RUSSIA

With a large but relatively poor population Russia starts as a sleeping great power in the backwaters of the east. However with steady growth on the fringes of Europe there is the potential to develop into a military juggernaught.(sample GUI empire file)

As well as starting as the largest nation by geography and by population there is plenty of potential to expand further east right from the start. All those low population co-ordinates soon add up to an extra million in tax before too long, plus in the far north eastern Urals there is the second ore mine that the economy will need to really kick into action. Russia also has the benefit of starting with two European trade cities; the capital at St Petersburg with access to the Baltic & Moscow deep in the interior. These should be utilised where possible to generate extra cash where possible. However Russia’s circumstances do not lend themselves well to commercial trading like the western powers. More likely the state coffers will have to rely mainly on taxes extracted from the peasants. An effort to expand in the colonies in the short term is a pipe dream that more likely to drain resources rather than generate them. Maybe in a couple of years this may be a more realistic venture…

The Russian army begins at a modest size of 10 brigades and an expansive reform of the army is needed if the nation is to fully realize her great power status. The quality of the troops in second only to France really, though there are weaknesses as well as strengths. The ability to build Guard Grenadiers and Guard Riflemen this gives Russia the potential for a devastating combination of infantry firepower and close combat, though at a high price obviously. In the early days reliance will be put on Musketeers which are the cheapest line infantry in the game. There are also options for Guard Curassier cavalry at the top end of the cavalry scale and fast moving cheap Cossack lancers at the other. There is obviously potential here to build a strong and effective battle-winning army. The disadvantages? Speed and geography. The Russian hordes of infantry will only march at 24 points per turn (against 32 for France and some others) so campaign movement can be slow. This in the largest country on the fringes of Europe could be a big problem. The Army starts split with 4 brigades in the north at St Petersburg, 3 in the centre at Moscow and 3 in the south at Sevastopol, several months march apart. To respond to multiple threats it is likely that multiple armies may be required stationed in different areas, rather than a ‘fire brigade’ tactic of marching one large army between fronts that is possible in smaller nations. However, all things considered the Russian army has the potential to be a huge powerful juggernaut with great quality troops so long as the economy is build up strong enough to support it.

Russia starts with two relatively strong fleets, one in the Baltic and one in the Black sea. They are both probably about equal with the closest possible foes in Sweden and Turkey however they hold no initial advantages. There are a few options for the two fleets; To combine the two fleets would involve a long voyage via the Atlantic of several months (one day I’ll work out exactly how long!) and would definitely be a long term plan. If the navy was not required it could be scrapped for ecpts or sold to another nation. Or it could be retained with a view to possible future amphibious operations though either fleet would require re-enforcement to be truly useful.

Russia is a nation for a patient leader. There is unlikely to be much action in the short term as it takes time to develop the economy and army. There are 3 principal neighbours to be wary of; Sweden, Warsaw and the Ottomans (Though obviously Austria should not be discounted from the threat list too hastily!). Sweden would be a strong opponent but although St Petersburg might fall to a determined attack, any further gains on her part would be slow giving time to generate a strong response. In fact on the defensive (as history has shown on many occasion) this advantage of space has often proved to be a great strength for Russia. Whereas some nations can be overrun in a matter of a few turns, eating through the depths of Russia is a major endeavour and a knockout blow is difficult to achieve. A wise Russian will bear this in mind. Warsaw is a prominent neighbour given his location and cannot be ignored. You with either be allies or enemies at some point and tough decisions will need to be made. The Warsaw army has the advantage of speed and some good troop types, but Russia is likely to have a numerical advantage before long, and the advantage of a secure easten border whereas the Poles must worry about Prussia, Austria and even Sweden as well. To the south the Ottomans territory is almost as frustrating for the potential attacker as your own. However if other borders can be secured then the Russian army will have a battle advantage over the Turks, so long as numbers and distance does not get the better of you. This is a long term adventure and a wise leader will not embark on it too hastily…Whichever course of action Russia chooses to take generally time will be on her side and if nothing happens in the first year she will be all the better for it. A common mistake though is to sit back and ignore neighbours too much which is dangerous. Talk to neighbours (and just as importantly, the neighbours of your neighbours!) in order to reassure them. A strong silent Russia could be ignored but could just as easily cause an alliance to be formed against her.

There is no doubt that Russia is a great European power, with a large pool of citizens to build a powerful army. It will take time and patience to grow to full its potential and is not a nation for a leader who wants to be busy in the short term. Movement is slow, trade is difficult and colonial glory is folly but when the battles of the big battalions begin then Russia will prove a tough opponent and can be great long term position to play.(written by Chris Panton)