Getting started

I am familiar of the CIV4 game but this time i will try a new way to win the game. I will start as German's ruler and i know that their special powers are attack power but I wont use it to win, only for defense. I have always won by destroying everybody else or winning the space race but now I am aiming for the political victory. I don't have much to say now because I have played only the first round but I know that i have a peaceful place to start.