Nation building in Austria

Blog post by Jakub Gortat, University of Lodz, Poland
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German–Austrian relations and specifics of Austrian national identity appear to substantiate the assumption that the world-systems theory and centre-periphery model, elaborated on by scholars decades ago, are still applicable. Austria has often defined itself in opposition to Germany: since the end of the Second World War, Austria has taken pride in being a nation separate and distinct from Germany.

This can be seen in the political declarations of the leading politicians and the narrative of the leading political parties throughout this period. To a large extent, this conviction was based on some recognizable national stereotypes and myths presenting Austria as a peaceful country with a splendid tradition and picturesque Alpine landscapes that had nothing to do with National Socialism, void of any responsibility for the crimes against Jews and other ethnic or national minorities committed under it or the war itself, which in the light of historical research undertook many years later turned out to be simply mendacious. On the other hand, the self-stereotype of an independent, cultural nation paradoxically reduced the perception of Austria abroad (including Germany) to catchy clichés about Mozart, the Habsburgs and the Viennese waltz.​

Although at the political level of Austrian-German relations the centre-periphery model appears to be out of place, since there are two separate states with no presence of dependency as a consequence of inequality, the state of economic relations is quite the opposite. In fact, the economic relations between Austria and Germany are characterized by an overwhelming dependence of the former on the latter, which finds its expression in the export-import structure. The hegemonic position of Germany towards Austria is also observable in the sphere of culture and media: press, television, publishing and distribution of media in the partner’s market.
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In my Identities article, ‘Austrian national identity in the centre-periphery model’, I locate questions surrounding Austrian national identity within existing studies of transnational memory, particularly the theoretical framework derived from the socio-economic centre-periphery model and dependency theories.

Accordingly, first I examine the unequal partnership between Germany and Austria, whose roots are to be found in the historic rivalry between the Habsburgs and Hohenzollerns. Secondly, I examine the way that Austria invented its concept of a cultural center after 1945. I add to this historical overview references to the theories of nationalism elaborated by such scholars as Ernest Renan, Eric Hobsbawm, Benedict Anderson and Ernest Gellner to indicate that the development of Austrian national identity in the 20th century resembled a process of ‘inventing’ its own tradition.

Whereas the German notion of power was predicated on factual and material sway, the Austrian one referred to transcendental and spiritual superiority, meaning that Austria, not Germany, is to be perceived as a true cultural centre. This conviction was crucial for Austria’s cultural life in the late 1940s and in the 1950s when one could speak of the revival of the so-called Habsburg myth in literature and film. From a political perspective, it helped the Austrian policymakers to shake off the memory of former conflicts between socialists and conservatives and create the impression of broad political and social consensus.

The study provides insights into selected political, cultural and social phenomena, as well as processes that have happened since the 1960s that question the traditional image of Austria. The salient element of this deconstruction process is the reviving memory of Austria’s Nazi past that undermines the artificial post-war construct of Austrian national identity. The emergence of a critical culture of remembrance meant the end of latency that united the post-war society and shaped Austria’s positive self-image. In turn, the emancipatory construct of national identity, which would highlight only the positive aspects of Austria’s history, can no longer be taken for granted.

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Image credit: Author's own.

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Read the Identities article:
​Gortat, Jakub. (2023). Austrian national identity in the centre-periphery model. Identities: Global Studies in Culture and Power. DOI: 10.1080/1070289X.2023.2247899.   OPEN ACCESS

Read further in Identities:

Introduction to the construction and the interplay of European, national and ethnic identities in Central and Eastern Europe

National identity politics and cultural recognition: the party system as context of choice

​Looking forward to the past: national identity and history in Malta