WELCOME NWO !

Actually you are not shortsighted.

IMO the game encourages that kind of gameplay unless you strictly limit yourself to your own style. Specially 1.10 and the harder difficulty levels encourage the AI to attack you constantly. A failure of diplomatic options means that factions have to be annihilated. This has been limited in 1.20.

It's not entirely your choice, the game is leading you towards that style of play. If you have any specific questions, shoot. I'd be happy to help, as would many others, I'm sure.