The World Government’s Worst Policies In One Piece

Summary

Criminals are hired by the World Government, like the Shichibukai, to serve their interests.
Researching the Void Century is forbidden and punished, hinting at dark secrets.
The World Government enforces the Heavenly Tribute and engages in forced annexation efforts.

In the popular series “One Piece,” the World Government represents a significant antagonistic force. Although they are generally at odds with the protagonists, who are pirates, their authority impacts people irrespective of their criminal status. This is because the World Government operates as an autocracy, hiddenly ruled by Imu, a mysterious figure believed to have been one of the initial rulers who chose to establish this government as a replacement for the Great Kingdom.

Under Imu’s leadership, the privileges of the descendants referred to as the Celestial Dragons, an elite group originating from the First Twenty, are significantly increased at the expense of the majority on the Blue Planet. This is considered one of the most detrimental policies implemented by the World Government in One Piece.

7. A Bizarre Need To Hire Criminals

Pirates And Other Criminals Receive Pardons If They Prove Useful

Examples: Shichibukai System, hiring new admirals.

In the series, a recurring pattern is the World Government’s practice of employing convicted felons in various sectors of its rule. The Shichibukai, a group of pirates who were granted amnesty for their past offenses by pledging loyalty to the World Government, serves as the most notorious example. The government chose to ignore the criminal activities of Donquixote Doflamingo, who seized control over Dressrosa, enslaving its inhabitants to fuel its infrastructure and erasing the identities of all slaves from those who once knew them. Many pirates affiliated with the Shichibukai openly scorn the government, with some of the less compassionate ones even attacking naval personnel with minimal repercussions. This system eventually met its end, in part due to Admiral Issho, more famously known as Fujitora, who saw how criminals manipulated it to escape justice.

Despite this, there are numerous criminals who are allied with the government. An early humorous portrayal of such a character is Jango, also known as “the Turncoat.” Originally a member of the Black Cat Pirates, he infamously attempted to murder 9-year-old children during his tenure with the crew. However, he received clemency for his actions due to the intervention of his friend Fullbody, who gave up his rank in support of Jango. Now, they both hold positions as marine lieutenant commanders. Similarly, Fujitora and Ryokugyu (Aramaki) had criminal backgrounds, a fact known by the government before their recruitment. They have even worked with child trafficker Mother Carmel, buying her orphans to transform into marines. Notably, she was instrumental in selling John Giant, the very first giant to join the Marines.

The underlying principle of this government seems deeply ingrained in its very character, as evidenced by their history of horrific acts. They tend to turn a blind eye to wrongdoings of others if it benefits them. Interestingly, during the time of the Shichibukai policy, members were more likely to be expelled for losing battles rather than due to corruption issues.

6. Forbidding Void Century Research

The Wrong To Know

Examples: Eliminating researchers, placing bounties on those who search for Poneglyphs, etc.

In this story, there’s a timeframe called the Century of Silence, roughly 900 to 800 years before the narrative starts, that is shrouded in mystery and rumored to unveil the real history of Earth. The government forbids any investigation or study about this era, likely because it could tarnish their origins. One significant incident during this period is the Great War, which marked the transition from the Great Kingdom to the World Government. Joy Boy initially represented the old kingdom in this conflict but was defeated by the First Twenty, who established the new government afterwards.

Despite this, there remains documentation from that time primarily housed within the Poneglyphs – a set of 30 stone tablets inscribed with an old script. Mastering this ancient language is considered a punishable act, and such was the fate of Ohara, Robin’s native island, as it was destroyed due to its inhabitants’ pursuit of knowledge. Orphaned at a young age, Robin sought refuge among various criminal groups because of her academic curiosity and fascination with the Poneglyphs. Likewise, persecution for studying the Poneglyphs affected others as well; a former Mink Pirate crew from Zou, known as the Nox Pirates, who faced hefty bounties for their eagerness to research these artifacts, have since ceased to exist.

Once more, the repeated silencing of those who oppose shows the characteristics of an autocratic regime. It remains mysterious why genuine dread or embarrassment might have kept the real story of global events hidden from the general population, but this fact reveals a troubling aspect of the government’s power.

5. Heavenly Tribute

A Federal Protection Racket

Examples: Left Sphinx and Kutsukku Island to be overrun by crime due to their poverty.

The most important tax levied by the World Government is called the Heavenly Tribute. This ongoing contribution is required as a condition of membership within the World Government, which in turn provides territories with the privilege of being supported militarily by the Navy or Cipher Pol units. The specific amount collected isn’t disclosed, but it seems substantial enough to drive nations into financial ruin when paid.

In summary, despite the controversial actions of Navy members taking control of unaligned islands due to no obligations towards them, it’s important to note that this might be a preferable situation compared to being overrun by criminal activities. Many islands remain unaffiliated with the World Government because they can’t fulfill their Heavenly Tribute obligations, which indirectly creates an environment where crime is tolerated on these impoverished islands.

