The Great Game evokes stories of spies, diplomatic intrigue, and wars in remote regions of Asia. But what was really the Great Game? Why did Britain and Russia become rivals? How did they seek to consolidate their positions? Why and how did it end?
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Popularised by Rudyard Kipling in Kim, the expression “Great Game” refers to the rivalry between Britain and Russia in Asia during the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. In order to understand how the two powers became involved in that “game”, we will start by analysing the conflicting objectives of Britain and Russia with regards to the future of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the importance of the Raj and Asian markets for Britain and the significance of Russia’s expansion into central Asia. We will then consider the different theatres of the Great Game, including Persia, the khanates of Central Asia (Kokand, Bokhara and Khiva), Afghanistan, the border regions of India, and China (Xinjiang, Manchuria and Tibet). Why did these regions matter to Saint Petersburg and London? And how did the two players try to advance their positions? We will also wonder whether British fears were justified or not. Ultimately, within the context of rising tensions with Germany but also of Russia’s defeat in Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, London and Saint Petersburg, encouraged by Paris, came to an agreement regarding their positions in Asia. Thus, we will conclude by analysing the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 and its implications, in particular for Persia, where the two powers continued to exercise a high degree of influence.
What will we cover?
• The context of the Great Game: meaning, timeline, actors • The origins of the Anglo-Russian rivalry and the beginning of the Great Game • Russian expansion into the Kazakh steppes, Kokand, Bokhara and Khiva, and its consequences for the British • The theatres of the Great Game: Persia, Central Asia, Afghanistan and China • The different moments of the Great Game: between tensions, détente, and increased rivalry • The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907: the causes of the rapprochement and its consequences • The Great Game: fantasy or reality? • Beyond the Great Game: British and Russian ongoing involvement in Persia.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Analyse the origins of the rivalry between Britain and Russia, with specific references to their involvement in Ottoman affairs and their consequences • Explain why Persia, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and China became the key flashpoints of the Anglo-Russian rivalry • Analyse how the two powers sought to consolidate their positions in Central Asia, Persia, Afghanistan, and China • Discuss whether British fears were justified • Analyse what motivated the Anglo-Russian rapprochement and the signing of the 1907 Convention • Discuss constructively the consequences of the 1907 Convention.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some background knowledge about European and Asian history would be useful but is not essential. A good standard of English is required.As with all of our history and politics courses, curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to engage with the subject is more important than any particular skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and small groups. Handouts will be available. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the course website.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a pen and paper. Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish. This is not an exam course. There are no extra costs.
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-great-game-anglo-russian-rivalry-in-asia2490487The ‘Great Game’: Anglo-Russian rivalry in Asiahttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/history-epidemics-HHS06-1024.jpg219219GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Global & imperial history22851177117812101228511771178The Great Game evokes stories of spies, diplomatic intrigue, and wars in remote regions of Asia. But what was really the Great Game? Why did Britain and Russia become rivals? How did they seek to consolidate their positions? Why and how did it end?002924673The ‘Great Game’: Anglo-Russian rivalry in Asia219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/history-epidemics-HHS06-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH124219219The ‘Great Game’: Anglo-Russian rivalry in Asia175142219Sebastien Ardouinthe-great-game-anglo-russian-rivalry-in-asia/hwh124-2526The Great Game evokes stories of spies, diplomatic intrigue, and wars in remote regions of Asia. But what was really the Great Game? Why did Britain and Russia become rivals? How did they seek to consolidate their positions? Why and how did it end?0000-Available|2026-04-22 00:00:00Popularised by Rudyard Kipling in Kim, the expression “Great Game” refers to the rivalry between Britain and Russia in Asia during the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. In order to understand how the two powers became involved in that “game”, we will start by analysing the conflicting objectives of Britain and Russia with regards to the future of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the importance of the Raj and Asian markets for Britain and the significance of Russia’s expansion into central Asia. We will then consider the different theatres of the Great Game, including Persia, the khanates of Central Asia (Kokand, Bokhara and Khiva), Afghanistan, the border regions of India, and China (Xinjiang, Manchuria and Tibet). Why did these regions matter to Saint Petersburg and London? And how did the two players try to advance their positions? We will also wonder whether British fears were justified or not. Ultimately, within the context of rising tensions with Germany but also of Russia’s defeat in Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, London and Saint Petersburg, encouraged by Paris, came to an agreement regarding their positions in Asia. Thus, we will conclude by analysing the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 and its implications, in particular for Persia, where the two powers continued to exercise a high degree of influence.The Great Game evokes stories of spies, diplomatic intrigue, and wars in remote regions of Asia. But what was really the Great Game? Why did Britain and Russia become rivals? How did they seek to consolidate their positions? Why and how did it end?