The Russian Perception of Austrian Neutrality and its Status during the 1980s and 90s

This academic project is to provide a deeper knowledge of the historical facts by way of an investigation of the latest empirical data and various methods of theoretical evaluation. Major attention will be devoted to the subject of Austrian neutrality, which is one of the most widely discussed in our time. Due to the fact that European policy is currently focused on the creation of new systems of international security and co-operation in Europe, the matter of status and role of the neutral states within the system of European integration is of particular significance. Russia especially is heeding this development with concern, being the only signatory state that is not a member of the NATO. Consequently, our project, which aims at an analysis of the Russian perception of Austrian neutrality and its status in the last two decades, is certainly of highest topicality. One of the major themes in Soviet historiography on Austria is its neutrality. From the mid-80`s onwards, the Austrian public has been alive with discourse about the future perspectives of the country as a neutral state, but the Soviet side was ever determined not to overestimate this problem. Only recently have individual commentaries and newspaper articles started to appear in the Russian press, which contributes to the novelty of this field of research. Our research is impeded by the 30-year-block on access to official records. In the timeframe from 1990 to the present, we are employing media analyses and assessing interviews with experts. On these grounds, we will endeavour to construct a sound scientific prognosis as to the further development of the issue.