Walking Out of Step, Yet Staying Ahead in the Study of Conservatism: Reflections on the 90th Anniversary of Pavel Yukhimovich Rakhshmir

This article explores the relationship between academic relevance and political context in the study of conservatism within Russian historical scholarship. The authors examine the intellectual journey of Pavel Yukhimovich Rakhshmir (1935–2024), a historian from Perm, and particularly his contributions to the study of conservatism. The analysis draws on Rakhshmir’s monographs and articles, both scholarly and journalistic. The article highlights Rakhshmir’s organisational efforts, notably his role as the founder and head of the Centre for Conservatism Studies at Perm State University, editor of the Studies in Conservatism series (six issues), and organiser of several conferences addressing the definition, typology, and political dynamics of conservatism in the 20th century. Significant attention is given to Rakhshmir’s analysis of conservative ideologists and political leaders, emphasising his preference for representatives of the missionary type and charismatic leaders over those favouring the Gaitskellian consensus. In light of the resurgence of conservatism at the turn of the 21st century, Rakhshmir’s critical perspective on conservatism’s stance towards multiculturalism and other cultural issues holds notable prognostic potential. He also laid the conceptual foundations for his students’ dissertation research on national models and types of conservatism. The article underscores Rakhshmir’s pivotal role in the development of the Political Studies school at Perm State University, highlighting his analytical depth, academic integrity, and passionate commitment to research.