The Eastern Question: 1774-1923

MacFie's Eastern Question is the decline and collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Showing how it was systematically encroached upon by more advanced European powers. Principally Russia. But Italy also figures prominently in the narrative. The book never really goes into any depth in analysing the internals of the Ottoman Empire. Like why it lagged technologically behind its neighbours. And why reforms that were tried mostly failed. The bulk of the discussion involves foreign interactions. With the benefit of hindsight, the reader can see a relentless decay that could only occasionally be delayed.