This book explores the causes of the First World War through the use of modern political theories. The political interaction between nations was hugely relevant in the build-up to events that can be argued to have created the WW1. However, despite this many political theorists have not applied their understanding of International relations to historical events such as this. This book applies such understanding to the events that are thought to have caused WW1 and argues that nations pursuing their rational self-interest led to the collective failure of WW1.