Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich (Jr.) and the Russian emigration in the Far East, 1922–1929

This article examines the pivotal role of Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich (Jr.) (1856–1929) in consolidating and leading the Russian military emigration in the Far East between 1922 and 1929. It seeks to analyze the forms, methods, and outcomes of his political and organizational influence over émigré structures in China, parti-cularly within the Russian All-Military Union. Drawing on a wide range of archival documents, émigré periodicals, and memoirs, the study traces the evolution of the relationship between the Grand Duke, based in France, and his supporters in Shanghai, Harbin, and Manchuria. The analysis demonstrates how Nicholas Nikolaevich, initially distant from political activity, emerged after 1924 as a central figure symbolizing unity for disparate monarchist and military organizations. This study pays special attention to the mechanisms of this influence, particularly the activities of his trusted representatives, such as D.L. Khorvat and A.S. Lukomsky, in building a network of supporters, raising funds, and fostering connections with local émigré communities. The author concludes that, despite his physical remoteness, the Grand Duke’s authority served as a crucial unifying factor for the Far Eastern emigration, and his sudden death in 1929 marked the end of a distinct chapter in its history.