Can I determine the number of troops garrisoned in an opposing city?

[checkmate247]

The computer seems to always know the weak, under defended cities in my civilization. I know that the "strongest" unit is shown that fortifies the city. Is there a way to tell how many troops are garrisoned in an opponents city? Also is there a way to determine what is build in an opponents city?

 

[Synobun]

Yes, you use the embassy you have in their cities, or if you haven't done that, and you have the intelligence agency, you can steal their unit plans.

 

[Bartleby]

Yeah, you can investigate AI cities if you have an Embassy, but it costs. Stealing plans might lead to a war if you get caught...

 

[checkmate247]

Yes, you use the embassy you have in their cities, or if you haven't done that, and you have the intelligence agency, you can steal their unit plans.

I'm not familiar with the embassy or intelligence agency. How do you do that? Is it possible the computer set up an embassy without my knowledge? I don't think I ever agreed to one.

 

[gmaharriet]

The AI's can set up an embassy in your capitol without your permission, but you will get a brief notification when that happens. They don't do that often.

Mostly it would be you setting up an embassy with them, and you'd definitely know it because it would cost you gold to do so.

 

[AutomatedTeller]

I have found that the AI setting an embassy is normally a precursor to a SOD coming your way, and they just want to know where "your way" is

 

[Sir_Lancelot]

The computer seems to always know the weak, under defended cities in my civilization.

Yes the AI got a sixth sense. I knows things that defies logic.
Next question: Is it cheating?

This has been discussed numerous times and the answers varies. It isn't very smart so it needs some advantages.