Austria (ETW Faction)
Overview
The Austrian Empire lies in central Europe and poses the main European bastion against the Ottoman Turks. For centuries, the two nations have been fighting against each other and the Austrian military has become strong and organized as a result. The east and south of Europe offer many possibilities for expanding. Furthermore, Austria wants to keep and defend its supremacy over the Holy Roman Empire and the German lands. While Austria does not have any colonies, its lands are prosperous and fertile. The Empire doesn't need a powerful navy and its strong land army should serve as a hefty deterrent for any foreign power. However, the weakened Ottomans are still a major enemy and Russia is also eager to expand further into Europe. On top of that, the small Prussian kingdom is rising in the north and will use every opportunity to expand its territory.
In conclusion, Austria is surrounded by many possible adversaries. Therefore, the Empire has to utilize diplomacy in order to prevent a war on multiple fronts. However, while dealing with foreign affairs, Austria has to keep an eye on the events within its borders as well. The Hungarians are not very happy under Austrian rule and would love to found their own kingdom. They might well start a rebellion if there aren't enough Austrian troops to keep them in check. As a result, a smart Austrian ruler will have to find the right balance between enlarging his territory, forming essential alliances and avoiding internal strife.
