Conclusion

This concluding chapter argues that Russian conservatism is a response to the pressures of modernization and Westernization and, more recently, globalization. For the past two centuries, conservatives have sought to adapt to these pressures while preserving national identity and political and social stability. Although the specific policies being proposed have changed over time, conservatism's approach to change has remained consistent. In this way, Russian conservatism today evinces a clear continuity with Russian conservatism of the past. In particular, Russian conservatives have continually proposed forms of cultural, political, and economic development that are seen as building on existing traditions, identity, and forms of government and economic and social life, rather than being imposed on the basis of abstract theory and foreign models.

Post-Soviet Russia

This chapter looks at conservatism in post-Soviet Russia, particularly during the 2010s when there arose a “conservative turn” in Russian politics and society. This was associated with a revival of the Russian Orthodox Church, centralization of political authority, growing Russian nationalism, increased tensions between Russia and the Western world, and socially conservative legislation. These phenomena have made Russian conservatism a matter of considerable contemporary importance. The chapter describes multiple types of conservatism and shows that what all these groups have in common is support for a strong centralized state and belief in the need for Russia to protect its sovereignty and develop in an organic fashion, befitting its national traditions. Despite all the differences, as in previous eras, Orthodoxy, a belief in a strong central authority, and variations of nationalism remain at the core of Russian conservatism.

The Great Reforms

This chapter takes a look at the Great Reforms, a series of reforms conducted by Nicholas's son and successor, Alexander II. In March 1861, he decreed the emancipation of the serfs. Another important element of the Great Reforms was an overhaul of the judicial system in 1864, the most notable part of which was the establishment for the first time of trial by jury. Also in 1864, Alexander introduced a system of elected local self-government. Reforms continued into the 1870s, the most important probably being the reorganization of the army, which introduced a system of general conscription. But although reform continued, from the mid-1860s onward popular enthusiasm for it began to decline, and Russia's educated elites shifted in a conservative direction. Two factors contributed to this conservative turn. The first was a revolt that broke out in Poland in 1863, which the Russian government eventually crushed in 1864. The second was an increase in radical terrorism.

The Reign of Alexander I

This chapter shows how Russian conservativism in the reign of Alexander I was multifaceted, often in opposition to state policy, and far from united. But there was a common core among its various strands. Men such as Aleksandr Shishkov, Fyodor Rostopchin, Sergei Glinka, Aleksandr Sturdza, and Nikolai Karamzin fused reason and faith to support a form of enlightened autocracy unlimited by law but firmly bound by morality. They also shared a concern with creating a modern Russian culture and a strong state that would be able to unite the country and provide stability in the face of internal and external pressures. In these ways they set the tone for Russian conservatives of future generations.