Government Structure
The Yellow Empire is a totalitarian regime under the absolute control of Emperor Basam Damdu (in the tradition of Adolf Hitler's Germany, Benito Mussolini's Italy and Joseph Stalin's Russia). The official ideology is never specified, but it seems to be a form of Asian supremacism, like Imperial Japan's propaganda during World War II. A later novel reveals that Basam Damdu was a "great admirer" of Nazi ideology, and signed a secret accord with Adolf Hitler at some point during his reign; whether the Yellow played any role in World War II within the Blake and Mortimer universe, however, is unknown.
The hierarchy and structure of the government are not well defined (though it is clear that the Emperor has final say in all matters). However, two government departments are shown in the comics;
- The High Council, a body of military, scientific, political and other leaders who advise the Emperor in matters of governance.
- The 13th Bureau, the organ in charge of state security. Like the SS and KGB, is serves both as an intelligence agency and a secret police. Despite its important position, it is not actually commanded by a Yellow but by a European, Colonel Olrik, who betrayed his country to Basam Damdu and is the main villain of the comics.
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