ABSTRACT
Austrian neutrality can only be understood as a function—in the mathematical sense—of a power conflict. Austria's intensive and special involvement in the multilateral processes in the contemporary international system is the nearest example of a self-chosen neutral "role" that one can find. The most obvious factor to be considered in the context are Austria's political parties. Austria is a democratic State. Since the re-establishment of an independent Austria, a "common foreign policy" has been axiomatic between her major political forces. The example of CSCE shows that the interest in specific neutral services on the multilateral level is no longer limited to the United Nations. The "one or more variables" are the conflicting powers. In relation to their conflict, neutrality has a "function" within the ordinary meaning of the term, which is given by the Dictionary as "a specific purpose of an" entity or its characteristic action".
