Author Description

The Austrian State Treaty of 15 May 1955 is one of the main founding documents of the Austrian Second Republic. Moreover, it is also one of the most important international treaties that has been signed in the post-war decade. In 33 articles by renowned historians, specialists in international law and diplomats, this anthology presents the history of the State Treaty's genesis in the networks of international relations during the Cold War, the implementation of important provisions, and its relevance for international law and Austrian identity after the break up of the bipolar system and Austria's admittance to the European Union. Hitherto unknown documents from, among others, American, Yugoslavian, Finnish, Polish and Italian archives as well asthose of the former Soviet Union are presented, throwing new light on the Treaty's nine-year negotiation process as well as its position in international awareness.