Metternich as principle Cover Image

Metternich mint elv
Metternich as principle

Author(s): Gergely Egedy
Subject(s): History
Published by: Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem, Új-és Jelenkori Egyetemes Történeti Tanszék
Keywords: sanctity of law; Western and Eastern conservatism; Realpolitic; conservative internationalism; the religion of nationalism; anticonservative heresy; evolutionary middle way

Summary/Abstract: The noted American historian, Viereck looked upon Klemens von Metternich as the "principle" of conservatisme. Viereck was convinced that the conservativisme is "by definition moderate in all things", i.e. the quintessential conservative principles are proportion and mesure, together with preservation through reforms. In his view Metternich personifies these principles to the highest degree. The main emphasis is on the efforts of Metternich to create and defend the spirit of conservative internationalism and on his attempts to reconcile his attraction toward Burkean ideas and English-style conservatism with his conviction that Central Europe in his day was not yet ripe for a great deal more freedom.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 253 -264
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Hungarian