Lecture 2: causes of ww1: competing theoretical approaches Classical realism and the balance of power · Military capability and alliances are vital pillars of security in uncertain international realm but cannot preserve peace · Community strength-> domestic and international order · States and ruler linked by common culture, conventions and personal ties encourage restraint · Under these conditions a balance of power may prevent or limit war · Paradox: "balance of power works best when needed least" Classical realism and justice · Power derived from many different sources · Influence= psychological relationship (communities and norms) · Justice is the foundation of relationships and the sense of community on which influence and security depend · Justice as moral rectitude - when policy supports and is constrained by ethical principles, it fosters a powerful image of legitimacy which translates power into influence. Neorealism and justice · Power derived from material capabilities (military) · Self-interest trumps morality · Justice only used to mask self-interest What has this got to do with WW1? · Formal powers of Kaiser, Chancellor, core executive = acting outside ‘community? · Impotence and co-opting of social democrats, catholic Centre party and National liberal party (weak diplomacy) · Highly authoritarian - weak social norms and reification (creation) of state = overestimation of power and expansionism · Ignorance of justice= decreased self-restraint, influence and domestic/ international legitimacy · Prussian elite power stems from high levels of status and legitimacy (opposite of Germany with Willheim) Realpolitik (Bismarck 1862-90) - Practical politics and diplomacy based on balance of power Mainly involved: · Making Germany a European power. . Keeping France politically isolated · Preventing a two front war (with Russia and France) · Maintaining the Status Quo (by keeping Germany strongly
allied with at least 2 of the other 5 powers in Europe at all times) · Preventing the spread of socialism. Weltpolitik (Wilhelm II 1891) - more nationalistic aggressive diplomacy Mainly involved: · Focusing on becoming a World power by stepping up colonization and naval expansionism, which caused tension with other powers. . Ruining relations with Russia by not renewing the reinsurance policy. This led to Germany feeling isolated, and turning to France for an ally, which ended France's isolation. . He made a 2 front war possible by ruining relations with Russia, and by causing tensions with many countries. . Allowing one of his more liberal chancellors to change the anti- socialist laws in Germany. Though this was later reversed by another chancellor, it was too late, and socialism had been allowed to grow Germany's only plan for war: (1897-1905) - Schlieffen Plan The army believed that if they went to war, it would do so pre-emptively on 2 fronts: France and Russia. 1) Attack and defeat weal France over the course of 6 weeks 2) Attack the strong but slow to mobilize Russian Army War (1914) · Arch Duke Ferdinand assassinated (June) · Complex European coalitions wing into action (triple entente) · Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia · Russia=allies with