The civic concept of the nation

Redefining the Russian Empire: The turn to liberal imperialism through the letters of Prince Nikolay A. Orlov at the height of the Great Reforms

“…The second argument, intertwined with the historical proposition of what was natural to Russia, was based on Christian principles. Such principles were congruent with Granovsky’s liberal belief that ‘the philosophical and religious principles of the rational, educated citizen coincided with the principles and aims of the state’ (Rabow-Edling, 2019: 66). Furthermore, Prince Orlov’s document attempted to solve the apparent contradictions between Orthodoxy and his plea for equality before the law by resorting to the argument of the ‘laws of mercy’ condemning all types of violence and, more broadly, through ideas of justice and brotherhood.…”

“…Regrettably, Nikolay did not say much on the question of nationality within the empire, but from his writing stems the belief that liberalism – as a reformist programme concerned with civil liberties, the rule of law, and the development of a civic spirit and a concern for the common good – was vital to Russia’s national interest (or, in other words, to the survival of the imperial state). Hence, Prince Orlov, as a liberal, could also be considered a patriot (Rabow-Edling, 2019: 97).…”

“…16 However, in ideological terms, they had much in common. Ultimately, they shared the core principles that allowed liberalism to develop its most distinctive traits during the Great Reforms: the liberalism they professed was programmatic and not merely philosophical; 17 their political position(s) clearly constituted a middle stance between conservatives and radicals, seeking to prevent despotism as well as popular and aristocratic rule; and they aimed at asserting fundamental rights while proposing a balance between liberty and stability, as they chose to cooperate with the state instead of working against it (Rabow-Edling, 2019: 9–10).…”