AE Geopolitical Institute: A return to the system of Grand Alliances?

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A return to the system of Grand Alliances?

Printed From: History Community ~ All Empires
Category: Regional History or Period History
Forum Name: AE Geopolitical Institute
Forum Discription: Implications of Strategic Policies.
URL: http://www.allempires.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=26941
Printed Date: 20-Apr-2024 at 03:14
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.56a - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: A return to the system of Grand Alliances?

Posted By: Kevin
Subject: A return to the system of Grand Alliances?
Date Posted: 07-Apr-2009 at 19:03

I'm curious,

Does anyone else on here harbor the belief that the world is heading back to a Pre-First World War I system of loosely based International Alliances?

For example- Are we seeing another Triple Entente form and are we seeing another Triple Alliance forming although both of these are loosely based?

Any comments on this?

Replies:

Posted By: Seko
Date Posted: 07-Apr-2009 at 19:30

We are not seeing another Triple Entente simply because the original is no longer. Along that same vein we (nations) always have, and most always will have treaties, unifications, and partnerships with anyone we please. Alliances are for everyone. My two cents.

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Posted By: Kevin
Date Posted: 07-Apr-2009 at 20:05

Originally posted by Seko

We are not seeing another Triple Entente simply because the original is no longer. Along that same vein we (nations) always have, and most always will have treaties, unifications, and partnerships with anyone we please. Alliances are for everyone. My two cents.

I'm not saying an entente exactly like the Pre-WWI/WWI version of it but a new version of the alliance system that is the result of history and modern circumstances in which we have arrived at the same geopolitcal enviroment we had before the First World War.

Posted By: Seko
Date Posted: 07-Apr-2009 at 21:20

Good clarification Kevin. One that our notable history companions can answer better than I. If I had to add anything doubtful about traditional roles and alliances is that modern practicalities tend to make us evaluate our traditional partnerships. However, I still would add that tradition and age old partnerships still hold important bonds.

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Posted By: pikeshot1600
Date Posted: 08-Apr-2009 at 01:56

I would encourage others to appreciate that the multi-polar world of 2009 is not the same as that of 1914. In 1914, the powers were mostly European; mostly Christian; mostly accustomed at their policy making level to Victorian values and understanding; and even often related at the dynastic level to one anothers's Royal houses. That did not prevent them savaging one another 1914-18, nor their bourgeois successors doing the same 1939-45.

Not so today. The cultural differences of the 2009 galaxy of powers are much greater; the possibility of pressure from public opinion much more complicated, and, frankly, the crucial nature of natural resource dependence far more important. The fluidity of "allied" connections is liable to be more complex going forward, and the importance of Caucasian, European/American influence much more reduced in future.

The critical nature of strategic arrangements and of ideological solidarity is going to be much more dependant on the availability of natural resources; on access to water, and on who the most important markets are going to be. As the 21st century economy develops, assuming there is ongoing development, the consumer markets that are mass-dominated by low cost goods will be the more important. There may be far, far more demand for low cost appliances and for access to electricity and clean water than there will be for BMWs and other expensive consumer products.

Those material market demands may be much more important than ideological concerns about political economy, or about irrelevant religious issues that only benefit fanatical "medicine men."

In short, don't look for a reprise of the world order 1871 to 1914.

Posted By: malizai_
Date Posted: 11-May-2009 at 09:19

Hatchets are buried never destroyed. The alliances can be reformed if need be, with whom? each knows his prospective ally.

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