Malcolm Rivera
In the board game Diplomacy, Russia is a unique and powerful piece due to its position in Scandinavia. To play Russia well, you must be adept at diplomatic strategy, as you will need to negotiate with several other players. In the early game, Russia should focus on building its army in the South, where it has the potential to make deals with Italy, Austria, and Turkey. An alliance with Germany is also advantageous, as Germany will be focused on growth in the Low Countries and Denmark and will not want to open a front with Russia. Russia should also aim to avoid a G/E alliance, as this could lead to an attack on St Petersburg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potential for deals with | Italy, Austria, and Turkey |
| Avoid | G/E alliance |
| Focus on | Southern front |
| Aim for | At least one build in the first year |
| Try to | Eliminate one of A/T |
| Communicate with | Prompt and open players |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid a G/E alliance
To avoid a G/E alliance, Russia must engage in diplomatic manoeuvring and leverage its strengths to prevent Germany and England from uniting against it. Here are some strategies Russia can employ:
Firstly, Russia should focus on strengthening its southern front by pursuing deals with Italy, Austria, and Turkey. These countries rarely work together, so Russia can play them against each other to its advantage. By developing alliances in the south, Russia can secure supply centres and strengthen its position. This will also allow Russia to negotiate from a position of strength with Germany and avoid any potential northern assault.
Secondly, Russia should aim for a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) over Silesia with Germany, offering unopposed access for the St. Petersburg fleet into Sweden. This approach will help maintain peace and stability on the northern front, preventing Germany from opening a new front with Russia.
Thirdly, Russia can exploit Germany's interest in economic relations and its need to export technology and manufacturing capabilities. By offering to purchase these goods and fostering economic cooperation, Russia can create a mutually beneficial relationship that Germany will be incentivized to maintain.
Additionally, Russia can leverage its deep ties to the Middle East and its energy commodities to position itself as a valuable partner for Germany in addressing the refugee crisis in Europe. By presenting itself as a stable and reliable supplier of energy, Russia can further strengthen its negotiating position with Germany.
Finally, Russia should engage in misinformation and diplomatic tactics to sow discord between Germany and England. By spreading disinformation and creating doubt, Russia can increase tensions and make an alliance between the two less likely.
By implementing these strategies, Russia can effectively avoid a G/E alliance and secure its position in the region.
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Focus on the South
The Southern front is a make-or-break territory for Russia, which calls for real diplomatic effort. Russia has the potential for deals with Italy, Austria, and Turkey. While they may all be potential foes, they rarely work together, so there is always a potential ally for Russia. In the first year, Russia should focus on negotiating a deal with Germany, which will be looking for growth in the Low Countries and Denmark. Russia can offer unopposed access for the St Petersburg fleet into Sweden in return for a DMZ over Sileseia.
Next, Russia should turn its attention to England. At the game start, England's safest bet for a build is Norway. Russia has the power to frustrate that by moving Mos-Stp, then Stp-Nor for a stand-off. However, this would leave the South vulnerable, so it is a strategic decision that needs to be carefully considered. Russia should also be careful not to burn any bridges with Italy, as this could be a powerful combination in the middle game.
In the South, Russia rarely becomes a major naval power as it takes too long for fleets to get into the Med. Instead, Russia should focus on its army, which is its primary strength. Russia should also be aware that while it can become a naval power in the North, this should only be done if specific tactical situations require it.
In the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, diplomacy in the Global South, especially in Africa, has become a focus for both Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has launched the humanitarian programme "Grain from Ukraine", supplying Ukrainian grain to countries affected by the global food crisis. Russia, on the other hand, has been trying to isolate and weaken the West within the international system. The sanctions coalition against Russia should seek more direct communication with financial institutions and the corporate sector in the Global South to improve compliance with sanctions and reset anti-circumvention diplomacy.
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Aim for a deal with Germany
When it comes to diplomacy in the west, Russia should aim to avoid a G/E alliance at all costs. The best way to do this is by aiming for a deal with Germany. Germany will be looking for growth in the Low Countries and Denmark, and they will have enough problems there without opening another front with Russia. Therefore, Germany should be amenable to a deal.
