Abstract
The ‘Eastern Question’ is one of the most controversial and persistent subjects in the history of international relations. This article looks at two aspects in the evolution of the relations between the Ottoman Empire and Europe. The first one focuses on the importance of the 18th century in the emergence of the ’Eastern Question’. The second one emphasizes on several episodes that may reopen the debate on the origins of the Crimean War. Our research is an attempt to demonstrate that the ’Eastern Question’ was only a piece of a larger puzzle. The more Russia was influential in world politics, the more her contribution became valuable for the stability of the international system. The idea to challenge in the early 1850’s the heritage of the 18th century in world politics (meaning to marginalize Russia in European affairs), did not serve on the long run neither to the security of the Ottoman Empire, neither to the ’new multilateralism’ put forward by Napoleon III.
Highlights
In 1853, in the eve of the war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, which shortly after became the Crimean war, Lord John Russell rejected the secret Russian proposal to dismantle the Ottoman Empire (CRPLGCT, 1854, p. 883)
The more Russia was influential in world politics, the more her contribution became valuable for the stability of the international system
With Austria depending on Russia after 1848, the British statesmen had to get over their anxieties regarding France and its global ambitions and to openly oppose Russia in the Near East
Summary
In 1853, in the eve of the war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, which shortly after became the Crimean war, Lord John Russell rejected the secret Russian proposal to dismantle the Ottoman Empire (CRPLGCT, 1854, p. 883). A second Russian unauthorized occupation of the principalities, followed by the military preparations of the maritime powers against Russia and the violation of the Straits Convention by France and Great Britain marked the destruction of the European Concert as conceived at the end of the Napoleonic hegemony.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Estudos Internacionais: revista de relações internacionais da PUC Minas
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
