The Dual Alliance Under the Perspective of the Theory of Alliance Dilemma: A Study Centered on Macedonian Reforms (1903-1908)

Abstract

The Dual Alliance was an important achievement of Germany’s proactive diplomacy, which eliminated the hidden security risk of AustriaHungary’s fall to the hostile countries, and restored Germany’s position of restraining the Austro-Russian relations and its position as a mediator between the two countries. Austria-Hungary improved its relatively fragile position as a Great Power in Europe through the alliance, but at the cost of its foreign policy that was to some extent subject to Germany’s control. The Dual Alliance was in a dilemma at the very beginning. Both Germany and Austria-Hungary had the fears of “abandonment” and “entrapment”, and there were the risks of détente and conflict with hostile countries. In order to improve the internal relations of the alliance, the Austria-Hungary took advantage of Macedonian reforms to adopt a proactive foreign policy. In order to maintain the stability of the alliance, Germany repeatedly supported the policies that carried out by Austria-Hungary at critical moments in the process of Macedonian reforms to show its loyalty to the ally. The relationship between Germany and Austria - Hungary in the alliance gradually changed, which in turn pushed the AustriaHungary to implement a more aggressive foreign policy.