The axis are the ones who decide when war happens and how it happens. They must follow a series of annexations, as they will always be out-scaled by the Comintern, however they must balance being over-aggressive or the allies to their west get mobilised much sooner.

The axis is a delicate balance of timing, precision and execution.

The axis must declare on the Soviet Union by 1942, and also initiate the invasion of Poland before 1940.