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What if the Austro-Hungarian army chief dies before the first world war? Who would take his place and how would they conduct the war? My impression is that Potiorek: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potiorek
would become chief of staff. His conduct in Serbia does not engender the greatest of confidences, but he was blinded by desire for revenge, and may behave differently if he takes over the AOK slot before the Franz Ferdinand assassination (as he wouldn't be governor of Bosnia and feel responsible for the deaths). Hötzendorff made several ridiculous decisions in the lead up to major battles in Galicia and in the placement of the 2nd army first in Serbia then moving it to Galicia.
I don't know as much about Potiorek, but is there a chance that he wouldn't be as aggressive against the Russians, lacking the grandeous plans of Conrad? Perhaps a greater focus on Serbia, with the 2nd army staying longer on the Balkan front, long enough to secure Belgrade? Staying on the defensive in Galicia has huge benefits for the Austrians, given their deficiency of quick-firing, modern artillery. But this means the Russian 9th army may then be used in Prussia, changing the fate of the German 8th army. Thoughts?