However, Russian expansion presented a large and growing threat.

In the late 18th century, Russian expansion overwhelmed Lithuania.

Palmerston was more bellicose, and favoured a policy that would prevent further Russian expansion.

In the 19th century, Russian expansion took the form of a struggle of an effectively landlocked country for access to a warm water port.

The tide was halted to the south with resistance by the Chinese who fought against Russian expansion into their country.

During this period Russian expansion presented a large and growing threat.

Later: Russian expansion to the area north of the Caucasus is not covered in this article.

In the end, the common interest truly fueling the alliance was opposition to Russian expansion.

At the same time, Mongolia encountered Russian expansion on her north.

They also went into Afghanistan and Tibet to counter Russian expansion.