They planted the seeds of modern micronationalism. We continue our series on the figures of this movement who gave it its letters of nobility. In this edition, it's our turn to tell you about Kevin Baugh.
Kevin Baugh, the founder and self-proclaimed President of the Republic of Molossia, established his micronation out of a blend of creativity and satirical humor. The idea came to him in 1977 when he and a friend, inspired by the comedy film The Mouse That Roared (a story about a tiny country declaring war on the U.S.), created a mock nation from Baugh’s suburban home in Portland, Oregon. In the early 1990s, after obtaining land in Nevada and seeing how other enthusiasts were establishing micronations online, Baugh expanded his vision and officially launched Molossia, taking it from a whimsical concept to a fully-fledged micronation.
Molossia's concept plays on the idea of a sovereign state but with a humorous twist. It claims defined territory (around 6.3 acres in the Nevada desert), a permanent population (primarily Baugh’s family and pets), and its own government, with Baugh as the "benevolent dictator." Though Molossia doesn’t meet international recognition standards, it has its own currency, the “valora,” humorously pegged to the value of cookie dough, as well as its own national anthem, language, and customs.
Its capital, ., is a compact area filled with unique structures and quirky landmarks, such as a customs station, a railroad, a monument garden, and even a faux missile silo, designed to give it a distinctively eccentric charm.
Molossia has gained considerable attention and receives around 200 visitors per year. These visits are typically limited to scheduled tours hosted by President Kevin Baugh, who guides visitors through the nation’s history, sites, and customs. These tours are highly anticipated by micronational enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, as Molossia stands as a testament to creativity in micronationalism, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to experience its peculiar brand of sovereignty firsthand.
Kevin Baugh not only established a unique micronation, but he is also the mastermind behind MicroCon, a biennial summit for micronations worldwide. In 2015, He organized the inaugural gathering in Anaheim, California, where numerous micronational leaders convened for an official and friendly event. This summit has since become a landmark occasion for the micronational community, allowing its members to meet, share their experiences, and promote their respective micronations.
Kevin Baugh’s creation of MicroCon exemplifies his dedication to structuring and growing the micronational movement. As the summit’s founder, he has helped strengthen ties between micronations from all backgrounds. Since its first edition, the summit has been hosted every two years by various micronational leaders, continuing Baugh’s vision of an inclusive and unifying event. Through this initiative, Baugh has cemented his role as an iconic figure and pioneer in the world of micronationalism. Baugh’s work makes him iconic in the world of micronationalism. With tongue-in-cheek diplomacy and a lighthearted approach, His commitment has turned Molossia into a symbolic place that questions the nature of sovereignty and the boundaries of political identity—all while providing a quirky, engaging experience for those who visit or follow the micronation online.
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