Ivan V of Russia vs Sher Ali Khan

Ivan V was crowned as co-tsar of Russia alongside his half-brother Peter I, following the Moscow Uprising of 1682. Due to his physical and mental disabilities, Ivan was a figurehead ruler, with real power exercised by his sister Sophia Alekseyevna as regent.

Ivan V continued as nominal co-tsar while his sister Sophia Alekseyevna ruled as regent from 1682 to 1689. He played no active role in governance, with all decisions made by Sophia and her advisors, including Prince Vasily Golitsyn.

After Peter I overthrew Sophia's regency, Ivan V remained co-tsar, though he continued to have no real power. He lived quietly in the Kremlin, deferring to Peter, until his death in 1696, after which Peter became sole ruler.

Sher Ali attempted to maintain Afghan neutrality in the face of British-Russian rivalry, seeking arms and support from both sides. His policy failed as British demands for a permanent mission in Kabul escalated tensions, leading to war.

Sher Ali Khan's refusal to accept a British mission led to the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Afghan War. British forces invaded Afghanistan, defeated Afghan armies at Ali Masjid and Peiwar Kotal, and forced Sher Ali to flee.

After his defeat, Sher Ali fled to Mazar-i-Sharif and then to Balkh, seeking refuge with the Russians. He died in February 1879 in Balkh, reportedly from a broken heart or illness, leaving his son Yakub Khan to negotiate a humiliating peace.

Following Sher Ali's death, his son Yakub Khan signed the Treaty of Gandamak, ceding control of Afghanistan's foreign affairs to Britain and allowing a British resident in Kabul. This treaty was a direct consequence of Sher Ali's failed policies.