Symposium

Bruno Kreisky: A Reassessment

April 19-20, 2023

A symposium aimed at reassessing Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky and his relationship with the United States. Hosted by the Austrian Centers at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of New Orleans, and with financial support from the Botstiber Institute for Austrian-American Studies & the Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation.

The iconic Bruno Kreisky was arguably the most important Austrian post-World War II statesman. He served in many different political functions: as a diplomat in Scandinavia, an advisor to the Austrian President, a Secretary of State in the Foreign Ministry, a Foreign Minister (1959-66), leader of the Socialist Party (1966-70), and as Chancellor (1970-83). 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of his leaving office.

He visited the United States regularly and worked with many of its Presidents. In 1976, during Kreisky’s chancellorship, the Austrian state funded two Austrian studies programs as a Bicentennial Gift to the United States: one at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and the other at Stanford University. This workshop was aimed at reassessing Kreisky’s leadership and his place in postwar Austrian History.

More videos from the event can be found on the Center for Austrian Studies’ YouTube channel, or by following the link, here.