Swiss foreign policy, 1945-2002

Abstract:

The collapse of the Berlin Wall heralded the collapse of communism and the end of the Cold War, and called for a review of Swiss foreign policy of neutrality. The nature of that policy and its gradual evolution through the post war and Cold War periods towards a policy of 'security through cooperation' is the theme of this collection of eight essays.

The opening contribution explores the political uniqueness of Switzerland. Swiss security policy is the focus of chapter two which explores its development, the struggle to achieve 'comprehensive security strategy' and the path toward partial integration. Chapter three examines the Swiss relationship with the United Nations - a complex one to say the least. The changed nature of Swiss involvement in conflict resolution and the constraints of its determined commitment to neutrality are explored in chapter four. The International Committee of the Red Cross is the focus of chapter five which examines international humanitarian law, the role of ICRC as 'sui generis', its development in the post war period, and the relationship between the ICRC and Switzerland. The part played by human rights in the development of Swiss foreign policy is discussed in chapter six with some surprising observations. Chapter seven addresses Swiss arms control policy and its attitude to towards global arms control policies both during and following the Cold War. Swiss foreign trade policy is examined in the final essay which looks at the key data and the sectors of agriculture, industrial, and services.

The work will interest students and scholars of international politics, politics of neutrality and European integration.

Jürg Martin Gabriel is Professor of Political Science at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, and Director of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Malta.

Thomas Fischer is Research Assistant at the Center for International Studies (CIS), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich.