@ sebanaj: forces within society ... if you can cut out the empire building thing then you might want to try "hidden agenda". it's an old dos-game from like 1988, it has only black and white graphics and looks like a text adventure, but don't be araid of that. you are in the role of an south american post revolution leader and you have to lead the country to democracy and elections within four years.
mainly it's like the diplomatic section of civ where you can talk to foreign ambassadors, campesinos, civil rights activists, unionists, farmers, landless, rigt-wing generals, left-wing rebels, bishops, bankers and so on - about fourty parties that represent the social forces within your bankrupt country. at your side you have four ministers choosen from three different political parties who will help you through the political work.
all of those people you meet have their own ideas - or "hidden agendas" (including your ministers) so you have to talk to the right people at the right time. sometimes they don't do what they told you they will do or what you requested to do, so it's an ai that is actually LYING to you!

By following or refusing or altering their proposals you are leading the country in almost every aspect. there's even a statistical charts' section where you can find clues about how you are doing in foreign loans, feeding of the people, coffee + cotton production, medical + educational service and so on.
a games takes about 2 to 3 hours if you manage not to get assassinated, so you might want to try it right again. try different strategies, be a new fidel castro, or try to build up economics like a neo-liberal.
you can get it here:
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/proj/sw/games/hidden-agenda.html
just e-mail to the author and you'll get it.