Does diplomacy get easier as you grow in strength?

I'm never entirely sure of the sophistication level of the AI in the RTW engine, it's all a bit unknown. But I've noticed recently that (I'm playing on Medium campaign difficulty) I often get my way in diplomacy. Even when using inexperienced diplomats, I've been able to get the AI to accept a ceasefire without using Force Diplomacy.

The Seleukids twice accepted a ceasefire (they broke it almost immediately the first time, but haven't so far with the second). I raided the Getai capital then took Kallatis off them, and yet they accepted a ceasefire and show no signs of coming to get it back. I took Rhodos off Koinon Hellenon and while they refused the first turn, a few turns later once I'd destroyed their navy they accepted one.

Now power is relative, I only have 11 provinces at 225BC, but I'm one of the "Most Advanced" fairly consistently, have a strong economy (lots of mines and ports) and good army. But in the rankings I'm third or fourth out of all the factions overall (Rome, Ptolemies and Seleukids ahead of me) and first in some areas.

Does that make any difference at all when you're negotiating?

I guess it does, you see when I carve my empire and build myself into an economic and military powerhouse, I like to play the ''referee'' of smaller faction's reations. You see, when you have the cash, you can basically manipulte smaller and weaker factions. If you offer them some money, or maybe a little military enforcement, they tend to accept things like attacking another faction (regardless of the fact that 99% they won't) and granting you military access.

So basically my oppinion from my personal experience, is that your world state of power does affect diplomacy, maybe even slightly.

Yes it does. You'll notice it most with asking for Map Information in exchange for Map Information etc.; if you're small and not significant you'll see the AI demanding lots of money for it, if you're big they'll think twice about that.

I think the AI factions tend to be less insane diplomatically on medium or hard than they are on the recommended very hard setting. I play with the Hard campaign myself and have seen the same thing happening.

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Originally Posted by TA

Yes it does. You'll notice it most with asking for Map Information in exchange for Map Information etc.; if you're small and not significant you'll see the AI demanding lots of money for it, if you're big they'll think twice about that.

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However, if you're a larger nation, the chances are you have a greater knowledge of the sorrounding world, meaning you have a more revealed map. As exchanging map information means you want to learn more of the map, I think the AI would be eager to see a larger nation's map, rather than just be militarily afraid of you. Wouldn't that play a role in this situation?

EDIT: Or is this what you meant in the first place?