Malcolm Rivera
Playing France in Diplomacy is considered one of the better options, as it is a corner country, which gives it an advantage over centre countries like Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. When playing as France, you will need to decide whether to ally with England or Germany against the other. An Anglo-French alliance is a good second choice, but it is important to remember that England will gain more from this alliance than France, and may eventually stab France in order to win. A Franco-German alliance is a more preferable option, as both countries have their own areas of expansion, and the alliance can last a long time. However, forming this alliance requires building trust, such as by agreeing on a DMZ in Burgundy and deciding who will conquer Belgium. Once England has been eliminated, France can focus on the Mediterranean, while Germany can focus on Scandinavia and Russia.
Characteristics and Values of French-German Alliance Diplomacy
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most natural alliance | France and Germany against Russia |
| Natural alliance | Germany and Austria |
| Alliance to avoid | England and France |
| Alliance to consider | Germany and France |
| Alliance to consider | France, Italy, and Russia |
| Alliance to consider | Germany, France, and Russia |
| Alliance to consider | Germany, France, and Italy |
| Alliance to consider | Germany, France, and Austria |
| Alliance to avoid | Germany and Italy |
| Alliance to avoid | Germany and England |
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What You'll Learn
France's strategy: Mediterranean focus or ally with England or Germany
When playing as France in Diplomacy, you must be aware that you are in a group of three countries, along with England and Germany, and at least one of the other two needs to "disappear" for you to win. Your first priority should be to eliminate England, not Italy, unless, of course, you have a firm alliance with England to take out Germany.
If you are facing an England-Germany alliance, you can try to nudge Russia into an alliance with Turkey, as Russia can play a key role in putting pressure on Germany. You can also offer a supply center to England in exchange for peace. However, be cautious as England can be a threat to France, especially if they are fleet-rich, allowing them to make sweeping thrusts into the Mid-Atlantic and English Channel. While an alliance with England can be profitable early on, they will eventually stab you in order to win.
A German alliance is generally preferred over an English one. However, be aware that Germany will constantly try to invade France. A Franco-German alliance can be formed by coordinating with each other to attack England. This alliance typically forms when Turkey has already been defeated, with a rapid attack on Germany in the Spring of 1902.
If you want to focus on the Mediterranean, you will need to negotiate at least a neutral England, if not a friendly one. Italy is a vital ally in this scenario, and you must ensure that you maintain good relations with them. France can easily defend against an Italian attack with as little as four units. However, Italy may be preoccupied with conflicts in the East, such as against the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottomans.
Overall, France's strategy should involve careful diplomacy and managing alliances with England, Germany, Russia, and Italy to eliminate the biggest threats and secure a path to victory.
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Franco-German alliance: Pros, cons, and how to build trust
France and Germany have a long and often contentious relationship stretching back to the Middle Ages. The Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, World War I, and World War II are some of the major conflicts that have marked their history. However, since the end of World War II, the two nations have largely reconciled and become important allies in the European Union. This transformation is often referred to as moving from a relationship defined by "fear, mutual recrimination, and violence" to one characterized by "love, mutual respect, and proactive engagement".
Pros of the Franco-German Alliance
The Franco-German alliance is considered a cornerstone of European unity and a driving force for peace and integration within Europe. Both countries have taken symbolic and pragmatic steps to build trust and create linkages across sectors, including politics, economics, and culture. This has resulted in a dense network of partnerships and bilateral contacts, ranging from choirs to business circles, as well as town twinning arrangements.
Cons of the Franco-German Alliance
Despite the progress made, the Franco-German relationship continues to face challenges. There is a perceived lack of mutual interest between the two countries, with a significant portion of the populations viewing each other as partners rather than friends. Additionally, there are divergent approaches and instruments of cultural diplomacy, and tensions in critical areas of policy cooperation, such as defence projects and responses to the war in Ukraine.
Building Trust
Building trust between France and Germany requires a focus on both government institutions and people-to-people ties. Here are some ways to build trust and strengthen the Franco-German alliance:
- Promote People-to-People Connections: Encourage cultural exchanges, youth programmes, and town twinning initiatives to foster mutual understanding and respect between the French and German peoples.
- Address Stereotypes: Work towards overcoming stereotypes and perceptions marked by stereotypes. For example, a survey in France associated Germany with "rigor," "work," and "economic power," which may influence the dynamics of the relationship.
- Mutual Understanding: Focus on forging mutual understanding through people-to-people connections, rather than solely on issues of security or policy.
- Reconciliation: Acknowledge and address the volatile history between the two nations, taking symbolic and commemorative steps towards reconciliation.
- Bilateral Cooperation: Strengthen bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including economics, politics, and culture, to create a stable foundation for the relationship.
- Common Goals: Identify and pursue common goals, such as an ambitious internal EU reform agenda, to unite the two countries and present a unified front on the international stage.
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England-France alliance: Pros, cons, and how to build trust
The "'Entente Cordiale'" is the well-established name for the Anglo-French alliance, formed in 1904 to defend against German aggression and end direct colonial competition. While an England-France alliance can be profitable early on, it is often short-lived as England must eventually betray France to win the game. This alliance is generally formed in the mid-game, but it can be coordinated in the early turns, with each nation creating short-term alliances.
Pros
An England-France alliance is one of the stronger alliances in terms of short-term offense, as the two allies can grow quickly, especially England. In addition, the alliance can be used to attack Germany, whether as a standalone alliance or as part of a triple alliance. The Spaghetti Western with Italy, the Triple Entente with Russia, and the Western Triple with Germany are triple alliances that allow England and France to attack Germany.
