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One World Many Theories

Delve into the complexities of WWI through three levels of analyses - structural, domestic politics, and individual leadership. Explore the role of the Balance of Power, rise of German power, and key factors like nationalism, militarism, and incompetent leadership that contributed to the conflict. Gain insights from realist, liberal, and constructivist approaches to unravel the intricacies of this pivotal moment in history.

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One World Many Theories

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  1. One World Many Theories

  2. World War I

  3. Three Levels of Analyses • Third Image: Structural causes of WWI • Second Image: Domestic politics causes • First Image: The role of leadership, decision-making

  4. Balance of Power Politics • BOP: description of distribution of power between states • Unipolar system: Hegemony • Bipolar system • Multipolar system • Conscious policy intended to achieve BOP through • Arms build up • Alliances: align with the weaker side • Divide and rule: territorial compensations; spheres of influence

  5. Power • Ability to influence • Through threats and reward: hard power • Through attraction: soft power • Control over resources • Arms, population, economy, technology, information, etc.

  6. BOP in Europe: 19th century • Concert of Europe: 1815-1970 • German Unification: 1870 • Change in the distribution of power • Otto von Bismarck: German Chancellor, 1870-1890

  7. Balance of Power and WWI • Rise of German power • Rigid alliances trying to balance each other • Triple Entente • Triple Alliance • Perceptions about the inevitability of war

  8. Second Image Causes • Nationalism • Austria-Hungarian empire internally challenges • Balancing through territorial re-distribution more difficult • Diversion from domestic problems • Rye and Iron coalition • Militarism • Military hawks; the Sclieffen Plan; advantage of the offensive • Imperialism?

  9. First Image: Individuals • Incompetent leadership? • Franz Josef – “tired old man” • Nicholas II – domestic isolation, incompetent ministers • Kaiser William II – “neurotic,” sense of inferiority • Could the war be averted by more capable leadership?

  10. What did realist, liberal, and constructivist approaches add to understanding WWI?

  11. Which Factors Do You Consider Most Significant in Explaining WWI? • Alliance system • Public opinion • Economic considerations • Military doctrine • Leadership • Misperception • Other

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