Before World War I, the political landscape of Europe was characterized by a system of complex alliances and rivalries, often referred to as the "balance of power." Major powers like Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia formed various alliances, such as the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente, which aimed to maintain an equilibrium among them. This interconnectedness often resulted in heightened tensions, militarization, and competition for colonial dominance, ultimately setting the stage for the catastrophic conflict of World War I.