NEUTRALITY AN OBSOLETE MODEL?
Helfried Carl in conversation with Franz Cede and Ralph Janik
NEUTRALITY AN OBSOLETE MODEL?
The past and present of an Austrian myth
Neutrality: also a part of Austrian identity. But is it still up to date?
An Austrian model, newly illuminated
Austria's neutrality: it is closely linked to the State Treaty of 1955 and the country's accession to the EU in 1995 and is still emotionally charged and debated today. This makes it a topic that concerns us all. After all, this concept regulates hot foreign policy issues: From arms deliveries to war zones to the question of whether Austria would defend another EU country in the event of an attack. It has defined Austria's position in the international community of states from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. The development of this Austrian model becomes visible when the diplomat and legal scholar Franz Cede and the political scientist and legal scholar Ralph Janik guide us through the key moments in the history of neutrality, starting with the negotiations on the Austrian State Treaty.
Whether in the form of a personal letter or a dialogue between the authors, this book sheds light on the development and present of this institution from various angles. Franz Cede and Ralph Janik explain an important part of Austria's political history in an accessible and lively way; the authors summarise current debates on this topic in an understandable way. The focus is on the people involved: Who were the people who shaped and discussed neutrality? What does it mean for all of us?
In this book, Franz Cede and Ralph Janik provide new starting points for the discussion as to whether neutrality as a political model is still up to date.
Franz Cede, Ambassador (retired), former Head of the International Law Office in the Foreign Ministry (1993 - 1999), Ambassador to Russia (1999 - 2003), Ambassador to Belgium and to NATO (2003 - 2007). Dr Cede is the author and editor of numerous publications with a focus on Austrian foreign policy, international law and Austrian-Russian relations. Dr Cede can look back on a busy teaching career at universities in Austria and abroad.
Ralph Janik, Assistant Professor at the Sigmund Freud Private University, specialising in international law, human rights, armed conflicts and international relations.
Moderation
Helfried Carl, Former Head of Office of the President of the National Council and former Austrian Ambassador to Slovakia, since 2019 partner of the Innovation in Politics Institute in Vienna, which he co-founded, and founder of the European Capital of Democracy initiative
Franz Cede, Ralph Janik:
Neutrality on the way out? The history and present of an Austrian myth
Michael Wagner Verlag, November 2025, 24,90 €