M. M. Speransky and Metropolitan Filaret (Drozdov): Understanding of Monarchy

The phenomenon of monarchy, with its long-standing legacy, continues to be a subject of interest, providing a framework for examining political, social, and cultural transformations in society. The article examines the evolution of views on monarchical rule in Russia using the example of the views of two prominent figures of the 19th century – the state reformer M. M. Speransky and Metropolitan Filaret (Drozdov). Their concepts reflect the key contradictions of the era: the struggle between absolutism and conciliarism, rationalism and tradition, law and religious morality. M. M. Speransky, inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment, advocated the modernization of public administration through the separation of powers, the rule of law and the restriction of monarchical arbitrariness. His writings emphasize the need for a balance between the power of the emperor and the participation of society in governance. In contrast, Metropolitan Filaret (Drozdov) justified the divine nature of autocracy, associating it with patriarchal values and morals.