Hold aggressors wargoal
It's the same war, but since they captured wargoal already, now they have to defend it
So they already own the wargoal, the other side capitulated. So they have none of their own goals to attain and their only coarse is to defend territory that is their own, well or sail all the way to France.
That's exactly real life. If big fish is indeed bigger than you, you have to hope cost of war will be too big for them, or get another fish by your side. Or simply choose the right moment to start the war when indeed big fish is too busy. That's also core game design value.
On the contrary, Japan being able to sneak annex everything in South east Asia because it takes too long for Europe to mobilize sufficient forces.
That is what local forces are for. If you cannot defend it or delay it long enough for more forces to join, should others not be able to take it. It does not prevent Europe from attacking Japan to regain their lost territory.
Yes. Distracted means - when they do not join the war. If they do join, they are not distracted.
But this mechanic gives them a free way into, or better put, to extend the war with no or negligible costs.
Distraction factor also works with my proposed mechanic. They add counter wargoal liberate Vietnam, but cannot dispatch forces just yet. Time passes, Japan firmly holds wargoal. French war support drops before their force arrives. War is over.
Hmm... so you are saying that Japan has to wait out the war support 'timer' twice (still sounds like two wars). I will have to think on that.
