Bismarck set about creating a framework in which Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Germany would cooperate under the latter’s control. Bismarck felt this was essential because Germany’s position did not allow for neutrality in the case of a conflict between her eastern neighbors over the Balkans. On account of his superior diplomatic skills, at the Congress of Berlin he persuaded the major powers to accept a model of great power dualism between Austria-Hungary and Russia in the Balkans. Yet he knew better than any that shows of good faith were worth little without binding treaties (Gülboy, 2014: 7-36).