How to Make Your Enemy Your Friend: the Impact of Culture on Anglo-Russian Relations 1900-1920s

We all take it for granted today that "culture'' forms part of the fabric of international politics. Analyzing the stereotypes of Anglo-Russian inter-perceptions formed to the beginning of the 20th century, author emphasises the tendency for growing warmth of the relation between two states. The causes of it he identifies as greater mutual understanding in the cultural sphere: "an alliance in art is an alliance of all that is deepest and most characteristic in human nature''. Despite the political and economic distinguishes, the common spiritual values were actual incentives to convergence even if the old stereotypes persist. The idea that culture could contribute to a better relationship had become the point of the diplomatic agenda. Art, theatre, literature and other phenomena of cultural life were the signs of new forms of political sympathies.