Navarra strategy

From EU3 Wiki

Navarra is a poor little nation, trapped between the behemoths of Castile, Aragon and France. In short you are screwed.

[edit] Opening Moves

The EUII tactic of entering into an instant alliance with England and attempting to take lands from France in the hundresd years war is likely to be unsucessful given that England starts in a much weaker position, and that they are at war with France and there is no way to enter an ongoing conflict. The best tactic is probably to attempt to enter into alliance with one of the spanish nations, and pray that they can intercede into any conflict before the other is able to steamroller over you.

However, as a small nation you have advantages - you're initial low technology and stability costs mean that you can change government and raise tech levels quickly. Income will always remain a problem and you'll need to maintain a larger army than simply relying on annual revenues will allow.

[edit] Long term plans

If for any reason you are forced into conflict with France, or the oppurtunity otherwise presents itself, then taking the minors of Béarn and Armagnac may be a good move. However, the only way Navarra is going to prosper requires either an inheritance or a major player, or a slow attrition your neighbours, nibbling away, taking a province or two until you have the power to colonise or conquor as you wish.

[edit] Nation Building

You are in the position to become either France or Spain if the mood takes you. However it will be a long hard slog to gain the provinces needed, and then again, why would you? You gain no cores, cultures or benefits beyond a -2 to centralisation.