PHJ № 2 (50) 2026 — B. A. Nikishin. THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF POWER IN THE POLITICAL WORLDVIEW OF PAUL I: RESEARCH SOURCES AND CONTEMPORARY RUSSIAN HISTORIOGRAPHY (1994–2024)

B. A. Nikishin. The Transformation of the Philosophy of Power in the Political Worldview of Paul I:
Research Sources and Contemporary Russian Historiography (1994–2024) // Petersburg Historical
Journal, no. 2, 2026, pp. 221–232.

DOI 10.51255/2311–603X_2026_2_221

Abstract:

The paper deals with the evolution of Pavel Petrovich’s political views on the state structure of Russia in contemporary historiography (1994–2024). This examination is based on a thorough study of key sources and the identification of factors that significantly influenced the formation of Paul I’s philosophy of power. The general atmosphere of the Enlightenment era, Pavel Petrovich’s close communication with his tutors, the role of book collections in the Grand Duke’s libraries, complex relations with the Empress and her favourites, and the heir’s exclusion from participation in state administration are noted. An analysis of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich’s notes has the potential to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the transformation of political thought in Russia during the transition from the 18th to the 19th centuries. By the
conclusion of Catherine II’s reign, the discrepancy between Enlightenment ideals and the rapidly evolving historical landscape had become increasingly evident. It is evident that Pavel’s perspectives underwent a transformation, evolving from the constitutional principles espoused by N. I. Panin — D. I. Fonvizin system of governance is characterised by its extreme centralisation and regulation, which are indicative of a militarypolice system of governance.

Key words: Paul I, N. I. Panin, the Age of Enlightenment, state structure, political ideals, history of
managerial thought, centralization, regulation.

Author:

Nikishin, Boris Andreevich — graduate student, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg Institute of History (St Petersburg, Russia).
E-mail: b.nickishin@yandex.ru
ORCID: 0000-0002-9804-8058

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