Cons
The main con of an England-France alliance is that it often results in England betraying France. France is usually army-heavy and unable to deal with fleet-rich England's sweeping thrusts into the Mid-Atlantic and English Channel. In addition, France's best chance of a solo win is to start by invading England's home centers, making her a formidable enemy.
Building Trust
To build trust in an England-France alliance, it is important to remember that the alliance is often based on the element of surprise and secrecy. In addition, strong trust between the players is crucial. Demonstrating strength may also help to build trust, as it can make your ally feel more secure and deter rivals.
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The role of Italy, Russia, and Austria in the alliances
Italy, Russia, and Austria played significant roles in the shifting alliances that characterised European diplomacy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the lead-up to World War I.
Italy, seeking support against France after losing North African ambitions to the French, joined the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1882. The Triple Alliance was a defensive pact, with each member promising mutual support in the event of an attack by another great power. In the case of Italy, Germany and Austria-Hungary pledged to assist if Italy was attacked by France without provocation, and Italy, in turn, promised to aid Germany in the same scenario. Italy also promised to remain neutral in the event of a war between Austria-Hungary and Russia, which would free up Austrian troops that would otherwise guard the Austrian-Italian border. However, Italy and Austria-Hungary had conflicting interests in the Balkans and the Adriatic and Aegean coasts, and Italy later secretly extended a guarantee of neutrality to France in 1902.
Russia's role in the alliances of the time was often in opposition to the Triple Alliance, particularly in its alliance with France from 1894 onwards. Russia's expansionist ambitions in the Balkans and Central Asia brought it into conflict with Austria-Hungary and Britain, leading to diplomatic brinkmanship and contributing to the complex web of alliances that preceded World War I. Russia's mobilisation of its army in response to Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia in 1914 was a key factor in the escalation of the conflict.
Austria, as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was closely allied with Germany from 1879, and together they formed the core of the Triple Alliance with Italy. Austria-Hungary sought to expand its influence in the Balkans and was drawn into conflict with the Ottoman Empire, as well as with Serbia, which led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the outbreak of World War I. Austria-Hungary's alliance with Germany was considered natural, as they often stood together against Russia, sometimes through a full alliance and other times through a non-aggression pact. However, Austria's position was precarious, as it bordered three potential hostiles, and Germany had the ability to perform a stab on Austria.
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How to play France: Opening moves and tactics
Playing France in Diplomacy can be tough and frustrating, especially when dealing with northern troubles. Here are some opening moves and tactics to consider when playing as France, with the ultimate goal of controlling England:
Opening Moves:
- Start with Bre, Par, and Mar. These are your power centres and you should aim to hold onto them as long as possible.
- Aim for Spa and Por next. This is a conservative move, but it sets the foundation for your expansion.
- To add some spice, set your sights on Bel. This gives you a strong opening position with six centres. Be prepared to negotiate and ally with England or Germany if they also have their eyes on Bel.
- If you can't get Bel, you might have to settle for five centres initially. Focus on strengthening your position and look for opportunities to expand.
- Consider a Gascony series of openings: Par-Gas, Bre-MAO, and Mar-Spa or hold. This strategy allows you to convoy a unit to Port or Spain and position your fleet for a strike into the North Atlantic or Irish Sea against England. However, experienced players might see this as a bell signalling a French assault.
- Defence and your second target should guide your early moves. Aim for Bur and Mar/Gas as soon as possible. Keep your fleet in Mar close to home for reinforcement.
- If Italy is your second target, work towards having Mar open for its second fleet build by F/03.
- When dealing with an England-Germany alliance, stay out of their way, and look for opportunities to slowly expand. Focus on building alliances with other countries to counter their strength.
Tactics:
- England is your primary concern and your most vital negotiations. While Germany borders France, England's fleet-rich strength can sweep into the Mid-Atlantic and English Channel with lightning speed and lethality.
- An alliance with England must be approached with extreme caution. While an English-French alliance can be profitable early, England will eventually stab you to secure their win.
- A German alliance is generally preferred over an English one. However, be cautious as Germany moving west in 1901 and 1902 creates a void that Russia might fill, causing trouble for France.
- To win in the west, you must control England. Discourage any Russian-English alliances, as this will cause problems for France and Germany.
- Balancing Russia is key. Encourage Russia to get involved in the west, as this will cause friction between them and England and Germany.
- If you can, arrange a deal with England for Brest, but move as if you're preparing for Germany. This might buy you time and create distrust between England and Germany.
- If you're up against an England-Germany alliance, focus on building alliances with other countries like Italy or Russia to relieve the pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
France is considered one of the "better" countries to play in Diplomacy. Some strategies for playing France include:
- Attempting to ally with England against Germany.
- Allying with Germany against England.
- Focusing on the Mediterranean.
- Building a fleet in Brest.
- Convincing Germany to join forces to get Norway back from Russia.
- Encouraging Germany and England to focus on each other.
Germany is surrounded by England, France, and Russia. Some strategies for playing Germany include:
- Forming an alliance with Austria.
- Working with France to eliminate England.
- Focusing on Scandinavia and Russia.
- Agreeing with France on a DMZ in Burgundy.
England is a powerful but vulnerable country in Diplomacy. Some strategies for playing England include:
- Forming an alliance with France against Germany.
- Invading Belgium.
- Focusing on the Mid-Atlantic and English Channel.
- Allying with Russia.
