Wolfram Siemann tells a new story of Clemens von Metternich, the Austrian at the center of nineteenth-century European diplomacy. Known as a conservative and an uncompromising practitioner of realpolitik, in fact Metternich accommodated new ideas of liberalism and nationalism insofar as they served the goal of peace. And he promoted reform at home.

Siemann tells a new story of Clemens von Metternich, the Austrian at the center of 19th-century European diplomacy. He was famous for his alleged archconservatism, as a friend of realpolitik and reform, and for pursuing international peace.