Endgame: Britain, Russia and the Final Struggle for Central Asia

Britain and Russia decided to stabilize relations and replace their rivalry in Central Asia with rapprochement, but the momentum of imperial rivalry could not be arrested, leading to the brink of war in 1914. This book is a ground-breaking and original study based on unseen archival sources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

By the turn of the twentieth century, both Britain and Russia, wary of Imperial Germany's ambitions, sought to stabilize relations and replace their rivalry in Central Asia, known as the "Great Game," with reconciliation. However, as Jennifer Siegel reveals, the reality on the ground contradicted this notion. The momentum of imperial rivalry, fueled by oil and railway development, proved unstoppable, and various interests on both sides continued to fan the flames with increasing aggressiveness. By 1914, Britain and Russia were on the brink of war once again, only to be saved by the outbreak of the First World War. This groundbreaking and original study, based on hitherto unseen archival sources in Moscow and St. Petersburg and original research in London, sheds new light on the complex dynamics of the era.

The "Great Game" and the Decline of Imperial Rivalry:

By the start of the twentieth century, both Britain and Russia, suspicious of Imperial Germany's ambitions, decided to stabilize relations and replace their rivalry in Central Asia, known as the "Great Game," with rapprochement. This shift in strategy was driven by a desire to counterbalance Germany's growing influence in the region and prevent any potential conflicts. However, the reality on the ground told a different story. The momentum of imperial rivalry, spiced by oil and railway development, could not be arrested. Various interests on both sides continued to stoke the fire with increasing aggressiveness, leading to a series of diplomatic clashes and military brinksmanship.

The Outbreak of the First World War:

By 1914, Britain and Russia were on the brink of war once again. The tensions between the two powers had reached a boiling point, fueled by a complex web of alliances, territorial disputes, and economic rivalries. The outbreak of the First World War provided a temporary respite from the conflict, as both sides were forced to focus their resources on the global war effort. However, the war ultimately led to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the emergence of new geopolitical power dynamics in Europe.

The Legacy of the "Great Game":

The "Great Game" left a lasting legacy in Central Asia. The region became a battleground for imperial powers, with Britain, Russia, and other European nations competing for influence and control. The development of oil and railway infrastructure in the region further intensified the competition, leading to the establishment of colonial empires and the exploitation of local resources. The legacy of the "Great Game" can still be seen in the political and economic instability that continues to plague the region today.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the "Great Game" was a pivotal period in the history of Central Asia, marked by intense rivalry between Britain and Russia. While the two powers initially sought to stabilize relations, their imperial ambitions ultimately led to conflict and the brink of war. The outbreak of the First World War provided a temporary respite, but the war's legacy continued to shape the region's political and economic landscape for decades to come. This book offers a groundbreaking and original study of the "Great Game," based on hitherto unseen archival sources in Moscow and St. Petersburg and original research in London. It sheds new light on the complex dynamics of the era and provides valuable insights into the origins of the twentieth-century geopolitical conflicts.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350179981