New imperial history as research methodology for Russian foreign policy towards China in the late 19th – early 20th centuries

The paper focuses on the possibility of using the new imperial history as research methodology for Russian foreign policy towards China in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. Relevance of the article is determined by modern science research tools diversity, the tendency to clarify the individual trajectories of the imperial politics at this time. This approach lets us focus on the foreign policy decisions that were made, inter alia, in clash of interests between the great powers. Scientific novelty of the paper is related to the absence of detailed analysis of the research methodology on the issue of Russian activities in relation to the Qing territories. The aim is achieved through the new imperial history methodology, systemic approach and structural analysis. Researches of the 21st century authored by Doctors of Sciences, such as A.O. Chubarian, A.V. Remnev, S.V. Lourie, D.V. Vasiliev, F.A. Gayda, demonstrate the efficiency of using the new imperial history methodology together with approaches, methods, techniques approbated by Soviet and Russian scientists. The author shows the possibility of using the examined research strategy taking into account the peculiarities of the studying source base of Russian Foreign Policy towards China. International treaties as source base foundation characterize dynamic imperial situations. The comparative analysis and the method of detailing (close up) using allows us to identify language features of Russian Empire self-description. The paper demonstrates the efficiency of comparing international treaties from two perspectives: Russian-Chinese and other great powers agreements with Qing Empire as well as treaties connected to CER and Kwantung, the two areas of Russian Empire foreign policy interests. Further direction of scientific inquiry is outlined.