Got Tropico 3 yesterday form Steam, 5 quid - bargin. Took me a while to get things going on the first map, but now the profits are rolling in:D.
Is there a good way of keeping both US and USSR happy, or should I just chum up with one side and take my chance?

Keep them both happy, or get an alliance with 1. They'll invade if they're not happy with you. ;)

Make sure you have good housing and happy people for Soviets, capitalista are trickier, but ussually helps to build... that diplomatic building. :hmmm:

Went 100% with Russia, US wasn't best pleased but didnt invade. Just started 2nd island - one were you have to export 5000 lots of Iron ore, and this time gone for a presidente backed by the CIA - should be interesting...