On September 11th, The IES Austrian Studies Program, in collaboration with the Botstiber Institute for Austrian-American Studies, invited Benedikt Harzl, Associate Professor from the Centre for East European Law and Eurasian Studies and the Institute of International Law of the Law School at the University of Graz, to speak about the ongoing nature of Austria’s permanent neutrality as it exists in our world today. Harzl’s online lecture, attended by 39 participants, focused on the theoretical and practical dimensions of Austrian permanent neutrality, a status embraced by Austria in 1955.
Harzl was introduced by Isabella Tomas from the Consul-General of Austria who opened the discussion by emphasizing that “neutrality” is an important aspect of Austria’s national identity. Tomas was followed by Michael Burri from the Botstiber Institute, who reinforced this notion, underscoring Austria's principles of conflict resolution through impartial mediation.
Harzl began the lecture by pointing out several paradoxes of Austrian neutrality. He noted the challenge between Austria’s constitutional obligation to national defense and its commitment to neutrality, explaining that Austria must be able to both defend itself and remain non-partisan. He further mentioned how, paradoxically, preserving neutrality sometimes requires forming alliances, such as economic unions with the European Union (EU), while avoiding military alliances, in Austria’s case. Harzl then contrasted Austria’s model of neutrality with the Swiss model, which does not enshrine neutrality as a constitutional principle, unlike Austria, which did so after World War II. Although the Austrian model is recent, it has codified laws into its constitutional and legal framework, emphasizing its neutrality as part of the Austrian State Treaty of 1955.
Harzl also expanded on the specific legal contradictions around neutrality; for example, Austria is obligated to defend itself but has no obligation to protect human rights beyond its borders which can create a contentious international environment. Harzl also referenced Hans Morgenthau’s theories to illustrate how neutral states might hereby inadvertently support the interests of more powerful nations through their non-partisan stance.
Harzl noted that while permanent neutrality means that Austria intends to maintain impartiality indefinitely, global events can challenge this stance. He cited Austria’s support for economic sanctions against Russia and Ukraine’s accession to the EU, in contrast to its general policy of neutrality. Harzl concluded his lecture by reiterating the need for continued analysis of the interaction between Austria’s permanent neutrality and its global responsibilities.
The event culminated with a Q&A session facilitated by John Connelly, encouraging discourse about the implications and challenges of Austrian neutrality.