As a passionate advocate for fairness, I must admit that taxes, in general, aren’t typically the subject of heated debates. However, where the money goes, oh boy, now that’s another story! In this unique world, the Heavenly Tribute serves as a rather controversial source of funding. It’s not just any ordinary tax, but one that supports the extravagant lives of the Celestial Dragons – a group who fancy themselves as divine beings, ruling with unmatched power compared to the common folk. The stark wealth disparity between these so-called gods and their subjects is maintained through this intricate system, a protection racket in essence.

4. Annexation

Forced Integration

Examples: The ongoing attempt to take over Elbaf.

Instead of resisting incorporation for impoverished nations without governmental status, the World Government has shown a greater inclination towards managing or acquiring influential countries. This tendency is evident in their aggressive takeover attempts, such as the one directed at Elbaf – a once independent nation of powerful warriors, now reformed by King Harald. It appears that the government’s primary intention is to leverage the giants of Elbaf for the upcoming conflict.

In this compulsory takeover, they have demonstrated a readiness for cruelty, injury, and even murdering children. This attempted domination was directly commanded by Imu, who later took control of Gunko to accelerate the process more forcefully. The outcome of this event remains unclear as it is still ongoing, but it is likely to impact negatively on Elbaf’s government perception. It could even lead them to adopt a firm stand against the government. Interestingly, Harald had tried years ago to gain some approval from the government, yet his efforts were obstructed. The cause for this appears connected to the government’s intention to keep Elbaf-origin giants they had previously captured.

3. Oligarchy (Covert Autocracy)

A Government Without Representation

Examples: Thought to be ruled by Five Elders, who are secretly ruled by Imu.

The Celestial Dragons and their leadership are often criticized for making the World Government seem corrupt at its core, yet they hold significant power and can be considered the true rulers. The Five Elders represent the visible government, seemingly descended from the original twenty, but it’s unclear how or when they acquired their authority. However, hints suggest a hidden power superior to them, which turns out to be the enigmatic Imu, a possible immortal member of the First Twenty.

A person in power who can’t be called to account poses a significant risk. The apparent authority governing the World Government, along with its hidden mastermind, lie at the heart of corruption. They not only engage in corrupt practices but also uphold policies that foster such profound inequality from the outset.

2. Slavery

Commonly Practiced By Nobles

Examples: Most World Nobles still own slaves.

The immorality of slavery is clear to see, and it’s perhaps no surprise that Oda chose to incorporate this issue into his storyline as a means of exposing the corruption within the World Government. While pirate crews are known to engage in slavery, it’s the Celestial Dragons who are the most egregious offenders. Despite efforts to abolish slavery decades ago, there still exists a government-approved slave system that caters to the upper class.

Among the Celestial Dragons, it appears that slavery, slave marketplaces, and even collections are common practices. Since they serve without wages or basic respect, it’s easy to understand that they are often subjected to abuse. Bartholomew Kuma, a former slave, endured frequent attacks, apparently for the purpose of testing his endurance. His partner, Ginny, who also moved in and out of the slave system, was eventually compelled to marry her owner and tragically passed away during childbirth with their daughter. Boa Hancock, along with her sisters, were force-fed a Devil Fruit while enslaved, seemingly for the amusement of Celestial Dragons. This experience left Boa with a strong dislike towards men, which extended to almost the entire male population.

1. Genocide

The Destruction Of An Entire People

Examples: Wiping out Ohara, Lulusia Kingdom, and seemingly nearly all of three separate races.

It’s undeniably awful that genocide occurs, and its appearance in “One Piece” underscores the deep corruption within the World Government. One of the most striking examples is the Ohara Massacre, where virtually every inhabitant on the island was wiped out, except for Nico Robin, because a particular group was researching the Void Century. It’s said that there are additional instances, many of which transpired off-screen.

In his broadcast, Dr. Vegapunk stated that the World Government aggressively targets uncommon species, including the Three-Eye Tribe, Lunarians, and Buccaneers. Although the specific motives for their persecution have yet to be explicitly explained, the government’s ability to eradicate entire groups of people on multiple occasions suggests a chilling level of power and reveals how terrifying they can be.

1) In recent times, nearly all of Lulusia Kingdom’s inhabitants (with the exception of those who sought rebellion or departure), were destroyed by an unknown Ancient Weapon fueled by a stolen fragment of Vegapunk’s Mother Flame. This was followed by official denial, as the government tried to conceal not only the occurrence but also the very existence of the Kingdom. Moreover, it has been revealed that the Celestial Dragons often visit islands for a huntsman-like game, targeting their native populations.

2025-09-01 09:16