shields on map ????

[unmerged(1206)]

As a newbie trying to play Russia in the GC and notice on one of the maps that certain territories have Russian shields on them, even thought they are 'owned' by other AI countires. Can anyone please explain to me what is going on!

Gerat game, just wish the manual was more explicit for people like me

Thanks!

 

[unmerged(698)]

The shields mean that those provinces are core provinces of Russia (or whatever country you may play). This means that as long as the other country owns this province, you may declare war on it without losing stability (at least from the absense of a Casus Belli). Core provinces give you a Casus Belli.

 

[Dark Knight]

Core provinces also don't have any 'nationalism' revolt risk when you conquer them.