government for the space colonies. The Federation was criticized for exploiting the resources of the colonies without offering adequate compensation or investing in their infrastructure, leading to economic inequalities and growing bitterness among the colonists. To keep authority over the colonies, the Federation employed its military might to suppress any opposition, resorting to violence to put down protests and uprisings, which only intensified the hostility felt towards the Earth's governing body.

Showing how the Federation was oppressing Zeon and how they finally fought back

The onset of The One Year War was triggered by attacks on civilians and a zealous response from Zeon. Zeon gained an early advantage with their technologically superior mobile suits, exemplified by the Zaku II, which outclassed the dated Federation machines in speed and agility. Zeon's strategy included the notorious "colony drop" tactic, notably during Operation British, where they attempted to crash a large space colony onto the Earth Federation's Jaburo base. Despite initial setbacks, the tide of the war shifted when the Earth Federation unveiled their own advanced mobile suits, such as the RX-78-2 Gundam, which outperformed the Zeon's Zaku II. The Federation's expansive industrial capabilities also meant they could outproduce Zeon in arms and equipment. Zeon's reliance on older technology and their limited production capacity were key factors in their downfall. Additionally, internal power struggles and a lack of cohesiveness in leadership further weakened Zeon's war effort. In contrast, the Earth Federation benefited from a more centralized and efficient command structure.

Gihren Zabi harbored ambitions for more aggressive leadership and was critical of his father, Degwin Zabi's, more moderate approach to the war. Gihren viewed Degwin as lacking the commitment to Spacenoid supremacy and being overly open to negotiations with the Earth Federation. To seize control, Gihren orchestrated a public relations campaign to erode confidence in his father's leadership, leveraging the military and propaganda to position himself as the rightful leader. Gihren's coup d'état was successful, but his reign was truncated by his assassination at the hands of his sister, Kycilia Zabi, who perceived him as a rival to her own power aspirations. Her inadequate command skills contributed to Zeon's ultimate defeat.

Had Zeon emerged victorious under Gihren Zabi's vision, Earth would have likely fallen under Zeon dominion, with the Earth Federation either obliterated or severely weakened. The Earth's inhabitants would face subjugation, with Spacenoids elevated and Earthnoids demoted in status. The military would become the preeminent force, with the economy entirely focused on military production. Space colonies would ascend as the new seats of power, relegating Earth to a mere resource. Zeon would then continue its expansionist agenda, striving to establish a new world order with Spacenoids as the ruling class.

In one of his most famous quotes Gihren said:

“The Earth Federation will be crushed, and in its place, we shall build a new government, and a new nation, stronger and greater than anything before!" 

— Gihren Zabi

Degwin comparing Gihren to Hitler

Throughout the Gundam series, the ideology and objectives of Zeon evolved with each new installment. In "Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory," Admiral Aiguille Delaz and his Delaz Fleet continued to uphold the principles of the original Principality of Zeon after its defeat. Resolved to persist in their struggle against the Earth Federation, the Delaz Fleet remained within the Earth Sphere to wage their campaign. Their attempt to dominate involved commandeering the GP02A, an experimental mobile armor with city - annihilating capabilities, aimed at decimating the Earth Federation's naval forces during a fleet review. The Delaz Fleet's intent was to compel the Federation into surrender and recognition of Zeon's dominion over the space colonies. Nonetheless, their efforts were thwarted by the Federation's timely counteroffensive, including actions taken by the Gundam unit, which resulted in the GP02A's destruction and the prevention of a nuclear strike. Moreover, Zeon's internal schisms, particularly opposition from Zeon remnants like Cima Garahau's faction who pursued separate agendas, undermined the Delaz Fleet's unified front.

In the sequels "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam" and "Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ," the Axis Zeon faction emerged, echoing the original Principality's ideology but with a stronger focus on the Zabi family's legacy. Under the leadership of Haman Karn, a young girl, Axis Zeon aimed to overpower the Earth Federation with state-of-the-art mobile suits, including the formidable Psycho Gundam, and a potent space fortress known as Axis as their command center. They endeavored to seize control over the Earth's gravitational pull by capturing the Gryps 2 space colony to use it as a strategic weapon. Haman also leveraged the last Zabi heir, Mineva Lao Zabi, as a symbolic figurehead to rally support.

