About the book: 2007 / Today the Russian flag could fly over Hawaii, the Ionian Islands, Madagascar, Sumatra, New Guinea, Kuwait, the Azores and many other overseas territories. However, Russia did not become a colonial empire like Great Britain, France or Spain. Why were all the attempts of the Russian Empire to expand its borders by acquiring overseas territories unsuccessful? What was the role of pirates in the fact that Madagascar never became Russian territory? For what reason, when and how was Alaska sold? Was it possible to satisfy the request of the King of Hawaii to accept his islands into the Russian Empire? Why, despite all the efforts of HH Miklouho-Maclay, the Russian flag he raised over New Guinea was never preserved?