Switzerland as a neutral state during the Second World War

Abstract

This chapter examines Swiss behavior during the Second World War – in particular, operating a foreign policy beyond neutrality, showing that important issues, particularly those concerning human rights, were not determined by neutrality alone. The assumption has been that Switzerland was not directly involved in the war because of its status as a neutral country that was spared the war. This is partly (and understandably) seen in much of the historiography that has since emerged. It was with even greater conviction that Switzerland itself saw things this way toward the end of the Second World War. While Swiss neutrality was based on two elements – the interests of the great powers and internal cohesion – during the Second World War, the country’s neutrality policies were multifaceted. In this chapter, these elements are showcased though examining several aspects of the Swiss experience during the war: military, economics, diplomacy, and refugees-internees.