Hands-On Usage
break_embargo is commonly used in diplomatic events or decisions to automatically lift the player's embargo against a target nation when bilateral relations improve or a negotiation is concluded. For example, in a "Diplomatic Normalization" event triggered within the event sender's (ROOT) scope, players can actively revoke an embargo through an option in exchange for other benefits.
# Event option executed within the sender's (ROOT) scope
option = {
name = diplomacy.embargo_lift.a
break_embargo = FROM # Lifts embargo against FROM (receiving nation)
add_opinion_modifier = {
target = FROM
modifier = lifted_embargo_opinion
}
}
Synergy
[add_opinion_modifier](/wiki/effect/add_opinion_modifier) — Lifting an embargo typically accompanies improved bilateral relations; adding opinion modifiers simultaneously ensures a more complete diplomatic outcome.
[has_country_flag](/wiki/trigger/has_country_flag) — Use this to verify that an embargo flag set by the player actually exists before triggering break_embargo, preventing ineffective calls when no embargo is in place.
[diplomatic_relation](/wiki/effect/diplomatic_relation) — After lifting an embargo, this command can be used to rebuild bilateral diplomatic relations such as trade agreements or market access.
[country_event](/wiki/effect/country_event) — Send a notification event to the target nation informing them that the embargo has been lifted, creating a complete narrative event chain.
Common Pitfalls
- Incorrect scope is the most frequent mistake:
break_embargo must execute within the scope of the nation that "imposed the embargo." If placed in the target nation's or a third party's scope, it will fail silently without error messages—beginners often mistakenly call it from the FROM scope.
- Calling when no embargo exists: If no embargo actually exists between the two nations, the command will fail silently. It is recommended to first verify embargo existence using
[has_country_flag](/wiki/trigger/has_country_flag) or related conditions before execution to ensure logical consistency.