From the early years of the 19th century Persia was central to Anglo-Russian relations. Russia began by annexing Persian territory in the Caucasus and, after a successful war against the country, in 1828 imposed harsh penalties on Persia. Britain for her part had by then established control over the Persian Gulf, which had become seen as essential to the defence of India. From then on the two powers vied for influence over the Qajar rulers of Persia. In 1907 the two powers settled their differences without reference to the Constitutional Revolution that had taken place in 1906. Persia unsuccessfully attempted to remain neutral in the First World War after which Britain was the dominant power. It was with tacit British support that Reza Khan launched a coup in 1921 that ended the Qajar dynasty. He became Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1926 with the aim of leaving behind the humiliations of the Qajar period and establishing Persia as an independent, modern country. In 1935 he declared that the country should henceforth be known as Iran.
We are most grateful to Barbara Emerson for agreeing to talk to the Society at the present time about relations between Britain, Russia and Persia/Iran in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It will be interesting to see if any lessons can be drawn from that period for a better understanding of Iran’s approach to the outside world in general or for the present crisis in the Persian Gulf. (Since 28 February, when the USA and Israel launched aerial attacks against Iran and assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khameini, the Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed by Iran to maritime traffic, with huge and continuing adverse consequences for global trade.)
Barbara Emerson is a long-standing member of the Society and has been Vice-Chairman since 2019. She has written three biographies and numerous articles. Barbara received her MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, where she was subsequently a visiting fellow. She was also a faculty associate at Harvard University. Barbara lived in Moscow in 1990s and travelled extensively in the former Soviet Union, including Central Asia. Members will recall the excellent talk Barbara gave to the Society in June 2024 on her book, The First Cold War - Anglo-Russian Relations in the 19th Century (Hurst, May 2025). This important book has rightly been described as “an outstanding account of Britain’s relations with Russia at a time when ambassadors mattered and Britain was the only world power...” (Jonathan Sumption).
Booking will close 24 hours before the scheduled date for the event, i.e. by 7.00 pm on Tuesday, 30th June, so that we can notify KCL in advance of the names of those who have booked to attend in-person. GBRS will disseminate the Microsoft Teams link by email to online attendees on the evening of Tuesday, 30th June after 7.00 pm or on the morning of Wednesday, 1st July. It would be helpful if on Wednesday, 1st July you could aim to arrive at Bush House between 6.30 pm and (at the latest) 6.45 pm so as to register in good time at reception. KCL will kindly be providing drinks from 6.30 pm on.