Polish-Austrian Relations during the Last Peak of the Cold War

The tragic events of the Polish crisis of 1980–1982 were presented against the background of Poland’s partnership relations with a wealthy, neutral Western country such as Austria. It was important for Poland to resume contact, if only with selected countries, without the need for political concessions. In the analysis, particular emphasis was placed on Polish attempts to recruit Austrian politicians to overcome the political isolation in which Warsaw found itself after 13 December 1981. The narrative is divided into two parts: the first shows Austria’s attitude to reforms in Poland in 1980–1981, and the second – Austria’s reaction to the imposition of martial law in Poland. In the years 1981–1982, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs carried out intensive work to overcome political isolation.