A Clash of Empires: Turkey between Russian Bolshevism and British Imperialism, 1918-1923 (Library of Modern Middle East Studies, 13)

This book deals with the aftermath of the "Great Game" - the protracted struggle between Britain and Russia for influence in the Middle Eastern and Central Asian lands that bordered the expanding Russian empire of the late-19th century. It covers a period that was crucial in the modern political history of the whole area from Thrace to the Caucasus, showing how an alliance between Turkish nationalism and Bolshevism forced Britain to recognize that it did not have the manpower and resources to consolidate the spoils of its victory after World War I. It also provides historical background to the current geopolitical interests of both Turkey and Russia in the war-torn Caucasus. Contents Maps Acknowledgements Introduction 1. The Red Star and the Green Crescent November 1917—September 1918 2. The End of the War October 1918-March 1919 3. An Unholy Alliance: Russian Bolsheviks and Turkish Nationalists March 1919—March 1921 4. Agreements on Two Fronts: 16 March 1921 5. Turkey Between East and West March 1921—September 1922 6. Settlement September 1922—August 1923 Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index Blank Page This work deals with the struggle between Britain and Russia for influence in the Middle Eastern and Central Asian lands that bordered the Russian Empire of the late-19th century. It shows how an alliance between Turkish nationalism and Bolshevism forced Britain to recognize its weakness.