In order to secure a good defensive position for Germany, Bismarck concluded a triple alliance with Austro-Hungary and Italy, which meant helping all members of the alliance . The reason for that was the environment, because there were powerful states around them such as France and Russia. A secret reinsurance treaty was also signed with Russia, which implied that if one of those two states was at war, that other one would remained neutral. And yet, according to Bismarck, it was necessary to have friendly relations with England as a way to maintain balance in Europe.
Three steps are: Triple Alliance, friendship with Russia and understanding with England.