Malcolm Rivera
Russia is a complex player in the game of Diplomacy, and its success depends on many factors. One of the key advantages Russia has is starting with one extra unit compared to other powers. This unit provides Russia with greater flexibility and the potential to build momentum early in the game. However, this advantage comes with challenges. Russia's large territory makes it a target for neighbouring countries, and its southern triangle, in particular, is crucial to consolidating power. Russia must navigate delicate relationships with Austria, Turkey, England, and Germany, and its diplomatic choices can make or break its game. Russia's success rate has declined over the years, and its vulnerability to early attacks, especially from Germany and England, is a significant concern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of units Russia starts with | 4 |
| Number of units other powers start with | 3 |
| Russia's success rate in 1972-1979 | 19.46% |
| Russia's success rate in 1980-1988 | 16.44% |
| Number of supply centres Russia held in Autumn 1901 (1972-1979) | 5.38 |
| Number of supply centres Russia held in Autumn 1901 (1980-1988) | 5.32 |
| Number of units Russia has in the North | 2 |
| Number of units Russia has in the South | 2 |
| Number of neighbours in direct opposition to Russia | 4 |
| Number of countries considered neutral that Russia maintains positive relations with | 6 |
| Number of countries traditionally considered Western-aligned that Russia maintains positive relations with | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
Russia's initial position is precarious
Russia's initial position in Diplomacy is precarious. Although Russia starts the game with four units, one more than any other power, it also has the largest territory to defend. This makes Russia appear dangerous to other players, putting it at a diplomatic disadvantage. Moreover, Russia's vast territory makes it vulnerable to attacks from its neighbours, particularly Germany and Austria, who can deny Russia the crucial centres of Sweden and Rumania. Russia also faces a point of conflict with Turkey over control of the Black Sea.
Russia's success depends on its ability to negotiate and maintain strong diplomatic relations. It is important for Russia to secure at least one build in the first year, with two builds giving it the momentum to become a major contender. Russia should focus on its strengths as an army-based power and aim to consolidate its position in the southern triangle of Scandinavia to prevent losing home centres to Germany or England. A strong opening move is to send two units northwards to threaten Norway, which is often seen as England's automatic gain in 1901. This can be used to bounce England out of Norway, or to slide into Finland and establish a chokehold in Scandinavia.
Russia must also be mindful of its southern front and the threat posed by Turkey and Austria. A shrewd move is to arrange a standoff in BLA in Spring 1901 and then order F(Sev)-Rum in the Autumn, with support from Ukr or Gal if necessary. Conditional builds can be made based on Turkey's moves, and this can be an effective strategy if communicated to Turkey. Russia should also consider forming alliances, such as with Germany or Italy, to strengthen its position.
Overall, Russia's initial position in Diplomacy is precarious due to its large territory, multiple potential conflicts, and the need for strong diplomatic relations. A well-coordinated attack by its neighbours could easily crush Russia, so it must use its initial advantage wisely to secure builds and form alliances to maintain its position in the game.
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Russia's extra unit is a diplomatic disadvantage
Russia's extra unit can be a diplomatic disadvantage. While Russia starts the game with four units compared to the three allotted to every other power, this advantage is offset by the fact that Russia has the largest territory to defend and can easily become vulnerable to attacks from its neighbours. Russia's initial position is precarious, as it cannot be sure of building new units in the first year due to potential opposition from Germany and Austria, who can deny access to neutrals like Sweden and Rumania. Additionally, Russia faces immediate conflict with Turkey over control of the Black Sea.
The extra unit makes Russia appear dangerous to other players, creating a psychological disadvantage. Russia's large territory and multiple neighbours require significant diplomatic effort to maintain stability and prevent alliances forming against them. Russia must carefully negotiate with Germany, Austria, Italy, and Turkey to secure advantageous positions and prevent early attacks.
Russia's success depends on its ability to maintain good relations with its neighbours, especially Germany, and manage conflicts over territories like Scandinavia and the Balkans. Russia's opening moves are crucial, with options including allying with or against Turkey, attacking England or Germany, or focusing on southern territories. However, despite these strategic considerations, Russia's success rate has declined over time, possibly due to the changing tactics of other players.
In summary, while Russia starts with an extra unit, this can be a diplomatic disadvantage due to the challenges of defending a large territory, the need for careful diplomacy to prevent alliances forming against them, and the complex strategic considerations required to maintain a strong position in the game.
