Join the new world

Whether it be Ctrl somehow forming (or not, I really don't know anymore), or the new Nordic alliance, the world is full of backstabbers and changing friendships. It gets really confusing at times, don't it? Luckily for you, I've got a guide to help you out! As a sign of respect, let's start with the enemies first.

Fellowship
Members: FYROM, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Poland
Affiliations: United Kingdom, Indonesia
Allies: ABC, CoT, EPIC
Enemies: EDEN, Terra
Summary: The Fellowship is often viewed as the enemy for most TEDEN forces, and it's a formidable one! The powerful alliance formerly known as ONE has been very successful, stretching across large chunks of Europe. Serbia, FYROM, Slovenia, and Hungary stretch across most of the Balkans, while Poland has conquered most of Germany and France. While lacking a lot of support, Spain has done pretty well itself, battling Portugal on and off again for a year, mostly with the upper hand. Under solid leadership, there's no doubt that the Fellowship wrings any single alliance, leading to TEDEN co-operation.
Canada's POV: Canadians should not be fans of the Fellowship in any way. Canada has fought Spain a few times, and the Fellowship has battled and hurt Canada's greatest allies. But the enemy Canada should be most familiar with is the British. United Kingdom and Canada have a nearly endless history of war (ok maybe not, but still), and despite the drab battles after the 6th campaign, the two still find ways to fight. It's been proposed by some to attempt to ally with the Brits rather than go through the motions again and again, but instinct is instinct...

Alliance of Baltic Countries (ABC)
Members: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Affiliations: None
Allies: Fellowship
Enemies: EDEN, Nordic Alliance
Summary: ABC is one of the alliances formed out of geographical need rather than power levels. The Baltic alliance was first formed to take advantage of fresh resources nearby and to work together to protect against outside forces. Basically, it was to beat up Belarus and run away from Russia together. But it has also served its purpose in other ways as well, protecting against Finnish attacks on Estonia and Latvia. While often on the defensive and having lost its Belarusian provinces, it has survived well under the support of the main Fellowship, and has even expanded and captured land at times, though they may be few and far-between. But for a defensive pact, ABC has served its members well.
Canada's POV: While Canada itself hasn't had much problem with the Baltic states, close ally Russia has been seen battling the three often, and thus is an enemy by association. All three nations have fought with Canadian allies. Tack on its cooperation with the Fellowship, and it seems that ABC should be considered Canadian enemies.

Circle of Trust (CoT)
Members: Bulgaria, Chile, Moldova, Paraguay, Peru, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland
Affiliations: None
Allies: Fellowship
Enemies: EDEN
Summary: The Circle of Trust was born out of the need to support weaker nations' independence. Under the leadership of Bulgaria, the alliance would help all of its members thrive. Although many jokes were made regarding the CoT as merely Bulgaria with meatshields and extra damage, the alliance has worked out surprisingly well, thanks to airstrikes allowing Bulgaria to support its allies directly. With support with the main Fellowship, CoT has successfully liberated Switzerland and launched an attack on Argentina to liberate three members, so far with success.
Canada's POV: Once again, enemies by association. Whether it be New Zealand constantly attacking pro-Terra Australia or forces attacking EDEN friend Croatia, while the CoT has not threatened Canada directly, or even Terran nations, their aggressive nature against EDEN allies and pro-Terran nations counts them out as any sort of friend. However, it's not out of the question to seek some sort of neutrality towards them, as they are no direct threat. It's possible that in the future one or two of the nations becomes Terran-friendly, but for now, Canada should not seek more than neutrality.

eRepublik Partnership of Interdependent Countries (EPIC)
Members: Austria, Mexico, Montenegro, Pakistan, Slovakia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela
Affiliations: None
Allies: Fellowship, CoT
Enemies: EDEN, Terra
Summary: An alliance not on the levels of EDEN or the Fellowship, EPIC is an ancient alliance that has only recently participated in major conflicts. Unlike CoT, which has a similar premise of protecting smaller states, however, EPIC lacks the big power to unite and lead the alliance. As a result, this weak alliance has not been relevant on a global stage for quite a while. Out of its nine members (not including members in CoT), four are under partial or total occupation from enemies, and only Slovakia and Thailand are in decent shape, with Austria only recently returning and Venezuela and Montenegro lending lands to Fellowship allies.
Canada's POV: While Canada has not developed strong relations, good or bad, with most EPIC nations, the general feel is one of opposition. Most of EPIC has had feuds with EDEN nations, often on the losing end, but other than former Terra member USA's occupation of Mexico, Terra has mostly stayed away from EPIC, for better or for worse. It's definitely not too late to seek good relations with EPIC, but also not too late to take some of its land for Canada.

A splash of neutrality...

