Russian TV Series Looks at Rivalry With Britain in 19th Century

The third part of pro-Kremlin pundit Mikhail Leontyev’s eight- part programme, “The Great Game”, broadcast on the European version of state-controlled Russian Channel One TV at 2006 gmt on 21 October started with an examination of Britain’s role in India in the 19th century. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was taken as a case in point.

A great deal of attention was accorded to Russia’s Crimea policy and Russian diplomacy’s achievements in the 1860s. “The Crimean disaster of 1854 certainly gave the Great Game a push,” Leontyev said. “Crimea marked a watershed for Russia’s policy,” he added, speaking of a new generation of statesmen in Russia at that time. “After the Crimean disaster Russia’s policy started acquiring the shape it has now. This is the beginning of Russia’s geopolitics,” Leontyev concluded.

Russia’s relations with other European nations in the 19th century were also examined, notably with Germany.

Russian-British relations in the Central Asian context were then discussed. Leontyev highlighted the increasing self-confidence of Russian diplomats. US Vice President Dick Cheney’s statement in Vilnius in 2006 questioning Russia’s democracy record was cited as an example of a foreign nation’s interference in Russia’s affairs.

The development of railways and other transport routes was important for the great powers of the 19th century.

Russia achieved its aim of restoring its Black Sea positions at the time.

A large part of the historical investigation was dedicated to Britain’s role in Afghanistan in the 19th century. Leontyev criticized “the Great Game players” for easily forgetting their Afghan lessons. The USSR’s difficulties in Afghanistan were mentioned.

Difficult events in Bulgaria, with Turkey’s involvement, were also considered. Britain was closely following Russia’s reaction and Russia’s plans concerning Turkey.

One more area of British-Russian tensions in the 19th century was Turkmenistan. Russia pursued a “cultural assimilation” policy with regard to Muslims.

The position of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on the coalition’s operation in Afghanistan was detailed.

The programme lasted under an hour. No further processing is planned.

Originally published by Channel One Worldwide (for Europe), Moscow, in Russian 2045 28 Oct 07.

(c) 2007 BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.