Euroskeptizismus in Österreich

Abstract

This study explores the question of why Euroscepticism is surprisingly widespread in Austria. With the help of theories of nationalism, an analytical framework is developed that can be used to explain the significance of specific constructions of national identity for acceptance of the EU. The findings indicate that the country has a national identity constructed by the political elite. In terms of ideological content, this refers to both its exceptional economic success and its tradition of articulating collective ‘others’. Together, these two elements explain the connectivity of an exclusionary understanding of the nation, which is articulated by rightwing populists such as the FPÖ in the context of Euroscepticism.