While East Africa's Second Five-Year Plan was underway, the world in 1907 was far from peaceful. Contradictions between European nations were growing ever sharper, with the conflict between Germany and France standing out in particular. This was clearly influenced to some extent by the economic crisis.
Britain and Russia's relationship had also changed to a certain degree. Russia had been the greatest loser in the Russo-Japanese War, yet the aftermath was not entirely unfavorable to Russia. For instance, over Central Asian issues, Russia reached a compromise with Britain. The two countries renegotiated over regions such as Persia and Afghanistan, and the reasons behind their warming relations were rather complex.
"Britain and Russia may have reached some tacit understanding regarding Central Asia and the Northwest Region of the Far East Empire. With Russia's disastrous performance in the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian threat had greatly diminished in British eyes. Meanwhile, after the economic crisis, the Russo-Japanese War, and domestic unrest, the Tsarist government's predicament had forced it to improve relations with Britain."
"However, the two countries' compromise in the contentious region of Central Asia will cause us certain disadvantages. Central Asia, including countries such as Afghanistan, as well as Persia in the Middle East, are important destinations for our commodity exports. In the past, we could fish in troubled waters by exploiting the conflict between Britain and Russia. But once Britain and Russia divide their spheres of influence, it will clearly be detrimental to our exports."
Through the connections of the Omanis, formerly Zanzibar merchants, East Africa had opened trade with Central Asia and the countries along the Persian Gulf at an early stage.
As the principal participants in the regional order, Britain and Russia had previously been unable to reach an agreement due to their various differences. This had ensured the