How did Klemens von Metternich help Austria take a leading role in the War of Liberation?

Klemens von Metternich secured Austria’s leading role in the War of Liberation through a calculated policy of neutrality, secret rearmament, and superior diplomatic maneuvering.1

Following the disastrous 1809 war against France, Metternich recognized that Austria required a period of recovery. He maintained Austria's freedom of action by orchestrating the marriage between Marie-Louise and Napoleon I, which prevented Austria from becoming a mere client state.1

When Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812, Metternich ensured Austrian forces maintained an independent status. As the tide of the war turned, he resisted premature calls for conflict, instead using the time to secretly rearm the nation. During the summer of 1813, he dominated negotiations with the French, effectively stalling for time while mediating between the warring powers. By the time Austria officially declared war in August 1813, Metternich had positioned the country to lead both politically and militarily. Furthermore, he secured the support of South German states by promising to protect their positions, thereby checking the expansionist designs of Prussia and Russia.1