Konstantin Leont́ev: Russian Conservatism and Ecumenical Byzantinism

Abstract:This article considers Konstantin Leont́ev’s political ideas and the place they occupy within the Russian conservative tradition. After first considering the similarities and differences between Russian and Western conservatism, the article surveys the origin of Konstantin Leont́ev’s political thought in his diplomatic career and his response to the Graeco-Bulgarian church controversy. It is argued that Leont́ev differed from most contemporary Russian conservatives in rejecting nationalism as a liberal phenomenon and by valuing Pan-Orthodox rather than Pan-Slavic unity. This suggests that his political thought can be seen as an echo of the ‘official nationalism’ associated with Nicholas I.