Politics in the World of Avatar

Politics and Government in the World of Avatar are based around several political systems. Each political system has its distinctive strengths and weaknesses.

There are four broad types of political system. Each has a distinctive character that corresponds with the element of that native nation. The Air Nomads have a theocracy led by four Councils of Monks or Nuns, the Water Tribe a tribal system led by Chiefs, the Earth Kingdom a confederate monarchy led by the Earth King, and the Fire Nation an absolute monarchy led by the Fire Lord. There are, however, exceptions.

There is one person in the World of Avatar that acts independently of all nations, including the nation of his or her origin. This is the Avatar, who acts as an international authority for peace, justice and order.

Air Nomads


Government System: Theocracy

Head of State: No overall Head of State

Current Head of States: Race is almost extinct, only known survivor is Aang

Territorial Divisions: Four Temples

Capital: No overall capital

The Air Nomads had no overall government that made unified decisions before their genocide. Instead, there were four Councils of Elders that presided over the four temples respectively. The Council of Elders had no exact leadership or rule. They were just a group of wise Airbending Masters that made decisions regarding the temple and its people.

Southern Air Temple
Ruler: Council of Elders

Current Leader: Temple empty

The Southern Air Temple Council of Elders had five monks that made all decisions for the temple. This council included Pasang, the council leader, and Gyatso.

Other Air Temples
The other temples followed exactly the same system as the Southern Air Temple, with a Council of Elders.

Water Tribe


Government System: Tribal Chiefdom/Royal Chiefdom

Head of State: No overall Head of State

Most Recent Known Head of State: No overall Head of State

Territorial Divisions: Two Tribes (plus Foggy Swamp)

Capital: No overall capital

The Water Tribe does not have an overall leader. Chiefs preside over only their own division of the Tribe.

Southern Water Tribe
Title of Leader: Chief

Most Recent Known Leader: Chief Hakoda

Capital: Hakoda's Village

Decisions in the Southern Water Tribe are made exclusively by the current Chief, Hakoda. Politics appear to be extremely simple in the Southern Water Tribe, with only one person in power and all others completely loyal to that person. There has been some speculation as to whether or not the Southern Water Tribe elects their chief, as unlike in the Northern Water Tribe, Katara and Sokka are not viewed as royalty.

Northern Water Tribe
Title of Leader: Chief

Most Recent Known Leader: Chief Arnook

Capital: Northern Water Tribe City

Politics in the Northern Water Tribe are more complicated than in its Southern sister tribe. There is one all-powerful leader, currently Chief Arnook, but there is a small council that advises him, including the tribe's greatest Waterbending master, Pakku. Politics can also be personal. For example, marrying the Chief's daughter, the Tribal Princess, can be a significant step in a political career.

Foggy Swamp Tribe
There is no information provided on the politics of the Foggy Swamp Tribe. The only person that does seem to have some authority is Huu.

Earth Kingdom


Government System: Confederate Monarchy

Head of State: Earth King

Most Recent Known Head of State: Earth King Kuei

Territorial Divisions: Provinces (Unknown number)

Territorial Divisions Led By: Kings, Mayors, others unknown

Capital: Ba Sing Se

The Earth King, sometimes referred to as the King of Ba Sing Se, is the overall leader of the Earth Kingdom, but there are large swathes of his territory that rule themselves. These territories do however provide support and troops to the Earth King when necessary.

Ba Sing Se
Title of Leader: Grand Secretariat

Most Recent Known Leader: Last title holder Long Feng, position vacant (Probably)

It should be noted that the Grand Secretariat does answer to the Earth King, who usually personally rules Ba Sing Se. The Grand Secretariat is the Leader of Government.

Omashu
Title of Leader: King

Most Recent Known Leader: King Bumi

Omashu, though part of the Earth Kingdom and therefore answerable to the Earth King in Ba Sing Se, has its own King and is relatively autonomous of the capital.

Sandbender Tribes
Title of Leader: Tribal Chief (presumed)

Most Recent Known Leader: Sha-Mo, Various other Tribal Leaders

In the Si Wong Desert the numerous local tribes each have their own tribal head and some apparent autonomy. Nonetheless they are still part of the Earth Kingdom and presumably have to answer to the Earth King in Ba Sing Se.

Fire Nation


Government System: Absolute Monarchy

Head of State: Fire Lord

Most Recent Known Head of State: Fire Lord Zuko

Territorial Divisions: Homeland and Colonies

Territorial Divisions Led By: Governors

Capital: Fire Nation Capital

The Fire Lord's first son, or if there are no sons then the first daughter is the Heir to the Fire Lord, usually referred to as the Crown Prince or the Crown Princess.

Sun Warriors
Government System: Tribal Chiefdom

Head of State: Chief

Most Recent Known Head of State: Sun Warrior Chief

Capital: Sun Warriors' Ancient City

The Sun Warriors are Firebenders, but are independent of the rest of the Fire Nation and are led by their own Chief, who apparently wields absolute power.

Avatar
Current Avatar: Korra

Current Avatar's Nation of Origin: Water Tribe, Southern Water Tribe

The Avatar is independent of all government systems, and acts in the interests of world balance. The Avatar acts as the international authority for peace, justice and order, often deliberately contradicting and challenging the decisions of their own nation's leader. Thus, the world is often weak and destabilized in the absence of the Avatar.