Despite these ambitious plans, Axis Zeon's bid for supremacy was ultimately unsuccessful. Within the faction, persistent internal strife and power struggles, especially between Haman and her rival Mineva Zabi, eroded their cohesion and operational effectiveness. The Gryps Conflict saw numerous tactical defeats for Axis Zeon, depleting their resources and exposing them to Federation counterstrikes. Moreover, the Federation's resolve to eliminate the Zeon remnants led to relentless military campaigns against Axis Zeon, including operations by the Titans and the Karaba resistance. Haman Karn's personal failings, such as her hubris and impulsive decisions, resulted in strategic blunders, including a premature assault on the Federation's Dakar base. Collectively, these challenges spelled the downfall of Axis Zeon, culminating in their ultimate defeat at the hands of the Earth Federation.

Neo Zeon, as depicted in the anime film "Char's Counterattack," represented a revival of Zeon Daikun's foundational philosophy, with a fierce determination to reestablish the Zeon nation by any means. This faction, led by Char Aznable, also embraced some of the more radical aspects of Zeon's doctrine, including the belief in Newtype supremacy and a readiness to use extreme measures, such as the cataclysmic act of dropping an asteroid on Earth, to accomplish its objectives. Despite their zealous efforts, Char's Neo Zeon encountered numerous obstacles that led to their downfall. Outmatched by the numerically and technologically superior Earth Federation, Char's forces struggled in open combat, often resorting to guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks to gain any ground. Char's leadership, marked by its unpredictability and rashness, resulted in erratic decision-making and tactical missteps. A notable example was his deployment of the psychoframe-equipped Sinanju against the Federation fleet, a move that backfired and led to the suit's destruction, significantly diminishing his military strength.

Internal rifts within Neo Zeon further undermined their campaign, especially the discord between Char and his erstwhile ally, Quess Paraya. Quess' defection to the Earth Federation struck a severe blow to Char's faction, compromising their ability to launch an effective resistance. Additionally, the Earth Federation exploited Neo Zeon's weaknesses, including their dependence on experimental mobile suits, which lacked the combat resilience of the Federation's more advanced weaponry. These cumulative challenges sealed the fate of Char's Neo Zeon, culminating in their defeat by the Earth Federation's forces.

Char’s speech justifying his actions

The Sleeves, introduced in the "Gundam Unicorn" anime series, represented a more intricate interpretation of Zeon's principles, emphasizing the need to better the living conditions for Newtypes and fostering an environment where they could thrive away from Earth Federation oppression. Led by Full Frontal, who claimed to be the spiritual successor of the iconic Zeon figure Char Aznable, The Sleeves aimed to create a world where Newtypes, humans evolved to better adapt to space, could realize their full potential.

Full Frontal's strategy to achieve autonomy for the space colonies involved leveraging the economic power of the colonies to impose an embargo on Earth, thereby cutting off essential supplies and forcing Earth to acknowledge the colonies' sovereignty. This plan entailed the formation of a formidable military presence to deter the Earth Federation from disrupting the blockade. Full Frontal's vision was to weaken Earth's grip on the colonies, ultimately compelling Earth to grant them independence. Although this approach did entail military action, Full Frontal's ultimate objective was the establishment of a peaceful, autonomous space colony nation through a trade union embargo, which he believed would avert a full-scale war with the Federation. The key to this union was the discovery of Laplace's Box, which Full Frontal speculated would contain explosive information capable of undermining the Federation's authority, including the original Universal Century Charter that promised equal representation for space colonies.

Zoltan Akkanen, featured in the "Gundam Narrative" movie, aligned with The Sleeves but pursued a revival of Zeon's original dogma through terrorism, steering The Sleeves toward a more militant path. This shift in tactics did not entirely supplant The Sleeves' core beliefs in Newtype significance, as evidenced by their deployment of the Sinanju mobile suit, specially designed for Newtype pilots. Despite their efforts and initial disruptive impact, The Sleeves, under Full Frontal and later Zoltan Akkanen, were unsuccessful in realizing an independent space colony nation. Their failure was a result of internal discord, overwhelming opposition from the Earth Federation, the Federation's superior technology and military capabilities, and the lack of support from other colonies.

In the expansive Universal Century narrative of the Gundam universe, the Zanscare Empire, as featured in "Mobile Suit Victory Gundam," is another entity influenced by Zeon's legacy. Originating from space, the Zanscare Empire was established by a Zabi descendant, Queen Maria Elsman, and shared Zeon's ethos of spacenoid ascendancy and ambition for a new societal order. The Zanscare Empire distinguished itself with its emphasis on a religious society and the deification of its queen. Nevertheless, the Zanscare Empire's vision of a new world order was ultimately unattainable due to the Earth Federation's military prowess, internal power struggles within the empire, the empire's inability to rally other space colonies, and the recognition that their war-driven pursuit of a new order was flawed.

