by H. E. the Ambassador of Austria, Dr Emil Brix

The LSE Annual Austrian History Lecture, launched in 2007 by Professor Gerald Stourzh of Vienna University, aims to broaden the understanding of the complexities of Austria’s rich and multifaceted history, starting from the Habsburg Empire to today’s recent developments. In many ways the late Austro-Hungarian Monarchy was faced with problems of competing identities and loyalties which resemble present day European integration dilemmas. The lecture will present Habsburg successes and failures as a role model for multinational integration in Europe.

Emil Brix received his Doctorate in History from Vienna University and published several books and articles on Austrian and European History. Before joining the Austrian Diplomatic Service in 1990 he was Head of Cabinet in the Ministry of Science and Research. His postings include Austrian General Consulate in Cracow, Poland, Director of the Austrian Cultural Institute in London, and Director-General for Cultural Policies at the Ministry of European and International Affairs in Vienna.