Dangerous alliances : proponents of peace, weapons of war / Patricia A. Weitsman.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [217]-233) and index.

1. Introduction -- 2. Theory of Alliance Formation and Cohesion -- 3. The Two Leagues of the Three Emperors -- 4. The Dual and Triple Alliances -- 5. The Franco-Russian Alliance and the Triple Entente -- 6. Alliances and the Great War: The Central Powers and the Triple Entente -- 7. Conclusion -- App. Great Power Capabilities and Proximity Data.

"In this book, Patricia Weitsman introduces a comprehensive theory that unifies current ideas about alliances and examines the relationship between threat and alliance politics under conditions of both war and peace." "Examining military alliances before and during World War I, Weitsman provides a new interpretation of the politics of the great powers of this period. She reveals that states frequently form alliances to keep peace among the allied countries, not simply to counter shared external threats. Though alliances may be perceived by others to present a unified and threatening front, countries often face significant threats from within their own alliances. It is this paradox that underscores Weitsman's theory: although alliances are frequently forged to sustain peace, they may, in fact, increase the prospects of war."--BOOK JACKET.