Liechtenstein’s Security Constitution

Abstract

This article outlines Liechtenstein’s security constitution. First, special challenges of the state task of security are presented. Particular attention is paid to those threats that are of special importance in the microstate of Liechtenstein. As Liechtenstein has outsourced many tasks in the area of security to Switzerland and Austria, the state monopoly on violence, which is required of sovereign states, must be analysed. Various types of treaties by which Liechtenstein secures the support of its neighbouring states and the joint use of their facilities are presented therefore. In particular, the Customs Union Treaty of 1923 with Switzerland, obligations to provide mutual assistance as well as the treaties on cross-border police cooperation and on the joint use of Austrian prisons are analysed in more detail. In addition, under the title “incorporation”, the appointment of judges and policemen and policewomen with foreign nationality and the accession of foreign police units are discussed.