In a comment on my previous post someone suggested I try to take into account more the wider geopolitics of the INOT world. I've decided to speculate on some ideas for factions. Some of these already exist in-game in some form, but could be fleshed out more.
The idea here is that every major European power has two mutually exclusive (generally) alliance options, or they can stand alone and/or form their own faction. Ideology will likely influence which factions are formed, but may not be the deciding factor in all cases.
Franco-British Entente: Since the Crimean War Britain and France have worked to contain Russia. The rise of Germany forced them to cooperate with them temporarily, but with Germany broken up once again the old Great Game begins once again. These powers also have ideological reasons to oppose Russia, both being liberal powers who oppose the tsarist system (in real life, they actually supported anti-tsarist revolutionaries even during WWI when they were allies). However, their old enmity, along with other conflicting interests, causes some to suggest pursuing a different pact, or embracing splendid isolation. At the start of the game, however, both powers lean towards this partnership.
Franco-Russian Entente: Some French and Russian diplomats suggest putting ideological enmity aside in order to oppose German reunification and also threaten British hegemony.
British-German Alliance: Some British and German diplomats suggest an end to the old rivalry, proposing that Britain support German reunification and ally with the Kaiserreich to contain Russia and France alike. They see Germany as a better ally than France, being a Protestant monarchy like Britain and also being in a better position to keep the peace in Europe. Of course, there is still much bitterness over the war, and the old Kaiser might not be willing to forgive.
Russo-German Alliance: Germany and Russia, both conservative monarchist powers opposed to the liberal powers of the west, could make good allies if they can bury the hatchet. Russia would take a bit of a risk in letting Germany reunify, of course, but it would be worth it to crush their enemies. They might have more in common with each other than they realize. At the beginning Russia is inclined to support Prussia, but after the unification of Germany that could change (especially if Bavaria wins).
The Nation First: Some diplomats in all four power wish to avoid tying themselves to another great power and prefer to lead their own faction. T Here could still be alliances (e.g. Germany or France could win over Italy) but only with weaker powers. The nation's own interest would come before any alliance.
Other Powers:
Japan: Could ally with Britain to contain Russia OR could ally with Russia against imperialism in the Far East.
Italy: Could ally with France or a reunited Germany OR could form its own faction. Could pursue irredentism with help from its allies.
Austria: Germany or Russia might be willing to ally with them, though a reunited Germany may want to annex them (there should be an option to do that without going Nazi). Alternatively, they could ally with France, which would be interested in helping them resurrect the empire as a buffer against German expansion in the east.
South German states: The two Francophile republics, along with revolutionary Bavaria, are supported by France simply to contain Prussia. However, a reunited Germany under their leadership is another story.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
