A new perspective on the role of the Russian Revolution in the process of formation of the Versailles order

Abstract

This review of the multi-author book War, Revolution and Peace focuses on the influence of the Russian Revolution of 1917 on the formation of the Versailles system. The novelty of the authors’ approach is pointed out. They fully take into consideration not only diplomatic but also military strategic dimensions of international relations of the 1920s as well as the importance of the distorting effect of perception of the situation by political elites of Western European countries and Soviet leadership. The examination of the establishment of a new system of international relations as a long-term process also seems to be justified. However, the determination of the “point of no return” to the previous Vienna system of international relations during World War I is still controversial. The book under consideration reflects the general context of the most vital problems of the peace settlement and international relations of the 1920s as well. Although the book is dedicated to the Russian revolution factor in the process of reconstructing the world system, it does not instill the false idea that the diplomacy of that period revolved exclusively around the “Russian question” — as was sometimes the fault of Soviet historiography. The author of this review comes to the conclusion that the collective work by collaborators from the MGIMO University makes the influence of events in Russia on the becoming of the Versailles order much more visible, despite the fact that the Russia itself turned out to be a pariah state and not a full-fledged member of the new system. The research has managed to demonstrate the interaction of stormy processes in postwar Europe. The book not only suggests a number of answers but also puts forward hypotheses which prompt further analysis and discussion.