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Structural Issues of International System from "summary" of The Origins of the First World War by Annika Mombauer
The structural issues of the international system have long been debated, with scholars exploring the causes of global conflict and the potential for lasting peace. While the root causes may be complex, it is evident that the international environment can have a major influence on the dynamics of international relations.- Structural issues of the international system led to an increasing complexity of diplomatic relations in Europe, which eventually triggered the First World War.
- Various agreements between states placed strains on the delicate balance imposed by existing power structures.
- Competition over resources created animosity between nations as their military forces clashed.
- The institutionalisation of arms races throughout Europe further exacerbated problems already present in the international climate; money poured into navy developments, compounding the standoffs even more.
- Colonialism provided motive for many nations to take action in protecting their interests abroad due to extortionate trade policies and weighted terms of browsing rights.
- Diplomatic collapse increasingly became the modus operandi as linkages broke down between belligerents, with rising levels of distrust meaning negotiations became difficult.
