Swiss Neutrality: How Classical is it Today?

Abstract

For a long time, Switzerland practiced a special and classical form of neutrality – but times are changing. Since the end of the Cold War, the country’s neutrality is progressively weakening. This is particularly the case for two typically Swiss dimensions, permanent and armed neutrality. The downturn is steady but undramatic. It is not the consequence of a concerted effort. The decline is quiet and goes largely unnoticed. It is no surprise that neutrality is still highly popular at home. The reason is that the development is largely indirect. It is various forms of political and economic interdependence that increasingly affect both the country’s sovereign independence and the role of war. The two factors determine the strength – or weakness – of neutrality.