Austria-Us Relations: Is There A Rift?

Austria and the US have had a complex relationship, with some Austrians expressing disapproval of the US and its policies. In 2014, Austria had a 40% disapproval rating of US leadership, and Austrians tend to find loud American behaviour a nuisance. However, the two countries have diplomatic relations dating back over 220 years, and the US played a significant role in Austria's post-WWII reconstruction. They are strategic partners in promoting global security and economic cooperation and share democratic values, including support for human rights and the rule of law.

Austrians find Americans loud

Americans are also known for speaking at a higher volume, and this can be off-putting to Austrians, who are used to a more quiet and reserved culture. This difference in communication style can be challenging for Americans visiting or living in Austria, as it may be difficult to adjust to speaking at a lower volume.

Additionally, Americans are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, which can sometimes come across as overly intrusive or demanding to Austrians. Americans are more likely to initiate conversation with strangers, whether it's small talk in line at the store or chatting with a neighbour. In Austria, it is considered polite to give others their space and not be too intrusive.

The service industry in Austria also reflects this cultural difference. Waitstaff in restaurants will typically leave customers alone unless they are specifically asked for something. This is because Austrians value discreet service and do not want to be bothered while they are eating.

Overall, while Austrians may find Americans loud, it is important to remember that these cultural differences can be navigated with mutual understanding and respect. Adjusting to local customs and expectations can help Americans feel more comfortable and accepted in Austria.

US-Austria relations were strained during the Revolutions of 1848

The Revolutions of 1848, which took place across Europe, had a significant impact on US-Austria relations. The revolutions were driven by rising nationalism, social issues caused by the Industrial Revolution, and increasing hunger due to potato blight and harvest failures. While Austria-Hungary was affected by these broader trends, the specific catalyst for the revolution in Vienna was the news of the February 1848 uprising in Paris, which led to demonstrations in Vienna in March.

The US played a catalytic role in straining relations with Austria during the Revolutions of 1848. According to Professor Stephen Tuffnell, "ebullient support of Lajos Kossuth and the Hungarian 48ers in the United States drove Washington and Vienna into conflict." Kossuth, a Hungarian nationalist leader, had risen to prominence in the Hungarian Diet (parliament) in the mid-1830s, advocating for parliamentary democracy, industrialization, and the abolition of serfdom and aristocratic privileges. He became a popular revolutionary speaker across Europe, and his speeches were read aloud during the revolution in Vienna on March 13, 1848, which overthrew Prince Metternich, the conservative State Chancellor and Foreign Minister.

The US Senate and Democratic press, influenced by Lewis Cass, supported Kossuth and the Hungarian cause. This pro-Hungarian fervour extended to the State Department, which considered recognizing Hungarian independence during the Taylor and Fillmore Presidencies. Ultimately, it was President Fillmore who, in 1851, 'rescued' Kossuth from the Ottoman Empire aboard the USS Mississippi, precipitating a breach in relations between the US and Austria.

The conflict between the US and Austria was only averted by the death of Daniel Webster, a major opponent of reconciliation between the two nations. Despite this temporary respite, tensions would flare up again following the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849, when Kossuth went into exile, eventually gaining asylum in the Ottoman Empire and then the United States. Kossuth was warmly received by the US Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, straining relations once more.

Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938

The idea of the Anschluss gained support after World War I, when the Treaty of Saint Germain and the Treaty of Versailles stripped Austria of some of its territories and left it amid an economic crisis. By the 1920s, the proposal had strong support in both Austria and Germany, particularly from Austrian citizens of the political left and center. However, popular support for unification faded over time.

In the early 1930s, Austrian Nazis made two attempts to seize the Austrian government by force and unite the country with Nazi Germany. The first attempt, in 1934, resulted in the assassination of Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss by Austrian Nazis. The second attempt, in 1938, led to Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg meeting with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in an attempt to reassert Austrian independence. However, Schuschnigg was bullied into naming several top Austrian Nazis to his cabinet and agreeing to a referendum on a possible union with Germany.

