Factions(Hotmod)

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While the Cold War ostensibly was a power struggle for global dominance between the United States and Soviet Union, it would eventually swallow up countless nations, popular movements and non-state organizations who were coerced, one way or another, into picking a side. There was however a group of nations that, at least on paper, pursued a policy of neutrality towards the US-Soviet conflict. Their attempts to organize politically resulted in what would become known as the "Non-Aligned Movement", though it was exclusively a political agreement and in no way signified alignment of national or military interests. It is included in Hotmod to give a home to these nations that sought - and were allowed - to avoid picking a side.

### North Atlantic Treaty Organization - NATO

#### United States of America

The United States forms the backbone of NATO, and are a highly mobile but defensively-oriented force.

#### United Kingdom of Great Britain

The UK, though still reeling from the aftermath of WW2, would go on to pioneer many military concepts in the 1950s and 60s, including the universal tank or MBT. Their slow and methodical forces are supplemented by a cadre of fast recce-oriented armoured cars (or, starting in the 1970s, light tanks of the CVR-T family).

#### French Republic

France focuses almost exclusively on speed and firepower to outmaneuver and surround enemies, excelling in irregular combat. Politically, though France helped form NATO, by the 1960s political tensions led to them withdrawing from NATO military command, though a secret agreement was in place that France would immediately rejoin should the Warsaw Pact invade.

#### Federal Republic of Germany/West Germany

West German rearmament did not begin until 1955, and at first relied heavily on American aid, particularly in the form of M41 light tanks and M47 and M48 mediums. By the mid-60s many domestic designs began to outnumber foreign ones, turning West Germany into a highly mechanized and mobile force.

### Warsaw Treaty Organization - WARSAW PACT

#### Union of Soviet Socialist Republics/Soviet Union

In the 1950s the Soviet Army embraced the concept of deep battle, a doctrine that promotes aggressive forward advances by tanks and APC-mounted infantry. Unlike most NATO forces (with the notable exception of the UK), gun stabilization is nearly universal in Soviet tanks. Despite the adoption of this high-mobility strategy, the Soviets still relied heavily on towed weapons systems, from anti-tank guns, field guns and artillery, giving them strong defensive elements as well.

#### Polish People's Republic

Like most members of the Warsaw Pact, Poland adopted tactics and strategies similar to their Soviet allies, on which they relied heavily for vehicles and military equipment. Home-grown designs like the TOPAS and SKOT, developed in cooperation with Czechoslovakia, were developed to fill the role of the BTR-50 and BTR-60, respectively.

#### German Democratic Republic

In response to the 1955 declaration that West Germany would be allowed to re-arm and join NATO, the Warsaw Pact likewise removed restrictions on the military forces of East Germany and brought them into the fold. Though, like most Warsaw Pact nations, they relied heavily on Soviet equipment, East German military personnel quickly gained a reputation for being the most disciplined and skilled soldiers in the alliance.

#### Czechoslovak Socialist Republic

Like most members of the Warsaw Pact, Czechoslovakia adopted tactics and strategies similar to their Soviet allies, on which they relied heavily for vehicles and military equipment. Home-grown designs like the OT-62. OT-64, and OT-65, developed in cooperation with Poland, were developed to fill the role of the BTR-50, BTR-60 and BRDM-2, respectively.

### NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT

#### People's Republic of China

Tank production in mainland China did not really begin until the late 50s and early 60s, with all vehicles prior to this being supplied by the USSR. By the 60s however the relationship between the Soviet Union and People's Republic of China began to sour, and China launched multiple tank projects - the Type 59, Type 62 and Type 63 tanks. Though highly derivative of Soviet designs, China would eventually begin to diverge from Soviet design philosophies in the 1970s. Until then, they relied heavily on mass infantry tactics and irregular warfare.

#### Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia is an interesting amalgamation of east and west, owing to its see-sawing political relationship with both sides of the Cold War. Their forces comprise WW2-era Soviet vehicles like the T-34-85 serving alongside American M18 and M36 tank destroyers, post-war M47 Pattons and T-54s, with a sprinkling of domestic APC and artillery designs.

#### Kingdom of Sweden

Sweden balanced political neutrality during the Cold War, refusing to declare for a side so as to keep Scandinavia out of any potential WW3. Playing the counterpart to the more Soviet-aligned Finland, Sweden leaned towards the West. It's forces are mostly equipped with domestic designs supplemented by British Centurion tanks.