Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger has called for an open discussion on the country’s long-standing neutrality, stating that it no longer guarantees national security in the face of growing geopolitical instability and an increasingly aggressive Russia.
In an interview with Die Welt, Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that neutrality alone does not protect Austria and pointed to the importance of strengthening defense capabilities and deepening international partnerships. “Austria is protected by investment in its own defense capacities and in its partnerships,” she said.
The minister’s remarks follow a proposal by Emil Brix, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, suggesting that Austria consider joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Meinl-Reisinger expressed support for a public debate on the issue, acknowledging that the current political and public majority remains opposed to NATO membership.
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Meinl-Reisinger also addressed Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, stating that Ukraine seeks peace, while Russia continues its campaign of aggression. She added that if Russian leader Vladimir Putin were genuinely interested in peace, he would have engaged in ceasefire negotiations.
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It’s a shame most of the sides seem to suck
there’s almost never THE perfect choice. Those making you believe there’s one of them - those are the one’s that aren’t telling you the whole story in the first place.
Look at the options. Check them with your No-Gos. Focus on what remains - and pick what sucks the least.
You may not be perfectly happy, but an “okay” is WAY better than an “oh…my…god”
Who’s the side though. America is sliding into fascism so are they worth siding with? Europe needs to bulk up its defense so America isn’t needed.
One is sliding into fascism, the other has been an imperialist dictatorship for a long time.
I’d go with the one that is still salvageable.
That so perfectly describes the (US) American Exceptionalism BS that STILL works with so much of the right/maga types.
It seems common with all people, but especially with Trumpers, to not look critically at one’s own country. Or religion. Or family. Or field. Or self!
I know right? I choose the Hague Group.
Oh wait what, you meant the genocide enabling Trump-led block?
As opposed to the genocide enabling Russian block?
I still know who I’d rather be pushing to be better.
That’s just tankie campism upside down.
In my post I literally take the side of the Hague Group. International law, UN courts, the Rome Statute, the rules based international order.
You want to push the West to be better? Take that side.
I mean, I do? I include the EU in this even if they are having trouble with Israel.
The EU has to earn its reputation as a champion of human rights and international law back. So far I haven’t seen any movement towards that. It’s not a lost cause yet but I am not optimistic.
It’s an ongoing project. Imo the best chance the world has.
Like I said, not a lost cause. But I’m pessimistic based on what I’m seeing European politicians actually doing.
That said, I am not sure I buy the “beat chance” rhetoric, that’s too Fukuyama-ist for my taste. History didn’t end.
LMAO, good joke.
All of that is correct, but you appear to be talking about voting, which isn’t really what the original thread was about
Eh, still applies. It’s about making choices in an imperfect world.
All the sides suck, but some clearly more than others
Oh yeah, it’s very much a case of choosing between a shit sandwich and a shit sandwich with glass. I’m not happy about the menu, but obviously hold the glass
I’m not sure one is better. It’s just our bias saying America isn’t hat bad.
Knowing Russian present and history with surrounding regions, I’d still pick the EU every day of the week.
US I’m not a fan of, but I get that they are THE superpower in the world today, traditionally aligned with the “West”, but they’re not very reliable.