Diplomatic relations

Like people, countries have different attitudes to one another. Diplomatic relations can be one-sided and mutual. Tension between countries can lead to war after an incident on the border with a neighboring country. The level of relations towards a trading partner affects the level of logistic costs for trade and the chance of success of peace talks. If mutual relations are good enough, the countries can conclude a trade agreement or join a military alliance.

Gameplay Tips

 * A properly arranged diplomatic meeting can change relations but may lead to undesirable side effects.
 * Countries are extremely sensitive to a sharp change in their neighbors' combat power, perceiving it as an act of aggression.
 * Increased mobilization can cause concern and provoke similar actions in neighboring countries.
 * Regular military parades held in a country with a strong army can arouse militancy in the population and provoke an attack on a weaker neighbor.
 * Deserters are outlawed and often take the path of robbery. These robbers are not interested in diplomatic relations when they attack a trade caravan. Regular robbery incidents can upset even the most loyal allies.
 * Relations between countries affect the conclusion and termination of trade agreements and military alliances between them. But the very action of concluding or breaking agreements affects relations.
 * Oppression or support for a particular ideology, religion, or nationality on the territory of a country may lead to changes in diplomatic relations with countries where these ideologies, religions, or nationalities are dominant.
 * An ally who discovers a hypothetical plan of attack on them will be outraged by the fact.
 * A weak country making plans of attack on a stronger neighbor risks provoking a pre-emptive strike.
 * A country with a developed Military Institution and a large active army can seriously intimidate its neighbors by holding a military parade.
 * While a weak country can be ridiculed and provoke aggression from a stronger neighbor.
 * The enemy of my enemy is my friend. If two countries developed an attack plan on the same country, they can unite to put their plans into motion.
 * If several neighbors of the country with high combat power develop defense plans, it will bring them closer together. They might form an alliance for the purpose of mutual protection from the powerful neighbor.
 * You can convince countries to stop trading with each other by persuading the government to impose an embargo. However, such a gesture would be perceived as hostile.