The Russian Empire and the World 1700-1917: The Geopolitics of Expansion and Containment

About this book

Both an historical survey of Russias expansion during the Imperial Period (1700--1917) and a geopolitical interpretation of its motive and goals this text also analyzes the policies to contain that expansion on a global scale. The Russian Empire and The World postulates the existence of a permanent geopolitical framework called the Heartland within which a Russian core area fought for hegemony. The text brings together various strands of Russian foreign policy before 1917 showing the consistency and importance of the policys purpose and methods. It draws valuable lessons to help readers understand Soviet foreign policy and the renewed pressures Russia faces to restore its position within the Heartland making this an ideal text for courses in Russian History International Relations and Political Science. Ranging from the beginning of the eighteenth century to the end of World War I The Russian Empire and The World offers the most successful explanation as to how despite reversals and limitations Russia succeeded in becoming the worlds largest contiguous land empire in European history.