The emergence of various incarnations of Zeon was driven by a multitude of catalysts, predominantly stemming from the Earth Federation's governance and practices. The Federation's inequitable treatment of the space colonists, particularly in areas of political clout and resource allocation, fostered a climate of alienation and discontent among those living in space. Though consistently overpowered by the Federation, the Zeon faction viewed itself as a crusade for emancipation, striving to break free from the oppressive control of the Earth Federation.

Zeons Ideological Influences

Zeon's philosophy is a tapestry of ideas, borrowing from fascism and communism. The influence of thinkers such as Nietzsche, Hegel, the futurist F. T. Marinetti, Nazi theorist Alfred Rosenberg, and the communist Mao Zedong is evident in Zeon's doctrine. Zeon champions the autonomy and self-determination of space colonists, echoing the anti-imperialist narratives of 20th-century Third World liberation movements, while its belief in the advanced "Newtypes" echoes themes of spiritual growth, human evolution, and racial supremacy. Zeon's perspective on space colonist rights and the importance of military strength shares common ground with Maoist principles, particularly the emphasis on self-determination and national defense. There's also a convergence on the valorization of the collective and the pivotal role of the state, akin to Maoist and Nazi viewpoints, as well as a shared critique of capitalist systems and advocacy for state intervention in the economy. Similarly, Zeon's racial stratification resonates with Nazi ideology and parallels Imperial Japan.

Nietzsche's impact on Zeon is seen in the faction's celebration of individualism and the repudiation of conventional morality. Both Nietzsche and Zeon advocate for a departure from Earth's established power dynamics, favoring a radical re-envisioning of authority, a notion that aligns with totalitarian ideologies. Zeon's concept of the Newtype and Nietzsche's Übermensch both represent an evolved humanity that surpasses current human limitations. These concepts challenge traditional societal norms and hierarchies, proposing new paradigms for civilization and moral values. The crux of Zeon's beliefs also aligns with Hegelian philosophy, which underscores the significance of historical progression in shaping societies. The dialectic of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis in Hegel's work parallels the ideological conflict between Earth and the space colonies in Zeon's narrative, depicting a struggle that's vital for ushering in a new societal order. The Newtype evolution in the Gundam series can be seen as an embodiment of Hegelian progress, marking a new phase in human development and their potential impact on the future of society.

Regarding Futurism, a concept previously mentioned, both the Zeon movement and Futurism prioritize the future and human potential. They champion technological advancements as vehicles to actualize their envisioned futures. Both view the contemporary world as stifled by the status quo of tradition and culture, and they strive to transcend these barriers to forge a vibrant, forward-looking reality. Zeon's belief in the Newtype race's ascendancy resonates with Futurism's belief in the uninhibited potential of the individual. Each ideology heralds the emergence of an enhanced humanity, capable of remarkable feats through personal ingenuity and innovation. Aesthetic parallels also exist between the two movements. Zeon's deployment of mobile suits and cutting-edge technology mirrors the Futurist celebration of velocity, vigor, and the might of machinery. Furthermore, militarism is a cornerstone for both ideologies. Zeon aspires to create an autonomous nation through armed force. This mirrors the stance of many Futurists, including Marinetti, who saw war as a catalyst for societal upheaval and advancement. Marinetti, in particular, advocated for a "new aristocracy" comprised of warriors and stressed the significance of military conditioning for youth, principles that align closely with Zeon's doctrine. The underlying connection is their shared expansive vision of the future, one that highlights the promise of human progression, the revolutionary impact of technology, and the power of individual creativity.

Conclusions

Yoshiyuki Tomino, the visionary behind the Gundam anime series, aimed to delve into the profound human toll of conflict and the ramifications of technological advancement in warfare. His approach was to present a nuanced portrayal of war, steering clear of the glorification common in other mecha anime of the era. Consequently, in the Gundam narrative, neither Zeon nor the Federation are unequivocally cast as villainous; both factions are depicted with their inherent imperfections, reflecting the series' layered and progressive messaging.

Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, who contributed to the original Mobile Suit Gundam series with character designs that would define the Universal Century timeline, harbored a different vision for the series’ undertones. Yasuhiko's designs for Zeon were infused with a critique of Japan's post-war identity. He saw Japan as a nation struggling with wounded pride and stagnation, advocating through his art for a return to the robust military ethos reminiscent of the Imperial Japanese era as a means to rejuvenate the national spirit. Through Zeon's portrayal as a faction with a clear vision, contrasted with the Federation's apparent confusion, Yasuhiko subtly wove into Gundam's fabric a narrative that might be interpreted as a clarion call for a reawakened nationalistic consciousness.

The official timeline of Universal Century Gundam. It should be noted though that the origin before 0079 is missing, so is Gundam Reconguista in G after Victory Gundam