The First Cold War: Anglo-Russian Relations in the 19th Century

by Barbara Emerson

Britain and Russia maintained a frosty civility for a few years after Napoleon’s defeat in 1815. But, by the 1820s, their relations degenerated into constant acrimonious rivalry over Persia, the Ottoman Empire, Central Asia—the Great Game—and, towards the end of the century, East Asia. The First Cold War  presents for the first time the Russian perspective on this ‘game’, drawing on the archives of the Tsars’ Imperial Ministry. Both world powers became convinced of the expansionist aims of the other, and considered these to be at their own expense. When one was successful, the other upped the ante, and so it went on. London and St Petersburg were at war only once, during the Crimean War. But Russophobia and Anglophobia became ingrained on each side, as these two great empires hovered on the brink of hostilities for nearly 100 years.  Not until Britain and Russia recognised that they had more to fear from Wilhelmine Germany did they largely set aside their rivalries in the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, which also had major repercussions for the balance of power in Europe. Before that came a century of competition, diplomacy and tension, lucidly charted in this comprehensive new history.

Genres: History, British Literature

560 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Barbara Emerson is an English historian and biographer, known for her biography of King Leopold II of Belgium. She was also a fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford.

Reviews

[Daniel Gusev · Rating 5 out of 5]

A monumental read predominantly based on primary sources (diplomatic correspondence) as well as newspapers, books written by key participants - covering both sides and thus narrating not just a fine line - but crafting a balanced web of multi-party views on matters that influenced the relationships not just of the Lion and the Bear - but of other nations of the continent and the world. Voluminous. Meticulous.

Often trudging- but rewarding - a most complete review of the Great Game that is poorly understood, misrepresented and ignored.

Full of anecdotes (mentions of fiction publications based on history events) and memorable facts (Russian Emperor Nicholas II was instrumental in setting set up of The Hague Tribunal in 1899)

[LBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The British and Russian rivalry over Central Asia in the XIX century was a key element of international relations. This book provides us with a very destailed account of the diplomatic moves of these two powers.
Recommended reading for all those interested in international relations.