Kruska A, Achtelstetter L (2026)
Publication Language: English
Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes
Publication year: 2026
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Edited Volumes: The Conservative Critique of Liberalism
City/Town: Cheltenham, UK
Pages Range: 15-35
ISBN: 9781035309214
URI: https://www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/book/9781035309221/9781035309221.xml
This chapter explores the relationship between Prussian old-conservatism and liberalism in the nineteenth century, focusing on the nuanced interplay between critique and adaptation. Analysing the writings of key figures like Ernst Ludwig von Gerlach and Friedrich Julius Stahl, it examines the conservative critique of liberalism's revolutionary implications and their contrasting concept of ‘true liberty’ as obedience to divine authority. Highlighting the theological foundation of Old-conservative thought, the study reveals how these thinkers promoted lawful constitutional reform over revolutionary change, aiming to reconcile divine authority with human governance. The chapter also addresses the challenges of uniting Protestant and Catholic conservatives, whose differing views on liberty ultimately fractured their alliance. By framing conservatism as more than reactionary opposition, it underscores its role as a distinct political doctrine engaging critically with liberal ideas.
APA:
Kruska, A., & Achtelstetter, L. (2026). ‘True striving for right and freedom’: Prussian old-conservatism between reception and appropriation of liberal political thought. In Martin Beckstein; David McGrogan (Eds.), The Conservative Critique of Liberalism. (pp. 15-35). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.
MLA:
Kruska, Alexander, and Laura Achtelstetter. "‘True striving for right and freedom’: Prussian old-conservatism between reception and appropriation of liberal political thought." The Conservative Critique of Liberalism. Ed. Martin Beckstein; David McGrogan, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2026. 15-35.
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