Imperial Rivals: China, Russia, and Their Disputed Frontier, 1858-1924

by S.C.M. Paine

Based on archival research, this is a history of the Russo-Chinese border which examines Russia's expansion into the Asian heartland during the decades of Chinese decline and the 20th-century paradox of Russia's inability to sustain political and economic sway over its domains.

Genres: History, China, Russia, Nonfiction, Asia, Audiobook

442 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Sarah Crosby Mallory Paine is an American historian who was the William S. Sims Professor of Strategy and Policy at the U.S. Naval War College from 2014 to 2025.

Reviews

[Martynas]

I was expecting something a bit more broader, but this is more or less ment for someone who is studying history than a casual read to get more familiar with asian history. Nonetheless, the book is really good, the bibliography sources are from asian countries and takes into consideration multiple views.

[Sophie Taylor]

This book offers a great, in depth look at the Russo-Chinese border during a time of great political upheaval. What holds it back is the lack of a strong introduction setting the scene and the dated transliterations of many (place) names, making it hard to find some of the locations mentioned in the book.

[Ute Weiß]

Extremely well researched. Not very easy to get through, though.