Final answer:
Bismarck's aims for an alliance system were to protect Germany from Russia and France, maintain the balance of power, and avoid encirclement by hostile nations using strategic and pragmatic alliances, which later contributed to the formation of opposing blocs before World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aims for an alliance system outlined by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck were primarily to secure the position of Germany, particularly by counteracting the power of neighboring rivals, Russia and France. Bismarck's diplomacy led to the formation of the Triple Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, aiming to deter aggression from Russia. Furthermore, to prevent France from gaining strength, he tried to keep it diplomatically isolated. Bismarck's policy of Realpolitik ensured that Germany forged alliances that were strategic and beneficial to its interests, such as the military alliance with Austria-Hungary to stand against Russian dominance. His cautious and pragmatic approach to foreign policy was aimed at maintaining the balance of power in Europe and avoiding encirclement by potentially hostile powers.
Bismarck used Realpolitik to ensure the alliances served the primary goal of protecting and reinforcing the power of Germany, influencing other European powers to engage in their own treaty-making, eventually leading to the opposing bloc of the Triple Entente. These alliances and counter-alliances were pivotal in the political landscape leading up to World War I as they induced a general climate of distrust and militarization among the great powers of Europe.