Airedale260
Well-known member
So, here is a scenario I've been pondering:
In 1949, Sweden chose to stay neutral rather than join NATO, even though it wanted a mutual defense pact with Denmark and Norway. What if, instead, they opted to join NATO as a full member?
Likewise, Austria essentially agreed to be neutral in order for the Soviets to agree to their full independence (note that this wasn't actually stipulated in the Austrian State Treaty but rather an act of parliament). What, if, after the 1956 elections, the Austrian People's Party wins a decisive victory and, due to a combination of deep dissatisfaction with USIA (the Soviets basically looting Austria as 'reparations') and concern that they're next on the menu after the 1956 uprising in Hungary is crushed, Austria takes the position Sweden does IRL -namely, they're quietly and unofficially under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and, in case of war, will side with NATO if things go hot)
How do relations between the two blocs develop? And would it mean Austria winds up becoming a full member after the end of the Cold War?
In 1949, Sweden chose to stay neutral rather than join NATO, even though it wanted a mutual defense pact with Denmark and Norway. What if, instead, they opted to join NATO as a full member?
Likewise, Austria essentially agreed to be neutral in order for the Soviets to agree to their full independence (note that this wasn't actually stipulated in the Austrian State Treaty but rather an act of parliament). What, if, after the 1956 elections, the Austrian People's Party wins a decisive victory and, due to a combination of deep dissatisfaction with USIA (the Soviets basically looting Austria as 'reparations') and concern that they're next on the menu after the 1956 uprising in Hungary is crushed, Austria takes the position Sweden does IRL -namely, they're quietly and unofficially under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and, in case of war, will side with NATO if things go hot)
How do relations between the two blocs develop? And would it mean Austria winds up becoming a full member after the end of the Cold War?