The trick is to sway as many minor powers over to your side using any and all of these resources. Technology becomes available for purchase so having a steady supply of cash doesn't hurt. However, you will always be faced with shortages so it takes quick thinking and careful planning to avoid this. The interface is simple. Eight buttons control the action.
Military maneuvers can be on land or sea.
Sea battles are computer controlled and though you can review ship damage, the actual battles are not presented to you. Land battles are a different matter and these too are turn based. You do get a battlefield view but it is probably the slimmest part of the game as far as technology is concerned. The game is won by the vote of a council that meets every ten years and votes on the world leader. Delegates come from the provinces of the major and minor powers and many can abstain from voting until a later time.