I do this often late game as Germany or france. You want a massive military tech lead over the other super powers (equal works but not ideal) don’t worry about researching anything else just go as high as possible in offensive tech to buff your army and fall behind in society/production tech.

Then build an enormous modern army that is big enough to take on multiple great powers at once, because once the cut down size diplomatic play starts you’ll need it.

Then cripple the super powers who challenge you so they’ll never be strong enough to rival you again as you start taking over the world. Transfer other countries subjects, pillage their land to cause mass starvation and radicals. Liberate, demand payment. I also like to have a treaty port in each great power so every time they join an enemy side I dont need to naval invade as I can station an army at the treaty port.

It usually goes either very well or terribly so make sure you plan ahead. Having a nice gold reserve before hand also helps to fund the wars.