I can't seem to get diplomacy to work

Hi all.   Really enjoying the game so far, but I can't seem to do diplomacy and wondering if I'm doing something wrong or if it's just not in the game yet.   Basically no matter what, I can't get the other factions to ever agree to any offer.   I've even just tried to gift them cash and resources and they just decline.    My brother said he's seen some youtube vids where the players have successfully made deals though, although I haven't seen them myself.   

Am I doing something wrong or what?