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Russia's southern triangle is crucial
Russia's southern triangle strategy is important as it must consolidate its position in the south to the extent that it can build units elsewhere. If it fails to do so, it may start losing home centres to Germany or England or both. Russia must also be careful not to cede the Black Sea to Turkey, as this gives them leverage over Rumania. Russia must also be wary of an alliance between Austria and Turkey, as this could compromise its southern position.
Russia's diplomatic strategy should be to fan the sparks of mistrust between other countries until they flare up into war. It can then slowly move westwards, picking up centres as the other countries fight amongst themselves. Russia's best opening strategy is to ally with Turkey, forming a very strong alliance that tends to favour Russia once it gets going. However, Russia must also be careful not to be too reliant on Turkey as this could result in a full-on Turkish attack via Armenia.
Russia's diplomatic strategy must also take into account its relations with other countries. Russia maintains positive relations with countries considered neutral on the world stage, such as Brazil, India, and Vietnam. It also has good relations with some Western-aligned countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Russia's relationship with the United States and other Western countries has been more critical, with Putin making increasingly negative public statements about their foreign policy.
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Russia's neighbours could form an alliance
Russia's aggression towards its neighbours has also led to a strengthening of deterrence and defensive measures by NATO. The Alliance has called out Russia's actions and countered disinformation, making it clear that they do not seek confrontation with Russia. NATO supports Ukraine's right to self-defence and is committed to protecting and defending all Allies.
Furthermore, Russia's neighbours could form an alliance through the European Union (EU). Russia and the EU signed a partnership and cooperation agreement in 1994. However, Russia's recent actions, such as its invasion of Ukraine, have strained this relationship. The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia and targeted individuals and entities with restrictive measures.
In addition to its relations with NATO and the EU, Russia also has neighbours that are not part of these organizations. For example, Russia has sought to solidify its alliances in Africa, Asia, and South America. Russia's influence in these regions is expanding, particularly in the areas of mining and security services. Many African and South American countries have a keen interest in cheap fossil energy and have not imposed sanctions on Russian entities.
Overall, Russia's neighbours could form multiple alliances, and the potential for collaboration and cooperation among them is complex and multifaceted.
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Russia's best policy is to fan mistrust
Russia's best policy is to fan the mistrust between other countries until they flare up into war, and then slowly grind westwards, picking up centres as the rest fight amongst themselves. This strategy is based on the understanding that Russia starts the game with a psychological disadvantage. It not only starts with one more unit than any of the other Great Powers, but its vast territory makes it look dangerous to the others, putting it at a serious diplomatic disadvantage.
Russia's initial position is precarious. It cannot even be sure of a build in the first year, as Germany and Austria can easily deny access to the obvious neutrals of Sweden and Rumania. There is also an immediate point of conflict with Turkey over control of the Black Sea. Russian diplomacy should be targeted to ensure at least one build in the first year, without which it will not remain a viable contender. Two builds will give Russia the momentum to become a major contender.
Russia's opening position is almost as vulnerable as Austria's, and it can be forcibly brought down by its neighbours if it is not careful or strong enough to defend itself. Russia must be prepared to diplomise harder than with any other country. It occupies about a third of the board and has four neighbours in direct opposition. Although it starts with an extra unit, this is not much of an advantage as Russia can be crushed by concerted action from its neighbours.
Russia's first decision is whether to send the A(Mos) to StP or to be content with a lone fleet operating in the north. In the north, Russia has to tread warily until it is strong enough to mount a land war against Germany or a sea war against England. An alliance between England and Germany would be the worst thing for Russia, as it would not only hamper its position in Scandinavia but also hinder the growth of its natural ally in the north – France.
Russia is primarily an army-based power. In the south, it rarely becomes a major naval power as it takes too long for fleets to get into the Med. However, it can become a naval power in the north, and fleets from St Petersburg have been decisive in breaking the standard naval stalemate lines formed around the MAO and Spain. Russia's best opening move is therefore StP-GoB, which will ensure credibility with other players.
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Frequently asked questions
Russia starts with one more unit than other countries in Diplomacy because it has four neighbours in direct opposition and occupies about one-third of the board in area. This extra unit is necessary to defend its large territory.
Russia has the largest and most robust choice of openings out of any power on the board. It can attack England by moving A Moscow to St. Petersburg, challenging Norway, attack Germany through Silesia, attack Austria through Galicia, or attack Turkey through the Black Sea, all on the first turn.
Russia has a lot of flexibility due to its involvement in both the north and the south in 1901. It also has the most powerful openings out of any country, with the ability to attack in multiple directions.
Russia starts the game with a psychological disadvantage as its large territory makes it look dangerous to other players. It also has a precarious initial position and can be vulnerable to attacks from its neighbours.
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