The unexpected change of the throne from Tsar Peter II to Tsarina Anna in 1730 was an event of European dimensions. A look at the diplomatic networks reveals that it was less the events in the Russian Empire itself that were adequately described than the reports mostly reflecting rumors and stereotypical evaluations. In 1730 a woman was raised to tsarina for the first time in her own right. The consideration of gender reveals specifics of female domination. The Russian nobility also wanted to impose power restrictions on Anna. These events endangered the already fragile European alliances, which the Tsarina immediately knew how to consolidate. By questioning an often assumed east-west dichotomy, European entanglements and interdependencies between the courtyards can be shown. The polycentric and actor-related approach of the book enables new insights into the various types and channels of communication of the diplomatic network of European ambassadors in the early modern period.