Examine the evolution of the “Great Game” between Britain and Russia in 19th-century Central Asia. Assess how Afghanistan became its strategic centre and enduring legacy.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century
Q1. Examine the evolution of the “Great Game” between Britain and Russia in 19th-century Central Asia. Assess how Afghanistan became its strategic centre and enduring legacy. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IT
Why the question: As tensions simmer over a fragile ceasefire with the Taliban in Afghanistan, Pakistan has turned to ‘peacemaker’ Donald Trump to help ease tensions Key Demand of the question: It requires examining the evolution of the Great Game between Britain and Russia through its key phases and analysing the reasons why Afghanistan became both the central theatre of their rivalry and its lasting geopolitical legacy. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Briefly introduce the Great Game as the 19th-century Anglo-Russian power rivalry in Central Asia linked to the defence of British India and Russian expansion. Body: Describe the evolution of the Great Game — from early Russian southward expansion and British frontier policy to wars and diplomatic conventions. Analyse how Afghanistan’s geography, politics, and buffer-state role made it the strategic centre of the rivalry and how this legacy shaped later interventions. Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting that Afghanistan’s role as the pivot of regional power politics continues to reflect the enduring imprint of 19th-century imperial competition.
Why the question: As tensions simmer over a fragile ceasefire with the Taliban in Afghanistan, Pakistan has turned to ‘peacemaker’ Donald Trump to help ease tensions
Key Demand of the question: It requires examining the evolution of the Great Game between Britain and Russia through its key phases and analysing the reasons why Afghanistan became both the central theatre of their rivalry and its lasting geopolitical legacy.
Structure of the Answer: Introduction:
Briefly introduce the Great Game as the 19th-century Anglo-Russian power rivalry in Central Asia linked to the defence of British India and Russian expansion. Body:
• Describe the evolution of the Great Game — from early Russian southward expansion and British frontier policy to wars and diplomatic conventions.
• Analyse how Afghanistan’s geography, politics, and buffer-state role made it the strategic centre of the rivalry and how this legacy shaped later interventions.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlighting that Afghanistan’s role as the pivot of regional power politics continues to reflect the enduring imprint of 19th-century imperial competition.