Synopses & Reviews
In the years before the Russian Revolution, diplomats across Europe were widely condemned for lacking the skills needed to cope in the international environment. They were also frequently criticized for being out of touch with public opinion and too ready to clothe their activities in a veil of secrecy. This book suggests that these charges were unfair and that in both Britain and Russia the role of diplomats and foreign ministry officials was governed by changes in the domestic political environment. While they played an important part in determining the foreign policy of their countries, their influence was often much weaker than their critics assumed.
Synopsis
Hughes (history, University of Liverpool) explains the organization and operation of the British and Russian diplomatic establishments during the years before the Russian Revolution. He emphasizes the extent to which the organization and operation of these establishments were governed by domestic considerations, and contends that major changes took place in the organization of diplomatic life in Europe before the outbreak of WWI. Much material is devoted to developments leading up to the Anglo-Russian convention of 1907.
Synopsis
This book reassesses the transformation of European diplomacy which took place at the beginning of the twentieth century. It focuses on the British and Russian diplomatic establishments during the years 1894-1917 in order to illustrate both the heterogeneity and complex nature of the 'Old Diplomacy'. The book will 'ground' discussion in a series of case-studies designed to illustrate both the benefits and the pitfalls of generalizing about a complicated process of transformation that had a range of social, political, administrative and psychological dimensions.
About the Author
Michael Hughes is Lecturer in the School of History at the University of Liverpool.
Table of Contents
The Old Diplomacy and Anglo-Russian Relations * The British Foreign Office and Russia * The British Embassy in St. Petersburg * British Consuls in Russia * The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1894-1914 * The British and Russian Diplomatic Establishments 1914-17