The arms races created a 'security dilemma' where opposing states obtained more arms to defend against their aggressor, ultimately increasing tensions.

Question

Answer

Pro: As historian Christopher Clark argues, the inability of European leaders to read each other's intentions meant they did little to quash tensions and refused to deviate from their war plans.

Answer

Con: The security dilemma approach assumes that the escalation to war was an accidental process. However, there is good evidence that Germany had been planning for war far before 1914.

Answer

Pro: When engaged in a security dilemma, it is difficult to tell if one's opponent's intentions are defensive or offensive. Therefore, it is always rational to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

What caused World War One?

The arms races created a 'security dilemma' where opposing states obtained more arms to defend against their aggressor, ultimately increasing tensions.

Pros

Cons

When engaged in a security dilemma, it is difficult to tell if one's opponent's intentions are defensive or offensive. Therefore, it is always rational to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

As historian Christopher Clark argues, the inability of European leaders to read each other's intentions meant they did little to quash tensions and refused to deviate from their war plans.

The security dilemma approach assumes that the escalation to war was an accidental process. However, there is good evidence that Germany had been planning for war far before 1914.

Selected claim, supporting its parent

The arms races created a 'security dilemma' where opposing states obtained more arms to defend against their aggressor, ultimately increasing tensions.

Pro claim 1

When engaged in a security dilemma, it is difficult to tell if one's opponent's intentions are defensive or offensive. Therefore, it is always rational to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Pro claim 2

As historian Christopher Clark argues, the inability of European leaders to read each other's intentions meant they did little to quash tensions and refused to deviate from their war plans.

Con claim 1

The security dilemma approach assumes that the escalation to war was an accidental process. However, there is good evidence that Germany had been planning for war far before 1914.