About the Author

Matthew Paul Berg teaches in the Department of History at John Carroll University.

Reviews

“A highly useful volume… The editors' extensive notes enrich the book greatly, especially for scholars knowledgeable about Austria's recent history and able to appreciate citations to books and documents in German.” • Journal of Modern History “[Kreisky's] memoirs are engaging… [they] are a welcome addition to works recognizing not only Austria's role in history, but also the value of autobiography to historical and political analysis.” • The International History Review “[This book offers] plenty of food for thought, positive and negative, for anyone with a serious interest in postwar Austria… A good read.” • Central European History “[Kreisky] fostered an 'active neutrality' for his nation… Mr. Kreisky, who was widely popular among Austrians, stressed European dJtente and 'active neutrality' for Austria while he negotiated an association agreement with the European Economic Community, and mad Vienna a leading center of international forums, including summit talks. He also accelerated Austria's policy of aiding Soviet Jews in migrating to Israel and elsewhere.” • The New York Times “His distinguished contribution to Austrian public life was matched by a dynamic role in the international arena where, in helping to tackle some of the most difficult issues of our time, he displayed great imagination and courage as well as an unflagging commitment to the ideals expressed in the United Nations charter.” • Javier Perez de Cuellar, former Secretary General of the UN “While heading the government from 1970 to 1983, Mr. Kreisky strode the international stage as an advocate of Palestinian self-determination, European dJtente and North-South dialogue. In 1979, he became the first Western leader to receive the Palestine Liberation Organization leader. Yasser Arafat. Mr. Kreisky played a key role in helping Austria, occupied by the Soviet Union, the United States, France, and Britain after World War II, regain its independence on the condition that I pledged permanent neutrality. As a Foreign Minister undersecretary, he was a member of the government negotiating team that flew to Moscow in 1955 to conclude the treaty by which the occupation ended.” • International Herald Tribune