Can someone explain to me what it means and what do I have to do when an opponent that was [fraternal] and close to be an ally suddenly turns to [in need] status?

I had one break treaties with me because I didn't help!?... But help how?

SpectrumWarrior wrote:

Can someone explain to me what it means and what do I have to do when an opponent that was [fraternal] and close to be an ally suddenly turns to [in need] status?

I had one break treaties with me because I didn't help!?... But help how?

Mouse over their [In need] status in the diplomatic screen. It'll show you something like "They depend on you for accessing resources".

It means that they have close to none strategics and/or luxuries resources on their territory, and are asking you to trade your resources with them.  You can propose a "Trade luxuries only" agreement, and if you think that's worth it as well, a "Trade everything" agreement. But this last one can be double-edged, since they'll gain access to strategics resources, enabling them to upgrade their units to better ones.

SpectrumWarrior wrote:
You mean the AI is waiting for me to do the first talk? Most of them just ask for a treaty directly. If it doesn't have the influence, can't it just wait a few turns instead of going berserk on me the next turn? :P

Ahahah, well yeah, usually AI will proactively propose a treaty. But nothing prevents you to propose it first :)

In any case, them being "In need" is a glaring indicator that they are less powerful than you, so it's usually good to take advantage of that, either economically or militarily speaking ;)