• The context of the Great Game: meaning, timeline, actors<br/> • The origins of the Anglo-Russian rivalry and the beginning of the Great Game<br/> • Russian expansion into the Kazakh steppes, Kokand, Bokhara and Khiva, and its consequences for the British<br/> • The theatres of the Great Game: Persia, Central Asia, Afghanistan and China<br/> • The different moments of the Great Game: between tensions, détente, and increased rivalry<br/> • The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907: the causes of the rapprochement and its consequences<br/> • The Great Game: fantasy or reality?<br/> • Beyond the Great Game: British and Russian ongoing involvement in Persia.• Analyse the origins of the rivalry between Britain and Russia, with specific references to their involvement in Ottoman affairs and their consequences<br/>• Explain why Persia, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and China became the key flashpoints of the Anglo-Russian rivalry<br/>• Analyse how the two powers sought to consolidate their positions in Central Asia, Persia, Afghanistan, and China<br/>• Discuss whether British fears were justified<br/>• Analyse what motivated the Anglo-Russian rapprochement and the signing of the 1907 Convention<br/>• Discuss constructively the consequences of the 1907 Convention.Some background knowledge about European and Asian history would be useful but is not essential.<br/> A good standard of English is required.As with all of our history and politics courses, curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to engage with the subject is more important than any particular skills.The course will be a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and <br/> small groups. Handouts will be available. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the <br/> course website.Please bring a pen and paper.<br/> Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish.<br/> This is not an exam course.<br/> There are no extra costs.HWH134 Global Encounters: Europe and East Asia.HistoryGlobal & imperial historyvirtual175219142HWH124NONEWed22/04/26 - 10/06/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:458 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSebastien ArdouinAvailable courses2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities219219The ‘Great Game’: Anglo-Russian rivalry in Asiathe-great-game-anglo-russian-rivalry-in-asia/hwh124-2526The Great Game evokes stories of spies, diplomatic intrigue, and wars in remote regions of Asia. But what was really the Great Game? Why did Britain and Russia become rivals? How did they seek to consolidate their positions? Why and how did it end?0000-Available|2026-04-22 00:00:00Popularised by Rudyard Kipling in Kim, the expression “Great Game” refers to the rivalry between Britain and Russia in Asia during the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. In order to understand how the two powers became involved in that “game”, we will start by analysing the conflicting objectives of Britain and Russia with regards to the future of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the importance of the Raj and Asian markets for Britain and the significance of Russia’s expansion into central Asia. We will then consider the different theatres of the Great Game, including Persia, the khanates of Central Asia (Kokand, Bokhara and Khiva), Afghanistan, the border regions of India, and China (Xinjiang, Manchuria and Tibet). Why did these regions matter to Saint Petersburg and London? And how did the two players try to advance their positions? We will also wonder whether British fears were justified or not. Ultimately, within the context of rising tensions with Germany but also of Russia’s defeat in Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, London and Saint Petersburg, encouraged by Paris, came to an agreement regarding their positions in Asia. Thus, we will conclude by analysing the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 and its implications, in particular for Persia, where the two powers continued to exercise a high degree of influence.The Great Game evokes stories of spies, diplomatic intrigue, and wars in remote regions of Asia. But what was really the Great Game? Why did Britain and Russia become rivals? How did they seek to consolidate their positions? Why and how did it end?• The context of the Great Game: meaning, timeline, actors<br/> • The origins of the Anglo-Russian rivalry and the beginning of the Great Game<br/> • Russian expansion into the Kazakh steppes, Kokand, Bokhara and Khiva, and its consequences for the British<br/> • The theatres of the Great Game: Persia, Central Asia, Afghanistan and China<br/> • The different moments of the Great Game: between tensions, détente, and increased rivalry<br/> • The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907: the causes of the rapprochement and its consequences<br/> • The Great Game: fantasy or reality?<br/> • Beyond the Great Game: British and Russian ongoing involvement in Persia.• Analyse the origins of the rivalry between Britain and Russia, with specific references to their involvement in Ottoman affairs and their consequences<br/>• Explain why Persia, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and China became the key flashpoints of the Anglo-Russian rivalry<br/>• Analyse how the two powers sought to consolidate their positions in Central Asia, Persia, Afghanistan, and China<br/>• Discuss whether British fears were justified<br/>• Analyse what motivated the Anglo-Russian rapprochement and the signing of the 1907 Convention<br/>• Discuss constructively the consequences of the 1907 Convention.Some background knowledge about European and Asian history would be useful but is not essential.<br/> A good standard of English is required.As with all of our history and politics courses, curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to engage with the subject is more important than any particular skills.The course will be a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and <br/> small groups. Handouts will be available. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the <br/> course website.Please bring a pen and paper.<br/> Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish.<br/> This is not an exam course.<br/> There are no extra costs.HWH134 Global Encounters: Europe and East Asia.HistoryGlobal & imperial historyconfigurable
12101178Global & imperial historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/world-history1/2/285/1177/1178/12101/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Global & imperial history
