Humanitarians, Neutrals Or ‘Realpolitiker’? Austria’s Relations With The Greek Military Dictatorship, 1967-1974 (original) (raw)

This paper offers a new perspective on Austria’s diplomatic approach and relations with the Greek military dictatorship (1967-1974). It argues that Vienna’s diplomacy did not fully adhere to its 1955 Declaration of Neutrality. Instead, Austria often pursued pragmatic realpolitik, actively developing diplomatic networks beyond ideological constraints. With geostrategic interests in Southeastern Europe, Austria covertly supported the Greek regime, adopting a relatively positive stance in the Council of Europe during the “Greek case” (1967-1969). Despite ultimately failing to prevent Greece’s expulsion from the Council due to human rights violations, Austria strengthened financial ties with the regime, culminating in a $78 million investment in 1972 through Steyr-Daimler-Puch-AG and its subsidiary Steyr-Hellas S.A. Additionally, the paper highlights the role of humanitarian concerns and public opinion in shaping Austrian foreign policy, particularly in addressing Greek political prisoners. These interventions balanced Austria’s favorable stance toward the Junta and appeased domestic concerns during a time of rising human rights activism.