The importance of neutrality in a pluralistic world - SWI

The meaning of neutrality in a complex world

Only a permanent policy of neutrality creates confidence in the world of nation states.And Switzerland depends on that trust.For this reason, Paul Widmer defends the approval of the "Neutrality Initiative".

All over the world, Switzerland is considered a good example of a neutral state.But today this distinction is no longer valid.With Switzerland under massive pressure, our country seems to be losing its security more and more.

Foundations of Swiss neutrality

Neutrality is a product of realpolitik.in World War II.

Obviously, neutrality primarily follows national interests.This does not mean that it is an immoral policy."If all states were neutral, we would have peace in the world."This claim is clearly a pure chimera.Great powers do not like neutrality.That is why they prefer to promote collective security structures, where they are the main ones.

In principle, there is nothing to criticize here.If such a peaceful order worked, there would be no need for neutrality.But how does collective security work today?The truth is that in most cases it doesn't work at all.Since the creation of the United Nations, hundreds of international conflicts have ended.However, there is one truth that cannot be ignored: for better or worse, a neutral state needs great powers that respect its neutrality.What should a neutral state do to make this happen?It must meet at least three conditions.

First, it must do everything to protect its territory with its own forces at the military level.It is true that this alone is not enough.But a strong army is a prerequisite for other countries to respect it.confidence.Only then will the Great Powers' interest in violating neutrality be less than the fear of reputational damage from that violation.

Approval of sanctions against Russia

From the beginning of war in the Ukraine, many things are changed.After a short time of the doubt, the SWIS government decides to the date 282/22 to allow the same European Union of European Union (EU) put in Russia.It was a great judge because in many places in all the locations.The Russian President Puritor Pinin is not independent of Switzerland, and then the American American, and the Preseter arrive, its a great fight, in the same way.No one has been aware of the situation she is protected.Switzerland.And the first position is easy for federal conduction (government).He can do the same decisions like 2014, when Russia was uploaded to CRIUM: but don't hold the e e e e e e e e e e e eurse.

The situation worsened after the Ukraine peace conference held in the Alpine region of Bürgenstock.In providing its good offices, Switzerland violates the principles of decision-making and impartiality.How could the Russians participate in a meeting when the Federal Council was openly debating whether to invite them or not, and at the same time openly side with one of the belligerent countries?It is not surprising that Switzerland then turned away from the diplomatic path, unable to contribute to any mediation.

The war in Ukraine violated our priorities of armed neutrality.On the one hand, it strengthened our will to defend, which was very necessary;but on the other hand it undermined our sense of impartiality.However, armed neutrality must be based on both a strong military and reliable diplomacy.Neutrality is of little use if the great powers do not trust us.

Clear direction

Since that trust is obviously lost, we must try to regain it as soon as possible.This requires at least three measures.

First, Switzerland must strictly adhere to the principles of the law of neutrality.Lies are useless.We must have the courage to defend neutrality even when we are criticized for it.This means that Switzerland cannot supply war materials to any belligerent country.We cannot waver in this basic position.

This does not mean that situations should be faced.On the contrary, we must ensure that the Federal Council is freed from the onslaught that Parliament has pushed it into.Therefore, members of parliament should change as soon as possible or completely repeal the declaration of non-re-exportation in the federal law on war materials, because there is no provision of the right of neutrality that prevents a neutral country from re-exporting war materials to a country that buys them.That means Switzerland takes responsibility for its exports.It is supplying arms only to non-combatant countries.But what the countries buying these weapons do later is not their responsibility.

Secondly, Switzerland stays away from any military alliance, according to the right of neutrality.That is why it must act with restraint when approaching NATO.This is more important than ever as the country becomes more and more a multilateral system.With different centers of power in Washington, Brussels and Beijing, along with important countries in the southern hemisphere, credible neutrality is more important than the risk of a bipolar power relationship between Washington and Moscow.Therefore, it is not wise, at this time, our most secure promise to keep our place on earth.

Third and finally, Switzerland should adhere only to sanctions imposed by the United Nations, but not to sanctions imposed by certain individual countries or the EU.However, he must make every effort to avoid evading punishment through fraudulent transactions.Therefore, it must maintain the business or service at the level that existed before the penalty was issued.This course of action is fair because it means that businesses that avoid this penalty will not be spared from a penalty that is not universally applied, while preventing the profits of those businesses.

They vote for the "neutrality initiative"

Switzerland has very good experiences with its neutrality policy.More than a year ago, its status as a neutral state for international purposes was recognized at the Congress of Vienna, which was appreciated as an instrument of peace.The Swiss clearly emerged from both the World Wars and the Cold War.

What does the "neutrality initiative" aim to change in Swiss politics?

There is nothing against continuing to defend the most important principle of our foreign policy.But this requires determination and discipline.There is no such thing as neutrality.One is neutral, or the other is neutral, there are no half measures.Only a neutral policy can create the trust that Switzerland needs in this world of nations.

With this in mind, I agree with the “Neutrality Initiative” that Switzerland will vote on in 2026. Because in this way we send a clear signal at home and abroad. After the recent confusion at the highest levels of government, Swiss voters will confirm unequivocally that they will continue to support the policy of armed neutrality that has ensured the success of our foreign policy for centuries in a multipolar world.Writing neutrality in the Constitution does not mean weakening the state, but strengthening peace.

Edited by Benjamin von Wyl.Translated from the German by Antonio Suarez Varela.Reviewed by Carla Wolff.

The views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the views of Swissinfo.

In accordance with JTI standards

Show more: SWI, JTI approved

Here you can find and participate in all our discussions.

If you would like to start a discussion about the issue described in this article or would like to report an actual error, please send an email to [email protected].