On March 11, 1938, facing increasing pressure and threats of invasion from Hitler, Schuschnigg resigned. The next day, German troops marched into Austria, and an enthusiastic crowd greeted Hitler as he accompanied them. A new Nazi government was appointed, and on March 13, the Anschluss was officially proclaimed. Austria existed as a federal state of Germany until the end of World War II, when the Allied powers declared the Anschluss void and reestablished an independent Austria.

The annexation of Austria demonstrated Hitler's aggressive territorial ambitions and was one of the first major steps in his desire to create a Greater German Reich. It also highlighted the failure of the British and French to take action against him for violating the Versailles Treaty.

Austria is a desirable market for US-made products

Austria's economic strength is further demonstrated by its robust trade performance. In 2022, Austria's imports rose by 20.6%, and exports increased by an impressive 17.6%. The United States is Austria's most important export destination outside of Europe, highlighting the significance of the US-Austria trade relationship. US exports to Austria totalled $6.4 billion in 2022, a 28% increase from 2021. The top US exports to Austria include pharmaceutical products, organic chemicals, medical and optical products, and machinery.

Austria's advanced economy and high standard of living also make it a desirable market for US products. With a GDP per capita of $52,131 in 2023, Austria has a high-income economy. This indicates a strong purchasing power among Austrian consumers, making it an attractive market for high-value US-made goods and services. Additionally, Austria's population of 9.1 million provides a significant consumer base for US exporters.

Furthermore, Austria's commitment to free-market principles and social welfare makes it a desirable market for US investors. The country's economic system takes into account the needs of weaker members of society while fostering a business-friendly environment. Austria also boasts a strong track record of economic and social partnership, contributing to stable wage and price policies. This stability enhances the country's attractiveness for US companies seeking long-term investment opportunities.

In addition to economic factors, cultural and historical ties between the two countries further enhance the desirability of the Austrian market for US-made products. Austria has a history of immigration to the United States, with over two million people from the Austro-Hungarian Empire immigrating in the 19th century. Today, there is a significant population of Austrian Americans in the United States, fostering cultural connections and mutual understanding between the two countries.

While historical tensions and policy disagreements may have contributed to varying levels of disapproval towards the US leadership in Austria, economic ties remain strong. Austria's desirable market characteristics, including its economic stability, high standard of living, diverse industries, and commitment to free-market principles, make it an attractive destination for US-made products and investments.

US disapproval of Austria's trade with Iran and North Korea

The United States has been critical of Austria for continuing to trade with Iran and North Korea. In 2015, the European Union (EU) did $32 million in trade with North Korea, which fell to $18 million in 2017. That year, Austria's trade with North Korea was valued at a little over $1 million, mostly imports from North Korea. By 2016, trade had grown to almost $3 million, with exports to North Korea increasing to over $2 million. Despite these low numbers, Austria's trade with North Korea has been a source of concern for the United States, as it is seen as helping to prop up the North Korean regime and undermining efforts to curb its nuclear capabilities.

Austria's trade with Iran has also been a point of contention between the two countries. In 2021, China and Iran signed a Strategic Partnership Plan that identified $400 billion of potential Chinese investments in Iran over 25 years, providing a lifeline to Iran in the face of international sanctions. While the economic impact of Austria's trade with Iran may be limited, it has still drawn criticism from the United States.

In addition to economic ties, there have also been concerns about intelligence cooperation between Austria and North Korea. In 2018, there was a raid on the main office of Austria's domestic intelligence agency, the BVT, which revealed that BVT officials had worked with South Korean intelligence to obtain blank North Korean passports that were being printed in Austria. This incident raised concerns about Austria's ability to keep secrets and its credibility as an intelligence partner.

While the extent of Austria's trade and cooperation with Iran and North Korea may be relatively small, it has still drawn disapproval from the United States, which sees these actions as contrary to its foreign policy goals and national security interests.

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