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The Answer is Enlightened despotism refers to a form of government in which an absolute monarch rules according to the principles of the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Enlightened despots sought to use their power to enact reforms and improve the lives of their subjects, while still maintaining absolute authority.

One example of a state associated with the tradition of enlightened despotism is Prussia under the rule of Frederick the Great. Frederick implemented policies aimed at modernizing and strengthening the state, such as religious tolerance, legal reform, and the promotion of education. He also supported the arts and sciences, attracting intellectuals and artists to his court. These policies were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and aimed to improve the well-being of his subjects while consolidating his own power.

Another example is Austria under the rule of Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II. Maria Theresa implemented administrative and economic reforms, while Joseph II introduced religious toleration, abolished serfdom, and reformed the legal system. Both monarchs aimed to centralize and strengthen the state, while also implementing policies that reflected Enlightenment ideals of progress and rational governance.

In both cases, the monarchs drew on Enlightenment ideas to justify their policies and to present themselves as benevolent rulers working for the betterment of their people. However, they also maintained absolute power and were willing to suppress dissent in order to achieve their goals. This balance between reform and authoritarianism is a key characteristic of enlightened despotism.

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