Evgeny Petrovich Novikov (1826–1903) – diplomat of the gorchakov school

Abstract

In the article the author analyses the career of Evgeny Petrovich Novikov (1826–1903), a prominent Russian diplomat who played a significant role during the Great Eastern Crisis of 1876–1878 and enjoyed considerable confidence of Chancellor Alexander Gorchakov. He was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Greece, and Austria-Hungary during the years when relations with these countries were extremely important for Russian foreign policy. His biography has not yet been written, although Novikov’s name is mentioned in many a monograph and article on important topics of the Russian Empire’s foreign policy in the 1860s–1870s. The study draws on archival materials, published papers, and memoirs of Evgeny Novikov’s colleagues. Numerous fragmentary pieces of information about him available in the academic literature have been systematised. Having received an excellent education at Moscow University, Evgeny Novikov distinguished himself by his conscientiousness, shrewdness, and strong sense of responsibility in defence of Russia’s national interests. High-class professionals of this kind made up the diplomatic elite of the Russian Empire in the 19th century.