Chapter 1675 - 1581: Geopolitical Game Theory

Chapter 1675: Chapter 1581: Geopolitical Game Theory

Ségur added, "You know, Bavaria and Wurttemberg are highly complementary."

As a senior diplomat, he naturally had to be well-informed about the situations of these two countries.

Although Bavaria has a relatively large territory, it is a landlocked country with hardly any decent waterways, making it extremely difficult for their goods to be sold across the Germanic region.

In contrast, Wurttemberg has numerous waterways throughout its territory and several areas can connect to the Rhine River system.

Bavaria has always wanted to make use of Wurttemberg’s Neckar River ports nearby to solve its own shipping issues.

On the other hand, Wurttemberg’s domestic market is limited, resources are scarce, and they need Bavaria’s robust national power to aid their own development.

The industries of the two countries are also extremely complementary. For instance, Bavaria’s advantageous industries include cotton textiles, coarse fabric materials, and some types of machinery.

Wurttemberg, however, excels in clocks, small tools, and knitted embroidery.

Not only do they not compete, but they can also complement each other’s shortcomings.

The same goes for agriculture.

Bavaria produces grain, hops, and dairy products, primarily involved in brewing beer. Wurttemberg has a lower grain yield and needs to purchase from Bavaria, but they are abundant in fruit, producing a large amount of wine.

It can be said that when the two countries join forces, the result is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.

The main reasons that previously restricted the formation of the "Southern German Dual Core" were, firstly, Wurttemberg’s small size but firm demand for equal standing with Bavaria, and secondly, strong opposition from Austria.

Now, the first issue has been addressed after the signing of the "Stuttgart Declaration." Wurttemberg expanded its territory by one-third by quickly siding with their "big brother" France, acquiring territories like Ansbach. This made Bavaria finally willing to see them as equals.

As for the second issue, it is precisely what Joseph is currently working on.

Bavaria has over three million people, Wurttemberg nearly two million. Should the two unite, there will emerge a formidable nation with more than five million people in Southern Germany.

Although it would still be less than the eight million people of Prussia, it would be roughly on the same level.

In the past century or so, Austria and Prussia often troubled France, which is also why Ségur was concerned.

Joseph smiled and waved his hand, about to speak, when Eman gently knocked on the door and said, "Your Highness, according to your schedule, you’re due to inspect the ’Royal Second Chemical Factory’ at 2:30 PM."

Joseph glanced at the clock; there were still 40 minutes until 2:30. Given the remote location of the Royal Second Chemical Factory, this was barely enough time for the trip.

He gestured to Ségur, "Why not come with me so we can continue on the way."

"It would be an honor, Your Highness."

Since this wasn’t an official inspection, Joseph didn’t even change into formal attire, and went straight to the steam railway station by carriage.

"I understand your concerns very well," Joseph said to Ségur, who was sitting opposite at a small wooden table, "Austria and Prussia are both in continuous decline, as if the future of the Germanic region is already predetermined."

The latter nodded in agreement. In fact, after the signing of the "Stuttgart Declaration," this had become common consensus within France’s diplomatic circles.

Joseph, however, shifted to a serious tone, "However, the development of nations is often nonlinear.

"Sometimes a technology, or an ideological trend, or even just a highly capable ruler, can quickly strengthen a nation’s power.

"In ten or even dozens of years, the situation in Germany might not change dramatically, but no one can guarantee that unexpected events won’t occur further into the future.

"Currently, Germany consists mainly of weak small states. Should Prussia or Austria suddenly become strong, our country would have no choice but to become involved in war to protect these small states."

Ségur’s thoughts drifted across centuries, and he couldn’t help but nod again, "You mean we should let the German states protect themselves?"

"Exactly," said Joseph, "In a region, only with three competitive countries will there be a relatively stable pattern.

"Any one powerful party is sure to lead the other two to unite against it.

"The union of Bavaria and Wurttemberg is precisely the third pole I need.

"From then on, our country will be able to withdraw from the power struggles in Germany, while still maintaining a distant influence, as our involvement or non-involvement would decisively impact the competition there."

Ségur widened his eyes, hurriedly pulled out a notebook from his pocket, and began jotting things down quickly. Meanwhile, his mind was whirring, and a theory regarding geopolitical games was forming in those few minutes.

Joseph continued, "Of course, the current power of the ’Southern German Dual Core’ is not yet sufficient to serve as the ’Third Pole.’ I still need to provide certain support to them, such as investing in railway construction and expanding the range of their product sales."

These seemingly generous aids to the ’Dual Core’ by France are actually also advantageous for France.

First, by expanding France’s financial influence—investment in railways would certainly use the franc and be routed through the European Settlement Bank.

Secondly, allowing the ’Dual Core’s products to appropriately enter the Italian, or even North African markets, could serve as a trial point for the integration of the Germanic region with the Pan-Mediterranean Trade Zone.

Once the tariffs, patents, and policy aspects on both sides are streamlined, the efficiency of advancing the ’Great European Unified Market’ in the future would also be significantly increased.

The carriage stopped at the steam railway station, where Joseph changed to another vehicle, continuing to speak with Ségur, "Of course, for now, the greatest significance of promoting the ’Southern German Dual Core’ lies in the dismantling of the Holy Roman Empire..."

Half an hour later, the steam train, emitting puffs of smoke, arrived in front of a series of factories in the north suburb of Paris.

A peculiar smell permeated the air through the window gaps, making the two who were conversing instinctively frown and look out of the window.

Joseph was quite familiar with this smell—it was mainly burnt rubber, mixed with a bit of sulfur and other substances.

Indeed, the so-called ’Royal Second Chemical Plant’ was actually a newly built vulcanized rubber factory.

Due to the need for confidentiality surrounding this cutting-edge technology, the plant’s name avoided any words related to rubber.

Lavoisier, along with a group of factory executives, was already waiting in front of the station. When the Regent King got off the train, they immediately bowed in unison.

Lavoisier then personally handed Joseph a thick mask: "Your Highness, the exhaust system for the heating furnace is still under design, please wear this to avoid any harm to your health.

"Oh, this mask has a layer of carbon particles in the middle, it’s reasonably effective."

Joseph put on the heavy mask and took a deep breath, indeed feeling that the unpleasant odor had significantly lessened.

When he heard about the "layer of carbon particles," a thought occurred to him and he looked at Lavoisier, saying, "Perhaps, you need something more effective to protect health, such as a gas mask."