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 Sources of studies are unpublished material of the Archive of foreign policy of the Russian Empire, published reports on the debates of the British Parliament, speeches of a diplomat, diplomatic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. Analysis of the sources of the author's work led to the following conclusions. Firstly, Lord Palmerston had a considerable personal influence on the foreign policy of Great Britain in the «Eastern question» in the 1830-1850-s. Thanks to his efforts, the country entered into the Crimean War on the side of the Ottoman Empire, which was one of the main reasons for the defeat of Russia in the war. Secondly, the basis of the anti-Russian foreign policy doctrine of Palmerston formed back in the 1830-s., when he served as Foreign Minister of Great Britain. Lord saw the intransigence of the Anglo-Russian geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East region, defended the interests of trade and industry of Great Britain. Thirdly, Palmerston has used new methods of diplomatic work, such as reliance on public opinion of the country and the extensive use of the media as a powerful tool to implement its foreign policy. It took personal part in the organization of anti-Russian campaign in the run-up to and during the Crimean War. It can be considered one of the pioneers of information wars in the history of world politics. Fourthly, Palmerston has actively opposed the intervention of the monarch in the process of formation of the foreign policy of Great Britain. He pursued an independent foreign policy. In those years, when the Lord was Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Crown was almost completely excluded from participation in the external affairs of the country.
istoriya Velikobritanii, istoriya Rossii, lord Pal'merston, «Vostochnyy vopros», XIX vek, Krymskaya voyna
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