Confederation of Arab States (CAS)
Members: Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Affiliations: None
Allies: None
Enemies: EDEN, Terra
Summary: Despite an formation early into the two nations' existence, the stringent requirements for entry and the general weakness and unimportance of the minor nations within it make this alliance generally not worthy of note. With both nations under occupation and without any allies to come help them out, this alliance has no value whatsoever. A counterpart to the real life's Arab League, the fact that only three such states exist in-game and that only two are in the league says it all. While the confederation would have united member states on every level besides full unionization, such plans have been put on hold until liberation.
Canada's POV: Er....who?

The Nordic Alliance
Members: Finland, Norway, Sweden
Affiliations: Belarus
Allies: None
Enemies: ABC
Summary: If there's any such thing as a clean political slate, this is it. Despite Norway and Finland coming from EDEN and Sweden from a strong Fellowship backing, the three nations have put aside differences to create a defensive pact to protect Scandinavia. It has taken no side as of yet, marking both EDEN and Fellowship nations to sign MPPs with, while not signing with major powers or volatile nations such as the USA. While the new alliance has not participated in any major battles, it appears that the Nordic Alliance will be a formidable power, and the side it eventually takes will gain a sizable advantage.
Canada's POV: This is one of the more interesting alliances. Unlike enemy Fellowship or the too-weak-to-matter EPIC, the Nordic Alliance is both open to new friendships and decently powerful. With good Canadian-Finnish relations, it's very possible that the Nordic Alliance will be friendly to Canada, and hopefully to Terra as a whole. It's a very good idea to get cozy with the Nordics. Ally Russia had been generous to the Swedes in their peace deal, so there's no reason to believe that the Nordics would not be good allies.

And now for the friendly alliances!

eRepublik Defense and Economy Network (EDEN)
Members: Albania, Argentina, Belarus, China, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine
Affiliations: Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Iran, Singapore, South Africa, Uruguay
Allies: Terra
Enemies: Fellowship, ABC, CoT
Summary: One of the oldest alliances still active, EDEN has been roaming the world for years. Despite internal issues and the growing power of its opposition, it still remains a formidable alliance. Although its enemies have gained control in Europe, EDEN remains the dominant power in Asia, and holds loads of potential powerhouses back in Europe. Many fallen nations in Europe such as Albania and Italy are waiting for their time to rise again. EDEN's concept of uniting a large group of minor powers to defend against superpowers has its merits, with both mighty and weaker nations working together to survive. However, such a big alliance has its flaws, with some nations having disputes both within EDEN and with Terran and pro-EDEN nations.
Canada's POV: With many good friends within EDEN itself (Portugal) and other nations that have proven to be valuable allies (China), EDEN should be liked by all Canadian citizens. Indeed, without Terra's cooperation with EDEN, it's very possible, even likely, that Terra would have been defeated already, Canada as well. While Canada has had issues with particular EDEN nations in the past, namely Ireland, as a whole, EDEN is one of Canada's most valued allies, despite Canada's departure from EDEN.


Terra
Members: Canada, Colombia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Russia
Affiliations: Australia
Allies: EDEN
Enemies: Fellowship
Summary: The alliance once boasting powerhouses America and Brazil may have weakened in the last few months, but is certainly no slouch either. With a smaller group of nations and a decent balance of power between all members, Terra has been relatively stable, despite having no superpower leader. Although the alliance has struggled a bit, with France wiped and Germany a slimmer of its once impressive union with Denmark, some nations remain in very good shape, with Russia as powerful as ever and Columbia standing strong despite the hostile forces around it.
Canada's POV: This should be a no-brainer. As a member of Terra, Canada is on very good terms with all Terran nations, as well as Australia, a pro-Terra nation. Although Terra is not the strongest alliance, its members' loyalty and commitment to a common goal keep the bonds strong despite the hardships. Even in a cruel world (well, eWorld), it's nice to see some trustworthy allies, even if they are not the strongest.

And last but certainly not least (okay maybe), the neutral nations!

Belgium
Allies: None
Enemies: None
Summary: This is as neutral as neutral gets. Taking over Switzerland's real life role, Belgium is an extremely neutral country that stays alive despite the odds. It accepts MPPs from most nations, regardless of affiliation. As a small nation, it has seen the battlefield its fair share of times, but overall, Belgium is neutral, and will stay that way for a long time. Unless Poland attacks, that is...
Canada's POV: While Canadians certainly aren't best friends with the Belgians, there haven't been many problems between the two nations either. Neutral relations are realistically the best possible level Canada can achieve with Belgium, for if Belgium were to become close with Canada or Terra, Poland would not sit by idly. But for what it's worth, Canada and Belgium are completely ambivalent towards each other.

