The British role within Qajar dynastic succession

During the 19th century Britain and Russia entered into a fierce competition for mastery in Asia. The Great Game, as it became known, was replete with features reminiscent of the recent Cold War; containment policy, fear of domino effect, economic aid packages, diplomatic espionage, military assistance and wars by proxy. Qajar Iran would experience each and every one of these tactics as she found herself betwixt the Bear and the Lion for over a century. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of but one facet of the Great Game played within the Iranian arena; that of Qajar succession and Britain’s involvement therewith.