According to Gerhard L. Weinberg, in the run-up to World War II, what distinguished the three states that would become the Axis powers was their shared desire to expand their territories and increase their power and influence in the world. They were also united in their opposition to the existing international order, which they felt was unfair and favored the Western powers. Additionally, all three states were ruled by authoritarian regimes that placed a high value on military power and were willing to use force to achieve their goals.