Alexander Sturdza: Conservative Reformism and Criticism of the Catholic Doctrine of Joseph de Maistre

Abstract

The present paper considers religious and social views of Alexander Sturdza, one of the
best publicists of tsar Alexander the First’ time. It also touches upon some important aspects of
his political activity, as well as his polemics with Joseph de Maistre. Deep discrepancy in the
opinions of these representatives of Russian and French conservatism on a man’s nature and
original sin determine two different views on church unity, on the Orthodoxy and Catholicism,
and also on social and political issues of the time.