Archin Canyon part 2: Expert analysis

 By Tiger, the Second Lord of the Admiralty.

Let us begin with what you can call a SWOT analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. First, strengths. Archin Canyon is very well known for its resilience, its hardiness, and its fighting ability. They have one of the largest militaries in the world. They are also known for their independence.

As for weaknesses, they are rather divided, with each region vying for itself, and a possible Northern or Western Cession, with the East and South trying to reel them back in. I also note that the south is practically defenseless. They are completely against military, weapons, and more. Of course, I believe that the patriotism of the North compensates, but the South is right next to the Bridge, which may be one of the most important strategic locations geopolitically. I will also point out another main weakness: they are easily offended and reactive and may order a ground invasion of a close ally that forgot to condemn their enemies with sufficient fierceness. This has happened to us many times, though some careful diplomacy has fixed it. I don't put much stock in diplomacy, as you may know, but Bear does, and he averts conflict as easily as moving knights on a chessboard. Another weakness is that they have absolutely no maritime presence, period. Not even trading boats. All trading occurs inside the continent, and if we want to be friends, we have to take the initiative and send boats to them, laden with goods for trading. I also note that the ports of Archin Canyon are completely manned by foreign nations and companies, and that they have no protection from pirates because of no navy.

Now for opportunities. 99.99% of Archin Canyon is unpopulated by Archins. For example, consider the vast North or West, or consider that almost all of the Eastern population is in one city. This presents many opportunities, as land always does. Also, Archin Canyon has massive resources. They could feed the world, if they tried. Of course, they never would. Another opportunity is their strategic position. They could control the North if they made some sort of a navy.

Threats. One threat is the Narki up north, who want to annihilate the Archins. Of course, I will admit that the Archins want to annihilate the Narki with equal fury, and that things have gotten nasty among them both. But as I always say, if you attack a nation (like Archin Canyon) with the intent of destroying them, you should expect them to want to destroy your nation back. Another threat is the economic warfare played by many nations, and the subtle attacks of Serpent Island.

Well, that's your analysis. Good afternoon, evening, and midnight.