Borders Be Damned: Cotter Menaceland Sails Into MicroCon 27

There’s something beautifully unhinged about Cotter Menaceland.

It’s a semi-presidential republic, stitched together from bits of Iowa and Arizona, with a passport full of European influence, Esperanto dreams, and a language they made up themselves—Cotter Menace. Yes, seriously. And if you think that sounds like a Bond villain’s breakaway republic, you’re not entirely wrong—but also not even close.

Founded in the spring of 2022, Cotter Menaceland isn’t just another flag-waving, ego-driven micronation. No, it’s got heart. Real culture. A soul built on freedom, weirdness, and acceptance—more than I can say for some actual countries.

President Connor Hetner—equal parts diplomat, dreamer, and maybe a little delusional (in the best way)—first dipped a toe into the world of international tiny-nation diplomacy at MicroCon 2023. “My favorite moment was chatting with people I’d only known online. Talking about Cotter Menaceland, showing off our display—it was surreal,” he told me.

Now, the good President is returning to the main stage for MicroCon 27: North America, this time with more friends and more stories. And The President is most looking forward to the gala on water. “It’s a far stray from hotel banquet halls,” he said, laughing. I mean, aren’t we all just trying to escape the beige ballroom of existence?

This isn’t cosplay. It’s not a joke. It’s people building something that matters to them—even if it only matters to a few. “Even if it may be a little pricey or you’re new to micronations, MicroCon is an unforgettable experience,” Hetner added. “You meet people, get new ideas… and you leave with more than just a pin or a title—you leave with community.”

Cotter Menaceland is the kind of place that reminds you why these oddball gatherings matter. Why they stick with you. Why we all need a little space—no matter how small—to call our own.

And sometimes that space floats on a yacht off the coast of Southern California.