To Observe and to Act. European Power Politics 1739-1741, as perceived by the Russian Vice-Chancellor Andrey Osterman.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jan Kusber, since 8/2021
• Subject Area: Modern and Contemporary History ; Early Modern History
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 411772247

Most contemporary historians view Early Modern European power politics as being more than just a chaotic thicket of dynastic and warlike entanglements. Instead, they prefer to place single episodes within a larger narrative that describes the emergence of the much-debated balance of power system. They accept the idea that decision-makers of all major powers overlooked the whole of the continent since long ago, disposed of clear-cut ideas about their rivals abilities and interests, and never made decisions without anticipating possible reactions of the other powers. Andrey Ivanovich Osterman, who was the factual leader of Russian foreign affairs between 1725 and 1741, must be counted among those who created this system and made it work. The topic of the study is the “European Power System” (around 1740) in theory and practice. Reconstruction of Osterman's point of view is the epistemological method, which could be called "historical political science". To understand Osterman's political consciousness on a solid empirical base, this study will reconstruct his views and level of knowledge by focusing on two key aspects: A. Osterman's perception of international power politics from summer 1739 to the end of 1741.B. Range and performance of Russian-centered informal networks in Europe. In order to facilitate an intense reading and evaluation of all relevant sources, the temporal ramifications will be limited to a rather short period of investigation.It makes sense to focus on the very last two years of Osterman's ministry for the following reasons. For one, he was at the height of his career, having become aware of his ability to shape both the European power system and the Russian foreign office according to his preferences. At the same time, several crises had simultaneously erupted abroad and at home. These are ideal preconditions to study a diplomatic system directly in action – how it worked and how it failed to do so.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Lorenz Erren, until 7/2021