In her book "The Proud Tower," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the prevailing atmosphere in Britain during the years leading up to World War I. The nation exuded a sense of superiority that was both unintentional and evident, leading to resentment among its neighbors. This attitude fostered a belief in Britain’s dominant global position, which created tensions with other countries.

The notion of "careless supremacy" captures how Britain’s self-assuredness often overshadowed the concerns and perspectives of neighboring nations. Tuchman highlights how this perceived arrogance played a role in escalating rivalries in Europe, ultimately contributing to the conditions that led to the outbreak of the war.