Do we have any information on what diplomatic states we will be able to fiddle around with? In Civ2 there was cease fire, something I really miss in Civ3. I think a more intricate diplomatic agreement system would be really interesting. Now we're limited to peace and war, with four possible agreements - military alliances, rights of passage, mutual protection pacts and trade embargos. I have already mentioned cease fire. What else might there be?

Can't answer your question, I'm afraid, but MAN I hope they have SERIOUSLY improved both Trade and Diplomacy in Civ4-because it currently is NOT a truly viable alternative to being a Warmonger in either Civ2 OR Civ3.

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.

I would like to see some of the negiotiating options that there were in MSAC. Such as, agreeing to split research and then trade or to coordinate battle plans when at war with a common foe.

I agree - the more diplomatic possibilities the merrier!

Something I think would be nice would be a non-millitary rate of passage. Allowing non-millitary units to cross would a nice option rather than the all-or-nothing approach in Civ3.

At least Firaxis have confirmed the ability to broker peace between other nations and send them at war while staying neutral yourself, like a puppet master.

Well, I for one am hoping that 'Rights of Passage' will become an essential prerequisite for trading with a nation seperated from you by a 3rd party. For instance, if Rome, Germany and France share a common landmass: Germany has Iron that France wants-but Rome sits between them. It should be fairly important for either-or both-nations to get an 'Open Border' agreement with Rome first. Of course, if Germany and France are both LANDLOCKED, then it should be absolutely ESSENTIAL to get such an agreement from Rome.
This would be a great way for smaller nations-especially those without resources-to get RICH ;) :)!

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.

I like your idea a lot, aussie. It is great.