Russia should aim for a DMZ over Silesia in return for providing unopposed access for the St Petersburg fleet into Sweden. This will ensure that Germany does not feel threatened by Russia's northern fleet and will allow Russia to focus on its southern front.
Additionally, Russia can offer Germany help in Scandinavia, which will give Germany leverage over England. Russia should also encourage Italy to move to Pie, which will benefit Germany by keeping Italy's army out of Tyrolia. This will also keep Munich, Vienna, and Trieste safe in the fall.
Furthermore, Russia can offer Germany an alliance against Austria and Turkey. Russia has the potential for deals with Italy, Austria, and Turkey in the south, and Germany should want to prevent any alliances that could threaten its eastern buffer. By offering an alliance, Russia can ensure that Germany is on its side and prevent any potential attacks from the north.
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Communicate promptly and openly
Communicating promptly and openly is a key aspect of diplomacy, and this is no different when dealing with Russia. When playing the board game Diplomacy, your first goal should be to ensure that there is no A/T (Austria/Turkey) alliance forming, as this could be a threat to Russia. The first step is to write to both Austria and Turkey and ask if they would be interested in forming an alliance with you, and against the other. These initial communications should be direct and to the point, and it is beneficial to be the first player to reach out. The first offer is often accepted, and this will then lead to a series of negotiations. If all goes well, you will be left with a choice to side with either Turkey or Austria. If you are unsure about the other players, it is recommended to side with the player that communicates promptly and openly. Lack of communication can indicate a lack of interest or a lack of time to devote to the game, and these players may be poor allies.
When dealing with Russia in diplomacy, it is important to be mindful of their strategic interests and concerns. Communicating openly and directly can help to build trust and understanding. It is also important to be responsive and timely in your communications. This shows that you take their concerns seriously and are committed to finding a mutually beneficial solution.
In addition to the tone and content of your communications, the medium you choose can also impact the effectiveness of your diplomacy. In the modern era, there are a variety of communication channels available, from traditional diplomatic cables and in-person meetings to more immediate options like phone calls and video conferences. Choosing the right channel can help ensure your message is received and understood promptly and accurately.
Another aspect to consider is the frequency of your communications. Maintaining regular contact can help build rapport and trust. It demonstrates that you value the relationship and are committed to finding a resolution that works for both parties. Open and frequent communication can also help prevent misunderstandings and missteps, which can be detrimental to diplomatic relations.
Finally, when communicating with Russia, it is important to be mindful of cultural differences and historical context. Russia has a long and complex history, and its culture places a high value on respect and honour. Demonstrating your understanding of these values through your communications can help build goodwill and foster a more positive diplomatic relationship.
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Play to your strengths
Russia is an army-based power, so focus on building up your armies, especially in the South. Russia rarely becomes a major naval power in the South as it takes too long for fleets to reach the Mediterranean. While Russia can become a naval power in the North, this should only be attempted if specific tactical situations require it.
Russia's Southern front offers the potential for deals with Italy, Austria, and Turkey. These countries may be foes, but they rarely work together, so there is always an opportunity to do business with one of them. To win, you will eventually need the supply centres controlled by either Austria or Turkey.
Russia's initial position is precarious as Germany and Austria can easily deny you the obvious neutrals of Sweden and Rumania. You also face an immediate point of conflict with Turkey over control of the Black Sea. Your diplomacy should be targeted to ensure at least one build in the first year, which will ensure you remain a viable contender. Two builds will give you the momentum to become a major contender.
You should find it easy to negotiate a deal with Germany. Germany will be looking for growth in the Low Countries and Denmark and will be happy to avoid opening a front with you. Offer them a DMZ over Silesia in return for providing unopposed access for the St Petersburg fleet into Sweden.
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Frequently asked questions
Write to Austria and Turkey and ask if they would like to blitz each other. This will help to avoid an A/T alliance, which is the greatest threat to Russia.
A series of negotiations will follow concerning DMZs, specific moves, and the splitting up of centres.
You will be challenged in the north, so you must respond immediately by investing substantial assets in the north.
The board usually divides into F/G/E in the west and R/A/T in the east, with Italy in the middle. Russia is unique in that it can also play a strong role in the F/G/E triangle due to its position in Scandinavia.
A Russia-Italy alliance is quite powerful in the middle game, so don't burn any bridges with them unless necessary.
