Hmm… I see where you’re coming from. But it is reductionist to say Bismarck’s idea of creating a complex web of alliances to prevent another war ironically led to the two world wars. Remember that this complex system of alliance is meant to deter one empire declaring war to another. It was 19th century’s deterrence model as is nuclear deterrence in 20th century to today. These two deterrence models are meant to… well… deter. Many systems designed are meant to work-- until it doesn’t. The British intelligence at the time (incorrectly) predicted that the assassination of Franz Ferdinand would not lead to a major war.
Hmm… I see where you’re coming from. But it is reductionist to say Bismarck’s idea of creating a complex web of alliances to prevent another war ironically led to the two world wars. Remember that this complex system of alliance is meant to deter one empire declaring war to another. It was 19th century’s deterrence model as is nuclear deterrence in 20th century to today. These two deterrence models are meant to… well… deter. Many systems designed are meant to work-- until it doesn’t. The British intelligence at the time (incorrectly) predicted that the assassination of Franz Ferdinand would not lead to a major war.