| Abstract |
"Using the rise of Russia and the foreign policy of Catherine the Great's first twenty years on the throne (from 1762) as his fulcrum, "No Collusion!" discusses in detail the diplomatic ramifications of Great Britain's rift with the thirteen American colonies. The context is pan-European, with Russia constantly in the foreground. The discussion of Nikita Panin's Northern System and its inadequacies, growing more evident with time, leads into coverage of the international crises for trade and diplomacy connected with America's War for Independence. Catherine enunciated a theory of Armed Neutrality and sought support for it from neutral countries. The book examines the worldviews of the various major players, to understand how their vision of things shaped their policies. We also see analysis of the global commercial world of the time and the efforts to grapple with forming international law dealing with privateering and the rights of neutral countries. Eventually the Americans enter the picture as they become convinced that Catherine will not necessarily support Britain against their rebellion but might even be enticed into recognizing the new American country, as France had in 1778 and the United Provinces in 1780. It is in the latter part of the book that the author lays out a fundamental issue of American foreign policy that continues even today to rear its head-the conflict between idealism and practicality. There were those who disliked France, again presaging a long future. The concept of "militia diplomacy" (the idea that America could do diplomacy differently from other nations and show them a better way) is thoroughly discussed. In the end, the American effort, through the person of the Massachusetts lawyer and friend of John Adams, Francis Dana, came to naught"-- Provided by publisher. |
