The relationship of policy to strategy is a central issue in international studies. Using the little-known, but highly relevant, example of British planning for the occupation of Austria in 1945, the book provides a case-study in the practicalities of 'liberating' enemy territory. It looks at the way in which British policy was developed and then reconciled with that of her allies; how negotiations were directly affected by the existing ' and expected ' strategic situation; and how the military were involved in the reconstruction of Austria.Britain and Occupation of Austria, 1943-45 illustrates enduring themes, especially those associated with decision-making, cooperation between allies and the hybrid nature of the military task in post-conflict operations. The thoughts and actions of political and military planners in the last years of the Second World War are of interest in their own right, but there are also contemporary resonances in many of the issues confronting them.