Layered Liberalism: the Golitsyn Legation in the Dutch Republic (1770-1782)

This article discusses how Prince Dmitrii Golitsyn’s diplomatic mission in the Dutch Republic (1770-1782) led him to develop liberal views on different levels: in his intellectual work and correspondence, in his diplomatic service, and in his scientific and academic views. The article starts out from the contrasting contexts he found himself in: his position as a thoroughly Europeanised (and partially Europeanraised) diplomat working to defend the interests of the Russian Empire. Next, the article then examines how constrained Golitsyn actually was by state service, and how the Dutch environme... Mehr ...