Overview:

In every roleplay, there are various sides, with their own unique traits. Like everything, nothing is equal, and while some factions become incredibly powerful, perhaps too powerful, others remain impotent.

These factions are the five most powerful in the roleplay, based on their self-sufficiency, military capabilities, and diplomacy.

[5] Lanzarrian Federation

The Lanzarrian Federation is a faction which appeared in Season 2 and consistently thereafter, based in various territories scattered around the world. A formerly communist nation, it has since evolved into a democratic state.

Economically, it is quite a potent, able to maintain a large military in addition to driving development and expansion. It's military is very well-equipped with excellent frontline combat types, such as the Praetorian main battle tank and Gorgon self-propelled gun.

However, they only reach 5th place because of their heavy reliance on foreign equipment for logistical and secondary roles, large variety of equipment in small numbers which has moderate tactical benefit for significant operational and strategic drawbacks, and limited diplomatic capabilities due to lack of interest. It's performance is thus rather mixed.

[4] Federal Republic of Berus

The Federal Republic of Berus is a faction which appeared in Season 3 and consistently thereafter, based in various territories scattered around the world, although it prefers Central or Eastern Europe. A centrist state, it is very much the federal republic it espouses to be, although sometimes taking upon a far-right tone at times.

Economically, it is quite strong, thanks to strategic location and loose economic regulations that allow for steady growth. Like the Lanzarrian Federation, it possesses a large, well-equipped military with an excellent variety of frontline combat equipment.

It is limited to 4th place due to the heavy dependence on foreign equipment for many secondary roles. However, it's procurement is better organized, and its diplomatic corps is certainly stronger. This results in greater combat effectiveness, although it relies on its allies quite heavily.

[3] New Soviet Federation/USSR

The New Soviet Federation is a faction which appeared relatively recently, assuming the role of the Soviet Union. On occasion, it becomes the Soviet Union. Considered the spiritual successor to the Soviet Union, it is a Marxist-Leninist state, and consistently maintains such.

Economically, it manages some level of self-sufficiency regarding heavy industry, and defense, but lacks heavily with consumer goods. Possessing a strong, effective military backed by a versatile and large domestic arms industry, it is considerably more self-sufficient. The diplomatic corps has a strong and consistent focus toward advancing communism, and is fairly well-trained at such.

Despite the great power of the nation, it peaks at 3rd place simply because it is a relatively new faction. The newest faction on the list, it is easily the least experienced. However, all factors indicate that it will maintain

[2] Paternian Republic

The Paternian Republic is a faction which appeared in Season 2. Initially based in Antarctica and India, it quickly established itself in North America, specifically the United States and Mexico. Throughout the seasons, it has maintained its identity as a federal republic with a strong liberal tradition.

Economically, it is a powerhouse. Although stymied somewhat by socialist policies, the sheer mass and potent middle class allow it to be among the strongest in the roleplay. It is one of the largest weapons exporters, being a major supplier for many factions. Militarily, it possesses a large military force backed by a very strong domestic arms industry.

While it's equipment is generally very good, it is rarely considered the best. However, it is the incredibly high degree of integration which these forces work together, and flexible doctrine, which make it very powerful. In addition, this force is supplemented by highly-trained paramilitary forces. The military and economic power, combined with the tact, wit, and rhetoric of the diplomatic corps, allow it to establish influence easily.

So why does this seemingly powerful faction get second place? Humility? Nope. It's because another faction bested it. And no matter how great something it, the thing which it respects is perhaps just as great, if not greater.

[1] Awwam

Awwam is a faction which appeared in Season 1, and is usually based in Central Asia, Anatolia, or Arabia. Often an Islamic theocracy, the government has varied considerably, but is usually monarchial in some form.

Economically, it is very strong. As Islam has a strong economic tradition, Muhammad being a merchant by trade, Awwam is very effective in this regard. In particular, it possesses vast oil reserves, a great revenue earner and diplomatic bargaining chip.

Militarily, it possessed among the most powerful armies. While it does operate some foreign-derived equipment, it is usually able to produce and maintain these types, and has a strong domestic arms industry capable of producing its own designs. The combination of strong economy, powerful military, and exceptional skill expressed by the diplomatic corps in achieving the goals, it is a force to be reckoned with.

This faction receives top placement due to its performance; this combination allowed it to crush near-peer rivals, and held great respect by all powers. While it has been defeated several times, it remained respected by its allies and opponents.

Honorable Mentions:

There were a couple factions which didn't make the list, but should be at least be mentioned.

Scandinavian Union:

The Scandinavian Union is a faction which appeared in Season 2, after the destruction of the Republic of China by Awwam. It occupies Scandinavian nations, such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland. A very centrist nation, it embraces capitalist, libertarian, and republican principles.

Economically, it is quite potent for its size thanks to its very liberal economic policies, high diversity, and low regulation. Militarily, it is very self-sufficient, well-equipped, and well-trained, albeit quite small.

Why didn't it make it to the list? Simple. It's resources, while very well-used, are quite small. And while its military possesses great defensive power, it possesses little offensive capability. Thus, its diplomatic options are quite limited, although it has generally good relations with the most powerful nations.

Sentians:

The Sentians are a faction which was established in Season 2, go by many names, and often end up in Africa or Oceania. It is a very center-right in its politics, and is incredibly capitalistic and republican.

Economically, it is quite powerful and robust, able to rebuild itself quite readily despite various internal and external problems. It's military is quite powerful, with a significant domestic arms industry and advanced frontline equipment.

However, it didn't make the list because of its poor diplomacy, mixed combat effectiveness, and constant internal issues such as the GLA. Lacking reliable allies and possessing a poorly-rounded military, a reliance on foreign suppliers to make up the difference, and poor combat performance, it is easy to see why.