What Would a WW3 Mod Look Like?

[elxaime]

Just for the fun of it, thought I'd ask here what the mod experts think a WW3 mod would look like. I accept the fact that the game system mechanics are probably not well suited to modern warfare, but here goes.

For a basic framework, we'd assume a 1989 start date, on the assumption that Gorbachev is successfully overthrown and the new USSR military dictatorship decides the only way to save the crumbling system is to unite the people behind a new patriotic war. Let's set aside whether this is realistic or not - we need some sort of start date! 1989 is chosen because it is at that point that NATO's next wave of modernization was coming into place, meaning for example deployment of new Leopard and M1 Abrams tanks and such. Earlier start dates suggest a higher probability of NATO being overrun early, meaning it all escalates to nuclear doomsday. A 1989 start presumes both sides decide to avoid strategic escalation, although chemical warfare and battlefield nuclear weapons are possible. The scenario would presume 3 day turns and last at most two months (20 turns).

On the political side, both alliances would be provided with a rich menu of political and military options to keep things fresh and heighten scenario replay ability. These can include for example:

NATO

First NATO use of nuclear or chemical weapons can cause a check for various NATO members to drop out of the war or declare neutrality

A NATO invasion of a Warsaw Pact nation can cause the loss of morale among some NATO members whose publics are lukewarm about a NATO strategic offensive into the Communist east.

Warsaw Pact conquest of certain key hexes can trigger surrender checks for minor NATO powers. It is assumed the major NATO countries will have more staying power, even if their capital falls

NATO efforts to cause Warsaw Pact defections, especially among already restive nations like Poland

WARSAW PACT

Option for "quick start" or more prepared attack

Steadily decreasing supply after two weeks war to reflect the more fragile economic and political base...the Pact must strike hard and fast

An aggressive naval strategy to interdict NATO sea supply and transport using submarines and long range aircraft, combined with a possible sortie by the Baltic Fleet

Potential to incite conflict in the Middle East to try and outflank Turkey

GENERAL
The game would not assume the war would continue beyond two months or lead to a NATO invasion of the USSR itself. It would be assumed that UN Security Council negotiations in the face of the threat of strategic nuclear escalation would bring about a cease fire sooner rather than later. The goal of each side would be:

NATO
To parry the Soviet lunge so that its lack of success causes the complete crumbling of the Warsaw Pact

WARSAW PACT
To be successful enough to crumble NATO or, at least to achieve enough to ensure the continued existence of the USSR.

So this would be a hard-hitting relatively quick contest, with each turn leaving open possibilities for an early decisive move. Political options would not just be limited to pre-war, or the big decisions, e.g. whether a major nation surrenders, but have turn by turn "triggers" based on the map situation, causing each player to face successive decisions on how to use limited military and political resources. Major losses, for example a US Carrier Battle Group, could have big political impacts. Bear in mind, once more, the military and political dimensions would be closely linked in a modern war scenario - it would not be premised on a WW2 style fight until you conquer the enemy capital.

What do people think?

[Hairog]

Here is a 1946 version in the Community Mods that come with the game. Oh look there are some books as well.