International Academic Conference 'Ideas and Intellectual Practices in Russia During the Reform Era of the Second Half of the 19th Century: European Context'

On November 15–16, 2024, the Faculty of Humanities at HSE University hosted an international academic conference organized by the International Laboratory for the Study of Russian and European Intellectual Dialogue

The conference brought together historians, philosophers, philologists, literary scholars, and religious studies experts from Russia, Belarus, Serbia, and Italy.

The primary aim of the conference was to trace the development of the intellectual dialogue between Russia and Europe, examining its various models through receptions, debates, personal contacts, and mutual influences within the textual space of classical Russian literature, philosophy, and literary criticism, as well as intellectual practices of the second half of the 19th century.

Key topics included were: The reforms of Emperor Alexander II and interactions with mid-century revolutionary Europe (A.I. Herzen, M.A. Bakunin); The ideas of populism (narodnichestvo) and the movement "going to the people»; The Balkan War, the assassination of Alexander II, and the attempted assassination of Alexander III; The establishment and development of zemstvo (local self-government) in provinces and districts, which facilitated progress in medicine, education, libraries, theaters, and journalism—not only in the capitals but also in the provinces. The growth of urban culture transformed the face of Russian intellectuals: young people receiving higher education both in Russia and Europe became increasingly interested in political issues. Qualified female labor gained demand in education and publishing. Russian literature, art, music, and science began to gain recognition in Europe. At the same time, the institutionalization of the Russian intelligentsia progressed, with its social composition gradually broadening.

The reforms brought the intelligentsia into discussions and practical involvement in addressing social problems. Western ideas and ideologies (liberalism, nationalism, radicalism, Nietzscheanism, and later Marxism) were implemented in state-building efforts as well as in attempts to undermine it (through the creation of radical organizations and terrorism). The ideological critique of Europe and the development of the ideology of self-identity and Orthodox unity of the Slavs (e.g., N.Y. Danilevsky ’s "Russia and Europe," 1869) intensified the clash between Slavophiles and Westernizers, emphasizing the political significance of these debates. Marxist ideas and the beginnings of the social-democratic movement in Russia marked a new phase of European influence at the end of the 19th century.

In their reflections on Orthodoxy and church life, including its role and influence in politics and everyday life, the intelligentsia developed both Slavophile and Westernist ideas. Interest in religion grew significantly during this period, and the relaxation of censorship allowed for discussions and publications on religious topics, including in Europe (e.g., V.S. Solovyov, L.N. Tolstoy). The state, in turn, began to view religion as a tool for establishing connections with Western intellectuals (e.g., Orthodox-Anglican dialogue and communication with Old Catholics).

It is essential to consider the reaction to the liberal reforms of Alexander II, which were deemed "criminal" by K.P. Pobedonostsev, during the reign of Alexander III (1881–1894). The fight against radical ideas and practices in the last third of the 19th century was directed by the authorities toward strengthening autocracy and the Orthodox Church. This included increasing the number of monasteries, restoring Russian church monuments, reforming religious educational institutions, and raising state funding for the Orthodox clergy.

The ideological state of Russia during the reigns of Alexander II and Alexander III in the second half of the 19th century highlighted opposing orientations of the authorities and the intelligentsia regarding intellectual culture: liberal ideology, reforms, and European-style education versus conservative ideology, autocracy, Orthodoxy, and reliance on the "unique" spiritual traditions of the Russian people.