Brazil
Allies: Argentina, Poland, Spain, USA
Enemies: Peru
Summary: Both Brazil and America are in a very awkward position. With loyalty to TEDEN friends combined with a lust for power with Poland and Spain, Brazil is caught in an MPP conflict. But to its credit, Brazil has handled the shift much better than their American counterparts. While the Ctrl crisis may eventually bring up consequences, for now the Brazilians are enjoying strong friendships with TEDEN nations and working partnerships with Poland and Spain.
Canada's POV: THIS is an interesting one. While Canada and Brazil were previously in Terra together, times obviously have changed. Though it'd be great to believe in the same, tight friendship the nations once shared, it's much more difficult now that Brazil has teamed up with two nations Canada considers warmongering serpents. Only time will tell which side Brazil favors more, its powerful allies or its longtime friends.

Czech Republic
Allies: Serbia, Slovakia
Enemies: None
Summary: The recently reformed Czech Republic has changed its political stance over the last few months. Once a mostly neutral nation, the Czechs have begun warming up to Fellowship nations, along with Bulgaria and other CoT nations, and even Lithuania. The Czechs have seen little action as of late, being next to behemoth Poland and frienemy Slovakia. Being in a similar situation to Belgium, the Czechs have taken a more active approach in securing its freedom, signing MPPs with Fellowship nations. While it may lead to a stale life, such moves anchor Czech Republic onto the map.
Canada's POV: For a neutral nation that has signed MPPs exclusively with Fellowship nations, Canada honestly couldn't care less. Canada has had no real conversations or talks with Czech Republic, and it hasn't had the need to. The Czechs are leaning towards the Fellowship, and even if Czech Republic swapped sides miraculously, it would have no effect on the big picture. Canada simply has no need to establish relations with the geographically-hindered Czechs.

Japan
Allies: Bulgaria, Indonesia, South Korea
Enemies: Taiwan
Summary: The sun may be rising, but it hasn't shined on the Japanese in quite some time. Thanks to a political crisis, Japan's American friends, who have often protected the weak nation, have decided to move on from the archipelago. And as a result, Japan has become the latest nation to move towards the Fellowship, in this case CoT. It's been a rough time for the Japanese, but its move to align itself with nations that will protect it may suit it well.
Canada's POV: Canada has had its fights with Japan, but despite that, Japan's relations with Canada often mirror Canada's relations with America due to Japan's dependence on the Americans for a long time. The fact that America has finally given up on the Japanese and sided against them has given Canada a clearer political judgment on Japan after months of Canadian allies both attacking and supporting Japan. Canada may not detest the Japanese, but it certainly isn't mourning its recent wipe either.

Malaysia
Allies: Philippines, Singapore
Enemies: Indonesia
Summary: One of the minor powers in Oceania, Malaysia has been standing up to Indonesia despite the odds. Malaysia has had struggles in the past keeping its independence, but has emerged alive after an occupation by Indonesia. Unlike other 'neutral' nations that have given into Fellowship demands rather than risk wipe, Malaysia has teamed up with the small nations with it to resist Indonesian threats, and with America giving them a hand, Malaysia looks safe for the time being.
Canada's POV: Maybe Canada hasn't interacted with Malaysia much, but seeing as both nations share allies, it's good to have another member on Team Anti-Fellowship, even if Malaysia isn't conquering the world any time soon. Malaysia and Canada have gotten along just fine in their limited contact with each other, and Canada should look to keep this relation strong to secure a friend in the Pacific.

Philippines
Allies: Malaysia, Singapore
Enemies: Indonesia
Summary: Similar to the Malaysians to their south, the Philippines is a nation constantly threatened by the Indonesian belligerents. Unlike Malaysia, however, the Philippines have often been much more successful in revolting even after a wipe, recapturing provinces quickly when Indonesia was worrying about American and Brazilian liberators. Working together with their fellow Pacific friends, the Philippines look to survive and hopefully improve their nation and its army's ranks.
Canada's POV: Once again, another kind nation but one that Canada has not been in touch with for the most part. With Canada mostly stuck battling either America (not a good idea) and European nations, it has no need to focus on nations in the Pacific, due to a lack of borders. But for what it's worth, the Philippines and Canada get along just fine.

USA
Allies: Brazil, France, Poland, Spain
Enemies: Indonesia, Mexico
Summary: The good old US of A. As arguably the most powerful nation in the game (it does start out with 51 provinces), America has long been a bastion defending against forces in Europe. However, in a landmark decision, America left Terra to team up with Poland and Spain, despite their historic animosity and lack of trust between the nations. American citizens are torn between the possibility of gaining strong allies and their loyalty to their loyal friends.
Canada's POV: Up to about 6 months ago, this was easy to answer. With the Brolliance that had lasted for years, it seemed that despite the disparity in strength, the bonds would stay strong as silk. But one exposed plot and errant NE proposal later, CanAm relations are severely strained. Despite the nations' attempts to patch things up and move on (MPP successfully signed), many Americans and Canadians are disgruntled at the other, blaming each other for attacking a bro. Repairing relations will prove to be vital to remaining a stable nation, or even alive, for that matter.

Until next time, take care!