We know EXACTLY what it is you are asking us and we keep telling you the answer.
YOU said....."I could have swore the DOS version allowed me to access other nations in the encyclopedia when I was forming my core. IIRC this version does not "
Here's a screen shot of me "forming a core".
The big red arrow is beside the button you press to access the encyclopaedia. Once there click on the flag button
and you can chose whatever nation you want to look at
OK? Or have I missed some subtle nuance of your question?
Here's where you click on to get to the encycloapedia from the upgrade screen.
Once there follow the same procedure as detailed above
Don