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The change in Russian foreign policy at the end of the 19th century occurred mainly under Alexander III. Alexander III's reign was short, but it was perhaps one of the most important periods of the entire 19th century in Russia.
The basic orientation of Russian foreign policy
Although the unification of Germany had caused Russia to face unprecedented new problems on its western border, St. Petersburg's policy of alliance with Berlin continued through the Triple Alliance, which later ended the alliance until Wilhelm II terminated it in 1890.
This change in alliance was of equal importance to Germany and Russia, and for the same military and strategic reasons. For Russia, the most important areas for its national security were those occupied by Prussia and partitioned Poland.
It was from here that Europe could effectively launch an invasion that would endanger Russia's survival. Therefore, compared with the region, the Near East, the Middle East and the Far East have always been only minor problems.
As evidenced by previous examples, neither the invasion of Napoleon's army in 1812 nor the defeat of the Crimean War in 1856 would endanger Russia's survival as long as Russia could ensure stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
Even if this had changed in 1871 with the advent of a unified Germany, Russia's western borders would be secured as long as diplomatic ties between Berlin and St. Petersburg could be maintained for a day.
By 1890, however, this structure had collapsed, as Germany had not only abandoned relations with St. Petersburg but also pursued a policy of exclusive alliances with Russia's enemies, Britain and Austria-Hungary.
Thus, Russia is faced with the possibility that conflicts in Asia and the Balkans could lead to a direct invasion of Russia. If this happens, then it is not Crimea that is threatened now, but St. Petersburg and Moscow. ”
Therefore, in the face of the grim international situation, Russia resolutely put aside the cooperation with Germany in various fields formed by traditional friendship and dynastic marriage for more than a hundred years, and proceeded from the actual needs of national interests, and resolutely established an alliance with France, which has had tortuous relations with itself in the past hundred years.
This reflects a core idea in Russia's foreign policy decision-making, that is, everything is based on the practical interests and national honor of the country as the fundamental consideration and starting point.
Summary of Russia's foreign policy
Throughout the European affairs of the 19th century, Russia has always played a relatively important role, whether it was Napoleon's rule in Europe in the early 19th century, or the era of Bismarck's domination of Europe in the late 19th century, Russia was a force to be reckoned with. Even after the Napoleonic Wars until the Crimean War, this was especially true in the Vienna system, in which Russia played a major role.
Russian dominance of European affairs ended after the Crimean War, and Europe in the late 19th century is considered the era of Bismarck. In the era when Germany dominated the direction of European affairs, what Russia could do was to passively accept changes in the environment while taking the initiative to adjust and adapt to some new situations.
Unlike the idealistic Holy League period, Bismarck's international order was tinged with strong pragmatism and the restoration of the European "balance of power." To achieve this new "balance of power" concept, Bismarck weaved a complex grid of alliances.
The strength of this alliance depends mainly on the harmonious relationship between Berlin and Vienna and Petersburg, in which Russian-German relations play a primary role. Petersburg also believes that "maintaining close ties with Germany in the 80s is the basis of Russian foreign policy."
However, this does not mean that Russia's foreign policy will revolve entirely around Germany. Russia did not play a passive role in international relations in the late 19th century, but it was also adept at finding its place in favor of change, which often enabled it to take the initiative to approach more interested countries without fear of losing favorable opportunities and conditions.
This is clearly demonstrated by the approach of Russia and France. Although Russia's actions are always a little slower than the rapidly changing international situation, the special conditions of the Russian state determine that even if it makes mistakes due to errors in its own judgment and slow response, it often does not threaten Russia's own survival.
This makes Russia always seem somewhat arbitrary and arbitrary in its foreign policy formulation and foreign relations throughout history, including during this period, and these two attitudes often go hand in hand.
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