Like the advance of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, the spread of conservative populism across Europe stalled at the gates of Vienna last weekend.
The failure of Suleiman the Magnificent to capture the city in 1529 proved a turning point that marked the end of Ottoman expansion into Europe. It remains to be seen—needless to say—whether the election of Alexander Van der Bellen, a septuagenarian center-left candidate, over Norbert Hofer of the far-right Freedom Party to Austria’s largely ceremonial position as president will prove quite as decisive a hinge in the continent’s history.
Yet the beleaguered supporters of an open, inclusive, and integrated Europe committed to continued alliance with the United States will take good news where they can. CONT.
Ronald Brownstein, The Atlantic