THE REAL DANGERS OF THE WAR.

The current crisis in Crimea is not the first time that Russia and the West have confronted each other over the peninsula. On March 25th 1854—160 years ago today—The Economist published the following leader on the risks of fighting Russia. Three days later, Britain declared war.

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The direct consequences of a war with Russia we look upon with no apprehension, at least under existing circumstances. It may be costly; it may be troublesome; if Russia be obstinate when defeated it may be longer than we expect; but we cannot pretend to entertain the smallest doubt of the triumphant success of the allied arms both on sea and land. The Czar has, no doubt, an almost unlimited command of men—the principal but not the sole raw material of armies; and we can believe that he may be profuse and reckless in the use of them. But there his only advantage in the war he has brought upon us ceases. He has no great...Continue reading