<Li> Russia had backed down in the past--for example in the Liman von Sanders affair and the Bosnian Crisis--and this had encouraged the Germans rather than appeased them </Li> <Li> Russian arms had recovered sufficiently since the disasters of 1904--06 </Li> <P> In addition Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Sazonov believed that war was inevitable and refused to acknowledge that Austria - Hungary had a right to counter measures in the face of Serbian irredentism . On the contrary, Sazonov had aligned himself with the irredentism, and expected the collapse of the Austro - Hungarian empire . Crucially, the French had provided their clear support for their Russian allies for a robust response in their recent state visit just days before . Also in the background was Russian anxiety of the future of the Turkish straits--"where Russian control of the Balkans would place St Petersburg in a far better position to prevent unwanted intrusions on the Bosphorus" </P> <P> The policy was intended to be a mobilisation against Austria - Hungary only . However, due to Russian incompetence, the Russians realised by 29 July that partial mobilisation was not militarily possible, and as it would interfere with general mobilisation, only full mobilisation could prevent the entire operation being botched . The Russians therefore moved to full mobilisation on 30 July . </P>

What were the main reasons for the first world war