While I have elsewhere expressed my opposition to a Vicky-style economic model in HOI2 (along with everyone else), I am strongly in favor of some form of World Market (I liked the original, despite its flaws) and I would like to propose a refinement:
RATIONALE: In the 36-39 timeframe, economics and politics were primary expressions of national self-interest. Economic deals such as the U.S. oil embargo against Japan and various technology trades like those modeled in CORE had a huge impact on international relations.
PROPOSAL: That decisions to trade or not trade on the World Market be tied to War Entry (or whatever system replaces War Entry), to dissent, and to the 'triangle' of national political stances. This way, I can choose - as the USA, for example - to withdraw from the world oil market in 36-39 as a kind of low-level resistance to Nazi Germany, but I would pay a price in terms of international relations and domestic dissent.
We can hash out the specifics of this idea, but what do you think of the concept itself? It would give the USA player (and others) some very meaningful things to be concerned with during the buildup to war. As Sweden, do you trade with Germany or not? As the UK, can you use economic deals (the 'trade agreements' described in the original manual but never implemented) to sway the governments of various nations? As the USSR, can you parley your relative oil surpluses into influence in the Balkans and Asia? As Japan, can you stave off the necessity of war with the USA over the Southern Resource Area through artful international policy?
I think a SIMPLE system would add immeasurably to the game. Thoughts?
RATIONALE: In the 36-39 timeframe, economics and politics were primary expressions of national self-interest. Economic deals such as the U.S. oil embargo against Japan and various technology trades like those modeled in CORE had a huge impact on international relations.
PROPOSAL: That decisions to trade or not trade on the World Market be tied to War Entry (or whatever system replaces War Entry), to dissent, and to the 'triangle' of national political stances. This way, I can choose - as the USA, for example - to withdraw from the world oil market in 36-39 as a kind of low-level resistance to Nazi Germany, but I would pay a price in terms of international relations and domestic dissent.
We can hash out the specifics of this idea, but what do you think of the concept itself? It would give the USA player (and others) some very meaningful things to be concerned with during the buildup to war. As Sweden, do you trade with Germany or not? As the UK, can you use economic deals (the 'trade agreements' described in the original manual but never implemented) to sway the governments of various nations? As the USSR, can you parley your relative oil surpluses into influence in the Balkans and Asia? As Japan, can you stave off the necessity of war with the USA over the Southern Resource Area through artful international policy?
I think a SIMPLE system would add immeasurably to the game. Thoughts?
