Konstantin Leontiev’s Concept of Byzantism as a Social Ideal and Modern Russia

The article discusses the concept of byzantism developed by prominent Russian notionalist Konstantin Leontiev and its signifi cance for modern Russia. A counterintuitive conclusion can be drawn on how much relevance Leontiev’s ideas still hopelessly retain understanding peculiarities Russia, cultural historical type uniqueness. beginning states obvious reason to turn today: a number his predictions or prophecies have come true in history twentieth century. In terms of, so speak, predictive eff ectiveness, he had no match among notionalists. Then follows consideration byzantism. deepened generally accepted idea Russia being Byzantium’s religious successor comprehensively rethought it from coherent cultural-historical religious-political perspective. nutshell, one could say that basic theses contained three all-embracing points: Orthodoxy Tsar, Eastern Christianity autocracy, their political union. This social ideal possesses distinct external (despotism, various constraints inequality) internal (intense inner spiritual life) sides. Though they as two sides forming an integral unit, second, side is more important fundamental than fi rst, one. necessary condition at personal level also noted. author argues existence kind unspoken hybrid even today continues preserve defi ne uniqueness It represented by, rst all, alliance quasi-monarchical presidential power, when president comes power formal democratic way, but cannot democratically evicted out post. strong authoritarian government impossible without willingness people obey “party power” long maintains authority. Among other things, this keep together diff erent peoples, ethnic groups regions with cultures traditions. While national diversity threatens disintegration, is, hand, key vitality complex fl owering. Secondly, role religions traditional — mainly Orthodox Church, and, accordingly, moral values life society.