Scholars, Adventurers or Agents? Hungarian Explorers in the Balkans and Their Role in Shaping Austria–Hungary’s Policy towards Bulgaria (1870–1904): The Example of Adolf Strausz and Lajos Thallóczy

Demeter, Gábor (2026) Scholars, Adventurers or Agents? Hungarian Explorers in the Balkans and Their Role in Shaping Austria–Hungary’s Policy towards Bulgaria (1870–1904): The Example of Adolf Strausz and Lajos Thallóczy. In: Foreign humanities studying Bulgaria and the Bulgarians = Чуждестранната Хуманитаристика За България И Българите. Proceedings of the Institute for Historical Studies (42). Institute for Historical Studies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, pp. 323-343.

Preview

Text Izvestiya_III_42_new_PrePrint_2026.07.0712_7a91ee68-2121-443e-80cf-667db1f2e86f.pdf - Published Version Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

Using unpublished Austrian and Hungarian archives, this study explores how scholars of the Balkans provided diplomatic intelligence for Austria–Hungary between the 1870s and 1890s. It assesses their impact on the Empire’s geopolitical strategies and tactical maneuvers. A secondary focus is the tension between national and imperial interests, highlighting the rivalry and cooperation generated by the dualist structure of the state. Additionally, the paper examines whether these scholars acted as intermediaries for Balkan countries while serving their home government. These dynamics are illustrated through two key figures: Lajos Thallóczy, a Hungarian in imperial service, and Adolf Strausz, an orientalist serving Hungarian interests, whose professional paths frequently converged.

Actions (login required)

View Item