Neutrality as a state The fundamental principle of foreign policy (on the example of Austria)

Neutrality is not only an imperative of the state's foreign policy, but also part of the Austrians' national identity and self-awareness, which was reflected in the process of making foreign policy decisions. In addition, the understanding of neutrality varied according to the international situation and Austria's interests. If at the beginning during the 30 years of its existence, the Republic of Austria aspired to play a new, mediatory role in international relations, at the end of the 1980s it gradually began to pursue a realistic, pragmatic foreign policy, which was characterized by dualistic approaches, as Vienna strongly criticized the migration policy of the European Union and at the same time participated in the European structures. to solve international problems. By joining the European Union, Austria continued to support the policy of neutrality and paid more and more attention to the protection of its national interests at the regional and global level. At the same time, as a tool to achieve the given foreign policy goal, he applied not only the traditional mechanisms of international politics and economic cooperation, but also cultural diplomacy, which is an indispensable element of Austria's "soft power policy".