Tribute (diplomatic relation to improve popularity)

Actually a pretty good idea. I wouldn't call it "tribute" though; the term is usually reserved for a subordinate paying money to a master/overlord figure. How about "subsidy", "foreign aid", or "development funding"?

When I originally presented the idea of Tribute in response to another of Zak's post on Diplomacy with AIs. I envisioned it to be used in the early game to improve relations that would have longer term effects on popularity thus preventing or slowing AIs from declaring war in the late game. Thus the term tribute was used in the more generic sense as the nations involved would be somewhat equals. The term Tribute/Subsidy could be used. Regardless of the term used the actions are the same, Nation X will pay in money or resources Nation Y to not attack or engage in hostile actions. If this were to be included in the game I would like to see it be for X of resources while the AI would have improved relations (improved relations means no trade embargoes or war) for Y hours and/or days. The more given the longer the improved relations esp during the early game when resources are always in short supply. Of course actions could shorten this period but with warning signs given in the newspaper (Like headlines reading "Alarm bells ring in Athens over actions by Romania") or other means. Tribute would not affect GLOBAL popularity other than it has raised Nation X popularity with Nation Y. If used in the later stages of the game it would have diminishing returns where the resources given must be significantly increased to get the desired results. TBH I think this idea would require extensive playtesting and much more detail worked out before it made it into the game to prevent abuse.

yeah, sorry I didn't give the credits, I couldn't find the thread until this morning, or the original suggestion.