The bloc of populists within the European Union might soon expand to include Austria. Herbert Kickl is likely to become Austria’s next Chancellor. Until recently, even his own party thought he was too extreme for the job. Now, his rise comes at a crucial time for Europe’s security concerns, especially given the politician’s favorable stance towards the Kremlin. But Brussels has more than one tool to retaliate. 

How did Austria get here? And what might Kickl’s leadership mean for the future of the country—and the EU? 

In this episode, host Giada Santana interviews Karnitschnig to discuss Austria’s political shift and its implications for Europe.