United States

The United States is a global superpower bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. It starts with a population of 283 million, a massive industrial base, and the world’s most funded military.

Starting Position

Government and Politics

The ruling party is Western Liberal (Democratic Party) at approximately 40.1% popularity. Western Conservative (Republican Party) is the main opposition at 39.4%. Non-Aligned and Nationalistic outlooks make up the remaining ~13%. Elections are enabled.

Military

The US starts with 30 divisions, 224 factories (107 civilian, 80 military, 37 naval dockyards), and a volunteer army law. It is a NATO member and P5 Security Council member, and guarantees Israel, Japan, Kuwait, South Korea, Philippines, Republic of China, and Australia.

Economy

$187 billion in treasury, $8,033 billion in debt, and $405 billion in international investments. The US dollar is the global reserve currency, giving the US favorable interest rate terms. Healthcare is fully privatized, environmental protections are partial, and maintenance is extensive.

National Spirits

The US has 11 unique national spirits at game start, in addition to the standard mod-flavour ideas (NATO member, G7 member, P5 member, Western Country, Christian, UN Aid CDF member):

Land of the Free: The United States is a beacon of freedom and democracy to the world.
Political Establishment: A political duopoly since the first election after George Washington. Many wish for different options, but the standing duopoly is deeply embedded in American culture. Stability and order are maintained, but there is tension between truth, complicity, and apathy for change.
Congressional Authority: Going to war requires congressional approval, which slows decision-making and reaction times. In peacetime this matters less, but it constrains the executive in crises.
American Militarism: The US military receives up to 40% of global military spending. American culture honors the military and its veterans. However, available population is increasingly disinterested in military service, and the DoD faces a recruitment challenge.
War on Drugs Scars: The War on Drugs, popularized in the 1970s under Nixon and revived under Reagan, has been largely lost. Cartels flood in opium, and reliance on over-the-counter medicines has caused an addiction crisis. Congress and the president must address this growing scar.
Mass Media Problems: Since the 1970s, American news channels have shifted from strictly non-political reporting to opinion-driven activism. The activist camp won out, but fears of political entrenchment in media are now becoming apparent.
Heavy Power Consumption Subsidies: Large-scale government subsidies for power usage have encouraged additional spending but spiked electrical consumption.
The Petro Dollar: The US dollar has been the world’s petrodollar since the mid-1970s, when oil prices generated large trade surpluses. This solidified the dollar’s global dominance and makes for easy and convenient international trade.
Heavily Regulated Migration: Strict immigration regulations, hard-to-achieve visas, established enforcement agencies, and curbed illegal immigration characterize US immigration policy.
Nuclear Power (Offensive): A nuclear power nation whose nuclear status allows nuclear strikes on enemy forces regardless of strategic situation.
Complete First Use: The nation can conduct tactical or strategic nuclear strikes at any point.

Unique National Features

Focus Tree

The US has one of the largest focus trees in the mod, covering domestic policy, military modernization, diplomatic branches (NATO deepening, Pacific alliances, Middle East engagement), and ideological paths (centre-left, centre-right, populist, and authoritarian branches). Key branches include the War on Terror storyline, the F-35 program, and the military-industrial complex reform path.

Nuclear Arsenal

The US starts with nuclear_power_off and full_first_use, giving it full offensive nuclear capability from game start. The nuclear stance can be adjusted through the military branch of the focus tree.

Petro Dollar

The petro dollar mechanic gives the US favorable treasury and trade terms. Losing petro dollar status (through focus choices or global events) has significant economic consequences.

Q&A

What should I prioritize as the US?

The US has a large but manageable debt load. Focus on maintaining the petro dollar, managing the War on Drugs storyline, and investing in military modernization. The F-35 program is a key military investment.

How do I handle the debt?

The US dollar’s reserve currency status gives favorable interest rates. Use treasury surplus to pay down debt, and take focuses that lower the interest-rate multiplier. Avoid aggressive social spending without corresponding revenue increases.

Which ideology path is best for a new player?

The historical centre-left (Democratic Party) or centre-right (Republican Party) paths are the most forgiving. Populist and authoritarian branches require more careful coalition management.