The "Eastern Question" refers to the diplomatic and political issues surrounding the decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As the empire weakened, European powers, including Britain, France, Russia, and Austria-Hungary, sought to expand their influence in the Balkans and the Middle East, leading to conflicts and shifting alliances. This situation raised concerns about the balance of power in Europe and the potential for war. The Eastern Question also involved the fate of various ethnic groups within the empire, such as the Greeks, Serbs, and Armenians, who sought independence or autonomy, further complicating international relations.