# Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi

> Austrian-Japanese politician and philosopher

**Wikidata**: [Q78525](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q78525)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_von_Coudenhove-Kalergi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-nikolaus-von-coudenhove-kalergi

## Summary
Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi was an Austrian-Japanese politician and philosopher recognized as the founder of the Paneuropean Union in 1923. A count by title, he dedicated his career to the movement for European unification, authoring influential works and organizing international efforts to integrate the continent. He is widely regarded as a foundational figure in the concept of a united Europe.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 16, 1894
- **Died**: July 27, 1972 (also recorded as February 27, 1972)
- **Nationality**: Austria, Czechoslovakia, France
- **Education**: Theresianum; University of Vienna
- **Known for**: Founding the Paneuropean Union and promoting European unification
- **Employer(s)**: Paneuropean Union
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Philosophy

## Contributions
Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi's primary contribution was the founding of the Paneuropean Union in 1922, an organization dedicated to the unification of Europe. He authored works on the subject and was awarded the first Charlemagne Prize in 1950 for his service to European unification. His efforts established a philosophical and political framework that influenced later European integration movements.

## FAQs
**What was Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi's role in European politics?**
He was the founder of the Paneuropean Union, a movement established in 1922 that advocated for the political and economic unification of European nations.

**What awards and recognition did he receive?**
He received the Charlemagne Prize in 1950 for his work in European unification, the Sonning Prize, and was made an Officer of the Legion of Honour. He was also recognized as an honorary citizen of Frankfurt am Main.

**What was his educational background?**
He was educated at the Theresianum school in Vienna and attended the University of Vienna.

**What was his nationality?**
He held citizenship in Austria, Czechoslovakia, and France throughout his life.

## Why They Matter
Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi matters as the intellectual and organizational architect of the Pan-European movement, which laid the groundwork for modern European integration. By founding the Paneuropean Union in the 1920s, he provided one of the earliest structured visions for a unified European political entity, influencing subsequent institutions and treaties. His recognition with the inaugural Charlemagne Prize underscores his pivotal role in shaping the discourse on European unity. Without his early advocacy and organizational efforts, the conceptual path toward the European Union might have been significantly delayed or altered.

## Notable For
- **Founder of the Paneuropean Union**: Established the movement in 1922 to unite European nations.
- **Inaugural Charlemagne Prize Recipient**: Awarded in 1950 for his service to European unification.
- **Officer of the Legion of Honour**: Received the second rank of the French Legion of Honour.
- **Sonning Prize**: Recognized for his contributions to European culture and intellectual life.
- **Honorary Citizen of Frankfurt am Main**: Granted honorary citizenship for his influence.
- **Author**: Wrote extensively on philosophy and political theory regarding European identity.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi was born on November 16, 1894. He belonged to a noble family, holding the title of Count. His educational path led him to the Theresianum, a prominent school in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1746. He subsequently attended the University of Vienna, a public research university founded in 1365, where he engaged in higher learning.

### Citizenship and Identity
He held a unique multinational identity, possessing citizenship in Austria, Czechoslovakia, and France. This background reflected the shifting political landscapes of 20th-century Europe, connecting him to the Austro-Hungarian Empire's successor states and Western Europe. He is identified as an Austrian-Japanese politician and philosopher, reflecting his heritage and intellectual contributions.

### The Paneuropean Union
Coudenhove-Kalergi's most significant political achievement was the founding of the Paneuropean Union. The movement was established with an inception date of 1922, with the organization formally founded in 1923. The headquarters of the movement were located in Vienna and later moved. The Paneuropean Union aimed to create a unified Europe to prevent war and ensure prosperity, serving as a precursor to later European institutions.

### Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Coudenhove-Kalergi received several prestigious accolades. He was the first recipient of the Charlemagne Prize on March 14, 1950, an award given for work done in the service of European unification. He was also awarded the Sonning Prize and appointed an Officer of the Legion of Honour by France. Additionally, he was granted the status of honorary citizen of Frankfurt am Main.

### Academic and Professional Affiliations
He was affiliated with the University of Vienna as a student. His professional role was primarily centered around his leadership in the Paneuropean Union, where he served as the driving force and employer of the movement's initiatives. He was recognized as a writer and philosopher, contributing to the literary and intellectual discourse of his time.

### Legacy and Conspiracy Theories
While celebrated for his unification efforts, Coudenhove-Kalergi's legacy is complex. He is associated with the "Kalergi Plan," a far-right anti-semitic conspiracy theory that misrepresents his writings on race and migration. Despite this modern misuse of his name, his historical contributions remain focused on his genuine efforts for political unity and peace in Europe. He passed away on July 27, 1972 (with some records noting February 27, 1972).

## References

1. Biographical Dictionary of the History of the Czech Lands
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.kas.de/statische-inhalte-detail/-/content/coudenhove-kalergi-richard-nikolaus-graf)
5. [Archives for the History of Sociology in Austria](http://agso.uni-graz.at/marienthal/biografien/roland_ida.htm)
6. Archives for the History of Sociology in Austria
7. [Der Karlspreisträger 1950 Richard Nikolaus Graf Coudenhove-Kalergi](http://www.karlspreis.de/de/preistraeger/richard-nikolaus-graf-coudenhove-kalergi-1950/vita)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. [Source](https://archives.strasbourg.eu/archive/fonds/FRAMC67482_0077_2Z/view:fonds/n:200)
12. SNAC
13. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
14. Czech National Authority Database
15. Proleksis Encyclopedia
16. Munzinger Personen
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [Source](https://www.deutsche-biographie.de/dbo026022.html#dbocontent)
19. nobelprize.org
20. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb120904608)
21. CONOR.SI
22. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
23. Dizionario di Storia
24. Sejm-Wielki.pl
25. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
26. Catalogo of the National Library of India