Beyond Neutrality
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15203/4177.vol53.2024Abstract
If Austria wants to be perceived as a serious partner and co-owner of the European integration project, it must actively contribute to European security. Security policy is the responsibility to protect population, territory and institutions in the light of respective conditions and challenges. In view of the Russian war of aggression, Austria should urgently take a closer look at its current and strategic security policy options. Without blindfolds, within the framework of neutrality, but also beyond it. Neutrality is a false protective shield. Wishful thinking cannot provide protection. Neutrality does not help against violent aggressors who respect neutrality just as little as they respect international law, basic political rules and the fundamental prohibition of violence. Even an active neutrality policy or military neutrality is not a mandate for petrifaction but rather requires ongoing adaptation to the respective security policy circumstances and challenges. In democracies, sustainable security policy requires public awareness and debate. Establishing acomprehensive overview, soberly weigh up advantages and disadvantages, recognize the outdated and leave it behind - this is the essence of the self-determined citizen, and this is what freedom thrives on. In the long run, you only have what you are willing to defend.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Ursula Plassnik
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