Cross-territorial ties and multiple loyalties in the diplomacy around 1700: Johann Christoph von Urbich's (1653-1715) network of relationships between the Holy Roman Empire, Denmark and Russia

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Anuschka Tischer
• Subject Area: Early Modern History
• Term: from 2018 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 416436858

This investigation into the early modern practice of diplomacy focuses on the activity of diplomats in a multi-layered and non-contractual network of relationships of employers that complemented and in part competed with regulated associations and alliances. This mode of activity led to diplomats being subject to multiple loyalties at one and the same time. It can be shown by means of concrete examples that cross-territorial action against the background of simultaneous contractual relationships to numerous courts was a fact in the practice of diplomacy around 1700. Current historical research has revealed many instances of dual loyalties in such respects. However, it can be shown that beyond this there were cases where diplomats entered a multiplicity of relationships in the course of their work. Researching the potential scope of a diplomat in such a situation will bring out on the one hand much clearer than up to now the self-conception and status of members of a professional elite, while on the other hand providing a sharper image of value of informal connections. The basis for the representation of such cross-territorial activity of a diplomat in this study is provided by the professional diplomat von Urbich, whose extensive political papers of have previously been unknown to historians working in this field. Apart from short breaks he served as Danish emissary in Vienna from 1690 to 1712, carried out official missions as Councillor at the Imperial Court, and stood also for around twenty years, as his very regular correspondence demonstrates, in the service of Duke Anton Ulrich of Wolfenbüttel. His work as Russian emissary between 1707 and 1712 can be described on the basis of source material now available and contrary to previous assumptions as a further extension of his multiple loyalties. The question of the specific understanding of loyalty for a contemporary diplomat and at the same time of his potential for unauthorized action are focused thereby in the historic analysis on the circumstances of his dismissal from service to the Russian court and the resulting loss of ‘his’ personal relational network. The working hypothesis is that a model which worked for many years fell apart at a weak point inherent in the system which provided its foundation. Such a relational network of employers can only subsist as long as the interests of participants are balanced out. As soon as political tensions between employers are judged to be insolvable the diplomat incurs the danger of being seen as a traitor on account of his multiple loyalties. Networks that were previously valued as politically advantageous are suddenly perceived as a possible source of attempts at hostile influence.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants