Final answer:
The alliance between Germany and Austria was fraught with difficulties given their varied strategic goals and internal issues within Austria-Hungary. Concerns over a two-front war and aggressive foreign policies also contributed to an unstable foundation for their alliance, further complicating the international relations of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Germany's alliance with Austria presented challenges for a cohesive alliance strategy during the period leading up to World War I. The German alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, known as the Triple Alliance, was meant to serve as a counterweight to the strength of France and Russia. However, it was complicated by several factors, including differing national interests and strategic goals.
Adding to the precarious position of a German-Austrian alliance, Austria-Hungary's diverse ethnic makeup and internal strife created potential for instability from within. Moreover, Russia's closeness to Serbia and shared Slavic heritage compounded Austria-Hungary's troubles in the Balkans as any conflict with Serbia threatened to drag Russia into the fray. Germany, hoping to avoid a two-front war, made the fateful decision to back Austria-Hungary when it invaded Serbia, setting off a chain of events that culminated in World War I.
Furthermore, the German preoccupation with encirclement by hostile powers led to increasingly aggressive stances. This atmosphere was heightened by German Emperor Wilhelm II's concerns about being surrounded by enemies and, combined with the network of alliances, played a role in escalating tensions and the outbreak of the war.