Geographically, the countries of Central Europe are located in an area that has been a source of contention and competition for several powers throughout history. Among others, the Russian, German, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires have all vied for influence and control over the land and people of Central Europe. The region served as a major battleground during World War I and World War II as the competition between external powers and the nations within the region escalated into military conflict. Central Europe After World War II, Central European states all had similar strategic orientations. They were brought into the Soviet sphere of influence as the dividing lines of Europe were drawn following the war. While Western European countries aligned with the United States under the auspices of NATO, Central European countries were incorporated into the Soviet-dominated Warsaw Pact.