- Complex historical and ethnic tensions dating back centuries.
- Nationalism and desire for independence among various ethnic groups.
- Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, which triggered the outbreak of World War I.
- System of alliances among European powers, where conflicts between two nations quickly involved their allies.
- Imperial ambitions of major European powers, such as Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Germany.
- Militarism and arms buildup among European nations, leading to a readiness for conflict.
- Lack of effective international institutions or mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully.
- Growing economic and political rivalries between European powers.
- Failure to resolve or address long-standing grievances and territorial disputes in the Balkans.
- Propaganda and misinformation spread by governments and nationalist groups to mobilize public support for the war.