Barga as part of the sphere of Russian Strategic interests in East Asia in the First Quarter of the twentieth century: contractual aspect

Abstract

Based on previously unexplored treaties and agreements, the article provides an analysis of the non-military mechanism for ensuring Russia's interests in Manchuria against the background of the formation and development of the statehood of the Hulunbuir district, known in the Mongolian-speaking world as Barga. Having played the Russo-Japanese War and lost a number of supporting territories, the Russian Empire took all necessary measures to preserve and strengthen its influence in the region and was able to form zones of preferential interests, thanks to which it managed to control the process of acquiring relative independence of the Barge in a favorable light for itself. The research methods were data collection; thematic monitoring of scientific publications; method of analysis of documentary streams; systematic approach. В В The main conclusions of the study are that within the framework of the studied agreements, Russian national interests in the Far East were reliably protected. The instrument for this was concessions, which by their legal nature differed significantly from the concessions and settlements created by foreign powers in Eastern China, but could fully ensure the Russian presence and respect for strategic interests. Also among the conclusions is the judgment that the created system has shown its effectiveness, however, following the revolutionary events and the death of the Russian Empire, it could not survive the political crises that came during this period. The Chinese leadership, taking advantage of the turmoil that arose in Russia, liquidated first the autonomy of Outer Mongolia, and then the status of Hulunbuir stipulated in the agreements.