Another factor that must be brought into consideration is national identity. Every country has a unique history which shapes their identity, and influences their policys. For instance, why are Germans much more open and accepting of muslim immigration than the Austrians? On the surface, this policy difference seems perplexing. Germans and Austrians are of the same race, language, and culture. So why do they diverge so sharply on this issue?

The answer lies with their historical background. Particularly with what happened during the Middle Ages. Europe was under constant threat from the Ottoman empire (a muslim Caliphate) during this period. Austria was forced to fight dozens of wars with the Ottomans in order to ensure their survival as a state. On the other hand, Germany only fought a single war with the Ottomans. Their experience during the Middle Ages was thus completely different.

Germany never lived under the constant threat of subjugation by the muslim Caliphate, as the Austrians did. Thus, they have a rosy picture of islam, one that is not grounded in reality. That is why Germans support mass immigration from the Middle East, and why Austrians do not.