Civilisation V has no right or wrong answer on how to reach your goal, whatever works — works.
Choose a country and guide its development in a massive world map, from prehistoric times into the future. You can fight against every surrounding nation. The map tiles are hexagon shaped, this allows for numerous strategy decisions to be made, also it makes the gameplay feel more realistic and the map more organic. Cause War or Make Peace Your goal in Civilisation V is to create the most expansive, advanced and capable society known throughout the world, however the means you define to reach your goals is solely your responsibility.