The Image of the Autocrat (Samoderzhets) in the 1610s–1660s: An Experience in Political Conceptualization

The article examines the evolution of the image of the Russian autocrat (samoderzhets) and the concept of autocracy (samoderzhavie) in the 1610s–1660s. It is examined how the idea of the monarch’s power was formed and changed in the social consciousness during the key period of the Romanov dynasty establishing. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of various sources: official documents, historical chronicles, other historiographical and literary monuments, and folk art.
The study shows that the legitimacy of the power of the first Romanovs was based on three key elements: dynastic succession, “people's will” and Divine election. It is revealed that in the official discourse there was a gradual shift in emphasis from popular election to the sacralization of power, the source of which was declared solely the will of God. The analysis of non-governmental sources demonstrates that all classes of Russian society have accepted this transformation, while expecting the autocrat to fulfill his duties as a defender of the faith, preserve “silence” and regather lands. Thus, autocracy (samoderzhavie) has established itself as a value core uniting the state and society.

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