Playing the game here are some ideas I have that will add more depth:
I was playing The Terran Empire and noted that the Altarians were conquering every other race.
The problem got worse when they allied with the Torians and hit the Yor and The Korx. Dozens of fleets and transports were passing through my sectors and I was not happy.
Enough is enough I said, and without wanting to go to war I decided to ban all military movement through my controlled space...ah...I couldnt. The option isnt there. So:
-Option on diplomacy screen to restrict movement through your controlled space.
effects: has negative effect on relations with races you ban,
A.I. options: races may break this rule, then apologise or worse.
As a bit of flavour (but not an overwhelming feature):
Espionage:
Options to:
- destabilise race's governments; effects: reduces that race's approval rating
- frame another race for a hostile action; effects: damages relations between those races
- assassinate an important figure
- sabotage a races production/colony/installation etc.
Success should depend on a fraction of the difference between the effectiveness of both races Espionage ability, and should not be successful often. It should also cost quite a bit.
