Somewhat thin options in diplomacy has forced me to re-think and perhaps adjust my current strategy.
At one point of the game when I was constantly pushing out wonders, many civilizations started to hate me due my "selfish" strategy in acquiring new wonders; inevitably leading to a one massive war where I fought all alone against four civilizations.
I managed, though, Persia and Russia located at another continent luckily and barely showed up. Built some last stand points where I pulverized half of Rome's and Siam's military. Pushed forward with my "iron fist" and conquered Siam and made peace with other three civilizations.
Anyway got a bit derailed on topic.
Is it possible to improve relationships with leaders swiftly somehow? My military is greatly struggling and it's no match against Persia or Russia, against Rome barely. I want to guarantee my survival and I believe one of safest way to do so is diplomacy. Due my social policies, starting strategy and several wars I'm lagging behind in tech tree as well in military size so I'm looking for alternative options.
Leaders bounce between neutral and hostile, as they laugh at my army size every now and then as well throw some slanderous shouts so it's a bit hard to maintain good relationships toward them especially when I've been in war with all of the leaders. I've managed to get few research agreements and successful trades in last 50 turns or so, last war was with Rome around 20 turns ago, currently sitting at turn number 590.
They always refuses to sign any pact of cooperation or pact of secrecy, and for a fact I do know pact of secrecy is supposed to heal up the relationship between two leaders, but given the fact they refuses, am I screwed?
EDIT: I also got a lot I could trade for something, and I know facts like Persia could use some of my additional spices, but lately he has refused to do any trades with me, so bribing as well is a bit complicated.