Konstantin Leont’ev and Byzantinism in late imperial Russia

I am studying Konstantin Leont’ev (1831-1891), one of the most idiosyncratic Russian conservative thinkers of the nineteenth century.  Leont’ev used the term ‘Byzantinism’ to refer to the combination of Orthodoxy and autocracy which, in his view, formed the essence of Russian identity.  My research will seek to explain the significance of the concept of Byzantinism in nineteenth-century Russian political debate, and the relationship between Leont’ev’s personal experiences, his philosophical approach, and his views on specific issues. This can enhance our understanding of Leont’ev’s place in the Russian conservative tradition and the broader intellectual life of nineteenth-century Russia.

James Day is a PhD candidate at UCL SSEES and his research interests include Russian political and cultural history, Russian literature, and the history of political thought, especially conservatism.