Topics covered

• The history of Swiss neutrality
• The current situation
• The League of Nations
• The Swiss army and armed neutrality
• Switzerland in the United Nations

Who We're Speaking With

Here to discuss Swiss neutrality with us is Clare O’Dea.

Clare is an Irish author and journalist living in Fribourg. She has worked for Swissinfo and has written three books, including The Naked Swiss, which examines the main stereotypes about the country and its people, including neutrality.

About the Episode

Switzerland is a famously neutral country. Residents have enjoyed peace for over two centuries, ever since Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo. But what does neutrality mean in the current political landscape, and is it still possible for a country situated in the middle of Europe to remain fully neutral?

Swiss neutrality has a long tradition.

• The last Swiss war: The last time Switzerland was at war was during the Napoleonic Wars, specifically in 1815 during the Battle of Neuchâtel. Swiss forces successfully fought against the Kingdom of Prussia.
• World War I: Switzerland maintained a policy of strict neutrality and managed to remain largely unaffected by direct military actions.
• World War II: Switzerland again remained neutral and was only bombed accidentally because American soldiers didn’t know where the border was. However, the country was accused of profiting from economic transactions with both the Allies and the Axis powers. It also refused to take in refugees at the border. These issues are still in people’s minds today when discussing Swiss neutrality.
• The current situation: Switzerland continues to maintain its neutrality in international conflicts and remains politically stable, but it joined the international community in imposing sanctions on Russia. The country also recently created a special S visa for Ukrainian refugees.

Resources

Claire O’Dea

The Naked Swiss

Voting Day

Switzerland’s recent decision to join the international community in imposing sanctions on Russia

A brief guide to the history of Swiss neutrality

Recently-published brochure from the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs on Swiss neutrality

Switzerland joined the League of Nations in 1920

Frequently asked questions about Switzerland and the UN

Other neutral countries

Russia’s war revives ‘neutrality’ debate

Armed neutrality in Switzerland

Asylum Seeker Centres for Ukrainians in Zurich

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