Metternich mint elv

The noted American historian, Viereck looked upon Klemens von Metternich as the "principle" of conservatisme. Viereck was convinced that the conservative is "by definition moderate in all things", i.e. the quintessential conservative principles are proportion and mesure, together with preservation through reforms. In his view Metternich personifies these principles to the highest degree. The main emphasis is on the efforts of Metternich to create and defend the spirit of conservative internationalism and on his attempts to reconcile his attraction toward Burkean ideas and English-style conservatism with his conviction that Central Europe in his day was not yet ripe for a great deal more freedom.