Russophobia in lord Palmerston's political activities

The article discusses Russian-British rivalry for dominance in the Balkans and in the Middle East region jyst before the Crimean War (1853-1856). The purpose of the paper is to show that Britain's entry into the war on the side of the Ottoman Empire was primarily dictated by the geopolitical interests of the British commerce and industry. The article stresses the role of one of the most prominent statesmen, Lord Palmerston in shaping British anti-Russian policy in «Eastern question». In the Russian historiography was generally considered diplomatic activity of the Lord directly during the Crimean War. The article deals with the initial period of his career and the formation of Palmerston's views on «the Eastern question» (1830-1840-s). Sources of studies are unpublished material of the Archive of foreign policy of the Russian Empire, published reports on the debates of the British Parliament, speeches of a diplomat, diplomatic correspondence, the British press materials...