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Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl has warned of a "new totalitarianism" in Europe, where dialogue is suppressed and those calling for it are "canceled." She made the remarks at the presentation of the German-language edition of her book, "Requiem for Europe," held at the Russian Embassy in Vienna on June 2, according to reports from the Russian state news agency TASS.

Coverage Comparison

The event, which Kneissl attended via video link, was covered in four separate TASS dispatches, each focusing on different aspects of her speech. One report centered on her critique of European energy policy, another on her claims about Western efforts to destroy Russia from within, a third on historical roots of anti-Russian sentiment in Austria, and a fourth on her broader remarks about totalitarianism and the suppression of dissent.

All four articles rely exclusively on TASS's reporting, which included video recordings of her remarks. No other outlets' coverage of this event was available for comparison. TASS is a state-owned Russian news agency, and its reporting often reflects official Kremlin perspectives.

Key Claims

On a 'new totalitarianism' in Europe:

Kneissl said, "I can see today – and I understand that these are harsh words – that there is a 'new totalitarianism,' where shades of grey are no longer accepted. There is only either-or, and no both-and approach. Dialogue is stalled not only on the Russia issue but also on a number of other matters," as quoted by TASS.

She added that those who call for dialogue are "canceled," rejected, and treated "as outlaws under conditions similar to papal rule." She drew a parallel to the philosopher Hannah Arendt, suggesting that "today, Hannah Arendt would not have been able to publish her works in Germany or Austria, because she called things by their name too openly when it came to totalitarianism."

On European energy policy:

Kneissl, who has worked as an energy expert, argued that Europe's energy sector development is "based not on the principles of science or technology, but on ideological considerations." She said that for the past 20 years, Europe has focused on climate policy rather than energy policy, noting that "we no longer have real energy ministers. We have economy ministers who have little to do with energy. Many energy ministers are called climate ministers or energy transition ministers."

She also criticized the lack of consideration for raw materials used in renewable energy, asserting that "you won't encounter child labor in the oil industry, but when it comes to lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals, the situation is completely different. Mines in the Congo and Central Africa often use methods that renewable energy advocates would prefer to ignore."

On Western intentions toward Russia:

Kneissl claimed that "the West knows now and has known for a long time that Russia cannot be defeated on the battlefield, so it is seeking to destroy the country from within." She cited a 1906 statement attributed to Austrian diplomats: "Russia cannot be defeated on the battlefield; the colossus must be destroyed from within." She said this idea "continues to persist in the West even today," calling it "one of the key aspects of the war being waged against Russia."

On historical roots of anti-Russian sentiment in Austria:

Kneissl argued that "anti-Russian hysteria" in Austria stems from historical rivalry between the Habsburgs and Russian tsars. She explained, "I did not realize how strong and deep this hatred toward Russia is... Everything has much deeper roots. The attitude to Russia varies from capital to capital and has a historical explanation. I think, in Vienna, it is explained, among other reasons, with the long antagonism between the Catholic monarchy of the Habsburgs and the Russian Orthodox tsarism."

Perspectives

Karin Kneissl's viewpoint:

Kneissl, who now heads the G.O.R.K.I. Center at St. Petersburg State University, presented a narrative that Europe is ideologically driven, suppresses dissent, and has deep historical animosity toward Russia. Her remarks align with Russian official views that the West seeks to weaken Russia and that European policies are misguided.

Potential counterpoints:

While not addressed in the available TASS reports, critics might argue that Kneissl's characterization of Europe as "totalitarian" is overstated, noting that democratic processes and free press continue to function across the EU. Her claims about child labor in renewable energy supply chains, while raising legitimate ethical concerns, might be seen as oversimplifying complex global supply chain issues. Additionally, her historical analysis of Habsburg-Russian rivalry as the primary driver of current Austrian sentiment may be challenged by experts who point to more contemporary political factors.

Contextual note:

The event was hosted by the Russian Embassy in Vienna, and Kneissl has been associated with Russian institutions since leaving office in 2019. Her book, "Requiem for Europe," reportedly criticizes the EU's direction, and her remarks should be considered within that context.