Стр. 40 - V

Author : P. Multatuli
Candidate of Science (History)
DESPITE 100 YEARS that separate us from the
time of Nicholas II, his role as the autocratic ruler
of Russia's foreign policy remains practically ig-
nored, let alone studied in any detail, by Russian
and foreign historiography. In Russia, meanwhile,
foreign policy was invariably the prerogative of
the man on the throne, Nicholas II being no ex-
ception.
He ascended the throne without any clear foreign
policy program, partly because his father Emperor
Alexander III had never introduced him into the
details of his foreign policy course. Meanwhile, contrary to the common opinion, Nicholas II
had inherited a far from simple foreign policy from his father and had, therefore, to develop his
own opinion about many foreign policy issues based on their detailed studies.
The last Russian emperor was the first among the state figures of the twentieth century to place
world politics on spiritual and moral foundation.
Alexander III left his country semi-isolated "partly because of the anti-Russian policy of the
West and the Great Power course of Petersburg." The relations with Germany and especially
with Austria-Hungary were short of hostile.
In this new context, the course for peace on the continent combine with aggressive protection
of Russia's far-flung interests that Alexander III had been pursuing throughout his rule was no
longer effective: the contradictions between the great powers were too obvious and too danger-
ous.
Having ascended the throne, Nicholas II announced that the foreign policy course would remain,
on the whole, the same and outlined his two priorities: peace in Europe and Russia's Great Power
status. He was talking about peace not only due to moral and religious considerations; there were
political and economic reasons as well: Russia needed industrialization and modernization of its
economy as well as foreign investments; these aims demanded peace and harmony in Europe
achievable only through a dialogue with the governments of all great powers.
Nicholas II believed that Russia should not assume new responsibilities but should remain the
link between the great powers.
Nicholas II, even as a young man, perceived Britain, Russia's main geopolitical rival in the early
twentieth century, as an enemy.
The Russian emperor's active support of the idea of a Balkan League was, to a great degree, a
product of this policy. Not spearheaded against any of the powers, the Balkan League could
have become a high obstacle to the Austro-Hungarian expansion in the Balkans and could have
Электронное приложение к журналу «Международная жизнь»
Emperor Nicholas II and His Foreign Policy