The History of Switzerland's Neutrality
Switzerland has a unique standpoint when it comes to international relations as they must maintain their neutrality in addition to promoting and protecting the interests and subjects of the state. Swiss foreign relations are run by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), who have handled Switzerland's affairs abroad since 1848. The FDFA follows the guidelines set out for them by the Federal Constitution:
"The Confederation shall strive to preserve the independence of Switzerland and its welfare; it shall, in particular, contribute to alleviate need and poverty in the world, and to promote respect for human rights, democracy, the peaceful coexistence of nations and the preservation of natural resources"-Article 54, para 4, Federal Constitution
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union or the G20 and therefore has a lot more flexibility abroad than countries that are tied to such groups. As an actively neutral state, Switzerland does not participate in international conflict and therefore much of Switzerland's focus abroad is invested in the area of human rights protection and peace between other countries.
Foreign Affairs
In 2002, the people of Switzerland voted with a 54.6% majority to join the United Nations. In doing so, Switzerland was able to extend their objectives of world peace and humanitarian aid further then they ever had before. Switzerland's neutrality was not threatened but enhanced by this decision as they can be called upon by the UN to implement economic sanctions. In partnership with the UN and other UN countries, Switzerland has been able to actively participate in UN peace keeping missions without threatening their traditional neutrality. However, Switzerland does not participate in peace-enforcement combat missions. One year prior to joining the United Nations, Switzerland revised their Military Act, allowing for peace keeping soldiers abroad to carry weapons, an act that caused great controversy among Swiss citizens. As modern warfare has changed from traditional state v. state to unpredictable warfare between non-state combatants and established states, Switzerland's neutrality has been called into question as technically the law of neutrality only applies to traditional warfare. Regardless of the coming challenges to Swiss neutrality, they continue to prioritize and promote peace, unity, and justice throughout various nations and organizations.
Dr. Daniel Warner discusses the possibility of Swiss economic sanctions. This interview took place on September 3rd, 2014.
Swiss troops at a training center in Jura, Switzerland.