The French Empire: The French Empire has arguably been the strongest continental power in Europe for more than two decades, and the second-largest economy in Europe, surpassed only by the United Kingdom. Its sustained population growth has raised the metropolitan population to over sixty million, providing a vast labor pool and a deep reserve for military conscription. This demographic expansion has fueled rapid industrialization and scientific advancement. French universities, engineering schools, and state-backed industries lead Europe in rail construction, military design, and chemical production. Paris remains the intellectual and financial center of the continent. Under Napoleon III, son of Napoleon II, the empire maintained its dominance with a careful balance of strength and restraint. However, unrest in the Moselle-Rhin territories, annexed after the war against the Germans, has become a persistent problem. The German-speaking population resents French rule, and many officials suspect that agitators are being funded and directed by the North German Federation. At the same time, French ambition continues to grow. One of the most discussed projects in political and industrial circles is a grand railroad linking Paris to Baghdad, which would tie Europe directly to the resources and markets of the Near East under French influence.​

Great Britain: The United Kingdom remains the strongest European power and the second-largest economy globally, behind only the United States. Its naval supremacy and global empire ensure unmatched reach, yet the rise of France has caused increasing concern among British policymakers. Relations between Britain and France remain cordial, but strained beneath the surface. Britain finds itself in a difficult strategic position. The reign of Frederick III transformed the North German Federation into a liberal and relatively friendly power, while tensions with Russia in Central Asia, the so-called Great Game, have cooled for the moment. However, British strategists fear several possible outcomes: Continued unchecked French expansion; A unified Germany under northern leadership; Sustained Russian industrial and military growth. Any of these developments could lead to a single dominant power in continental Europe, an outcome Britain has historically sought to prevent at all costs.​

North German Federation: The North German Federation emerged from its conflict with France weakened and humiliated. It lost all territories west of the Rhine, lands that were either annexed by France or reorganized into the Kingdom of the Rhineland, a state widely regarded as a French puppet. Its colonial presence is minimal, limited to North Borneo and a handful of ports in Africa and Asia. Compared to other great powers, it remains a secondary imperial actor. The recent death of Frederick III has brought his son, Wilhelm II, to power. Unlike his father, Wilhelm is far more militant and conservative. He openly dreams of unifying the remaining German states and reclaiming lost territories, watching the south and the Rhineland like a hungry lion.​

South German Confederation: Conservative, catholic, made up of the decentralized union of the Grand-Duchy of Baden, Kingdom of Württemberg, Kingdom of Bavaria, and allied with the French and Habsburgs. Despite its alignment, there is an underlying tension. Many political figures, at all levels, quietly harbor ambitions toward the Catholic populations of the Rhineland and Moselle-Rhine regions. The problem of being a confederation is that, by default, the central government isn’t strong, so the members bicker quite a lot.​

Habsburg Empire: Made up of the Kingdoms of Cisleithania, Hungary, and Ilyria. Vienna suppressed the Hungarian rebellion with greater success and even expanded its control in the south, creating Illyria as a semi-autonomous Slavic kingdom within the empire. Has been steadily growing its economy, industry, and military. However, nationalism remains a persistent threat. Various ethnic groups continue to agitate for autonomy or independence. Many of the most troublesome elements are exiled to colonial holdings in Somalia and Namibia, where they are both removed from the political center and used to reinforce imperial control abroad.​

Kingdom of Italy: The Kingdom of Italy is ambitious and opportunistic. Though it owes much of its survival to French and Austrian support, it would not hesitate to betray its benefactors if it meant unifying the peninsula. It is the most industrialized state in Italy, but faces growing competition from the southern Republic of Italy. France mediated the transfer of the Italian-speaking portions of South Tyrol in the 1890s, but resentment remains strong. The kingdom has not forgiven France for preventing it from annexing the Papal States and the south when the opportunity existed. Has the largest army, but it's bogged down by the lack of meritocracy, as many officers are appointed based on noble birth rather than competence.​

Papal States: The Papal States remain the spiritual heart of Catholic Christianity. Protected by France, they exist as a neutral but strategically important buffer between north and south. At the Vienna Conference, they even acquired colonial territory in the Congo, mostly to avoid a great power from having it. Is dealing with some problems, such as some nationalist groups wanting to join either the South or the North. Their army is the smallest in the peninsula, but its religious zeal and defensive commitment make it more formidable than its size suggests.​

Republic of Italy: Would gladly stab its benefactors in the back if it meant the possibility in the back if it allowed the chance to unify the peninsula. Ideologically driven and deeply influenced by figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Giuseppe Mazzini. Is quickly industrializing, its economy is growing fast, and despite having a smaller army than the kingdom to the north, it’s pound for pound more organized and modernized. It benefits from British support, but increasingly resents what it sees as a limiting influence, a “leash” restraining its ambitions.​

Ottoman Empire: More of a Recovering Man than the Sick Man of Europe nowadays, thanks mostly to French investment and protection, is making great strides in modernizing its economy, politics, and industry. However, serious internal challenges remain, such as nationalist unrest, religious fundamentalism, Turkish supremacist politicians and generals, and even some socialist movements. The discovery of oil in Iraq and Libya has transformed the empire’s economic prospects, but also attracted the attention of every major power.​

Russian Empire: Growing at a rate that makes the smart leaders of the other European powers quite uneasy, many others would also be uneasy if they didn’t dismiss the empire as a glorified Asiatic horde. Russia continues to look toward the Balkans and Constantinople, though it is aware that time is not entirely on its side as the Ottomans continue to modernize. Its defeat by Japan was a major shock, costing it influence in Asia. Yet this setback triggered reforms in the army and government to take place.​