Quote Originally Posted by Kobal2fr
Yup. Almost all "want peace" lines in the AI file have AND IS NOT SHADOW FACTION as a prerequisite. Also, factions will never offer their shadow factions to become their vassals, nor will they accept to become the vassal of their shadows. This leads me to assume shadow factions are the ones you need to off in a short campaign.
Pardon me for asking, but what is a "Shadow Faction?"

In addition, yes, the AI doesn't have much of a sense of self-preservation.