Conservative Wunderkind Loses His Shine
Sebastian Kurz was the future of conservatism once.
Austria
Support for Anti-EU Parties Falls During Pandemic
Mainstream parties have gained popularity. Trust in the EU is up.
Kurzism Doesn’t Travel Well
Conservatives in France and Spain have mimicked the Austrian’s lurch to the right without his success.
Steve King Is Awful, But Austria’s Freedom Party Is Not Neo-Nazi
Call them alt-right or far right, but let’s reserve the “neo-Nazi” label for those who clearly deserve it.
South Tyroleans Bide Their Time
Italy’s German speakers welcome a closer relationship with Austria but reject secession — for now.
Other Conservatives Should Be Wary of Imitating Kurz
Most don’t have the Austrian’s luxury of being able to tack to the right without losing support in the center.
Russian Gas Pipeline Triggers Transatlantic Spat
Austria and Germany ask the United States not to sanction companies involved in Nord Stream 2.
NATO Throws Austria Under the Bus to Appease Turks
Turkey threatened to blow up NATO’s entire partnership program unless the Austrians were kicked out.
Other Conservatives Should Be Wary of Imitating Kurz and May
Unlike most, conservative leaders in Austria and the UK can afford to appease reactionary voters.
Blue-Red Culture War in the Alps
Austria’s presidential election revealed the same divides we saw in America. How do we heal those divisions?
Van der Bellen’s Victory Sends Message to Other Countries
Openness and pro-European sentiment can win, but only by mobilizing the whole center and left.
Austrians Elect Left-Wing President, Italians Vote Renzi Out
Alexander Van der Bellen defeats the far right. Matteo Renzi resigns after losing a referendum.
Countries Most Critical of Russia Sanctions Least Affected
Southern European nations oppose fresh sanctions even though they have been least affected by them.
Austrian Nationalists Take Risk by Demanding Recount
The Freedom Party is giving credence to conspiracy theories.
Austria’s Presidential Election Was About the Next Election
Austrians used the relatively inconsequential contest to signal their intentions for 2018.
