US: The US has a really high resource production each day. Although, it starts with one of the weakest armies in game. However, you could build up massive armies due to the overpowered production capabilities that it possesses. Also, the Allied Doctrine helps a lot with faster production speeds. Also, US has a really powerful navy at the beginning, which will protect you from most initial threats towards the two coasts at the beginning. The political situation is really stable at the beginning because the only two neighbors Canada and Mexico are unlikely to attack you at the beginning. They're more likely to become allies or friends with you rather than enemies.
USSR: Similar to US it has a massive industrial and resource output. Unlike, the US it actually starts with a decent army of around 50 units or more. However, the tech has to be upgraded before the USSR could really try to defeat countries like Germany or Japan. The one shortcoming is that it is in the range of powerful countries like Germany and Japan.
Germany: It has a decent resource output and a decent industrial capability. However, it has the strongest army and strongest Air Force at the beginning of the game. However, one drawback is that the diplomatic situation is really dangerous for Germany and it can get attacked from multiple sides if one is not careful.
France: It has the second strongest army at the beginning of the game and a strong navy. It has a good resource output and good industrial capabilities. However, the political situation of France can also become disastrous. Most of the times, at least two neighbors will attack you at some point in the game.
Italy: It has a decent army at the beginning, but its Air Force is almost non-exsistant. However, it has a strong navy with many battleships. Also, its industrial capabilities and resource production are pretty strong.
Nationalist China: It starts with a crap military in general. However, with careful development and research it can become one of the strongest nations in game. In most games Japan won't be confident enough to invade you in the beginning. Even if they do you could simply withdraw your troops and ambush Japanese troops until the army is weakened. Also, it has many cities and plenty of resource production which makes it a capable industrial power.
Let me know if I missed anything or if any of my statements are inaccurate.
USSR: Similar to US it has a massive industrial and resource output. Unlike, the US it actually starts with a decent army of around 50 units or more. However, the tech has to be upgraded before the USSR could really try to defeat countries like Germany or Japan. The one shortcoming is that it is in the range of powerful countries like Germany and Japan.
Germany: It has a decent resource output and a decent industrial capability. However, it has the strongest army and strongest Air Force at the beginning of the game. However, one drawback is that the diplomatic situation is really dangerous for Germany and it can get attacked from multiple sides if one is not careful.
France: It has the second strongest army at the beginning of the game and a strong navy. It has a good resource output and good industrial capabilities. However, the political situation of France can also become disastrous. Most of the times, at least two neighbors will attack you at some point in the game.
Italy: It has a decent army at the beginning, but its Air Force is almost non-exsistant. However, it has a strong navy with many battleships. Also, its industrial capabilities and resource production are pretty strong.
Nationalist China: It starts with a crap military in general. However, with careful development and research it can become one of the strongest nations in game. In most games Japan won't be confident enough to invade you in the beginning. Even if they do you could simply withdraw your troops and ambush Japanese troops until the army is weakened. Also, it has many cities and plenty of resource production which makes it a capable industrial power.
Let me know if I missed anything or if any of my statements are inaccurate.