Since the 1970s, the Centers for Austrian Studies, which were founded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Science and Research, have played an important role for the Austrian and international scientific community. Their tasks are to promote studies on Austria and Central Europe through their host nations, as well as to give Austrian students the possibility to conduct research abroad and to get in touch with the local scientific community. This volume contains reports on the activities of these institutions in the academic year 2012/2013, as well as working papers of some their most promising PhD students. Their research presented in the book covers various aspects of Central European history in modern times, ranging from the 17th century to the present. (Series: Europa Orientalis - Vol. 14)