SWITZERLAND | Really Still Neutral?

For over two hundred years, Switzerland has stood out as the very model of a neutral country. And yet the war in Ukraine has raised very real questions about it commitment to the principle. While it has come in for criticism over its decision to prevent NATO members from re-exporting Swiss-made weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, Switzerland has full aligned itself to European Union sanction on Russia. It has also spoken openly about the need to rethink what neutrality really means in the modern era. So, is Switzerland still neutral? And, if it is, could this be about to change?

Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay. Here I take an informed look at International Relations with a focus on territorial conflicts, secession, independence movements and new countries. If you like what you see, please do subscribe. If you want more, including exclusive content and benefits, consider becoming a channel member. Many thanks!

Switzerland is one of the most interesting countries in the world. Its origins can be traced back to 1291, when a group of communities - now known as cantons - formed a defensive alliance. In the centuries that followed they were joined by others and Switzerland became an expansionist collection of statelets. This was until France defeated it. While this has usually been seen as the start of the country’s moves towards neutrality. Its formal neutral status came in 1815, following the Napoleonic Wars. But while it has become famed for its neutrality, in recent years there have been growing signs that this is changing, Switzerland has already forged close ties to NATO. And following the start of the war in Ukraine its has aligned with the EIU and others to impose cantons on Moscow. And inside the country, there is growing support for NATO membership. This has prompted the country’s president, Ignazio Cassis, to refer to a new principle of “cooperative neutrality”.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction and Titles
0:44 Neutrality in International Relations
2:13 Background to Switzerland
3:05 The Origins of Swiss Neutrality
4:38 Swiss Neutrality in Practice
5:36 Swiss Neutrality in the Modern Era
7:27 Switzerland and the Ukraine War
9:37 Reconsidering Swiss Neutrality
11:53 Is Switzerland Abandoning Neutrality?

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FURTHER READING & USEFUL SOURCES

Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation
The Day Switzerland Became Neutral

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MY BOOKS

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MY PROFILES & SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

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EQUIPMENT& TOOL USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO

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KEYWORDS

#Switzerland #Ukraine #Neutrality
#InternationalPolitics #CurrentAffairs #InternationalRelations
#Secession #Statehood #Independence
#InternationalLaw #InternationalHistory

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[rpgbb]

I wouldn’t say Japan is neutral. Yes, they have a “Pacifist” constitution but they are under American protection with a security treaty.

Same for Singapore, they play a double game of working with China and the West but that doesn’t make them neutral

[davidlysaghtlegupability]

Really enjoyed this video, I would like to see one on Irish neutrality. As a Irish European, I always felt a bit at odds with our neutrality especially if we were attacked we expect the other 26 European MS to come to our assistance, yet we wouldn't return the favour.

[JamesKerLindsay]

The war in Ukraine is certainly changing international relations. One of the most interesting - and yet little noticed - effects has been on Switzerland. So, can we think of Switzerland as still being neutral? And even if we can, do you think this is changing? Could we even see it join NATO? After all, it already has extremely close ties to the alliance and internal support does seem to be growing. Thoughts and comments below.

[paulwarren]

Thank you for taking the time to record this video for us. I've subscribed to your channel as I find it very informative and so far, I've found it impartial. The issues you talk about are laid out in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Thanks for that!

[elektra]

Sehr interessant. Vielen Dank Herr Professor

[zverroboi]

Switzerlands neutrality is born out of historic experience, that relying on weak (potential) allies can easily put the country in existential danger. That's the survival part of neutrality.
The other is political. Switzerland practices the most direct democracy in the world. Citizens vote 4 times a year (and elect on a national level every 4 years). That's why the state has to preserve a high degree of political independence towards the rest of the world. Alliance would put our foreign and security policy beyond the influence of the citizens. But Switzerland sticks to a conscription base Militia army in order to prevent the government to do foreign politics at the expense of soldiers life. The problem is not Swiss neutrality, but the ongoing power politics of the big powers, including those in the west.

[canadianguy]

Great video as always Professor Ker-Lindsay! I'll send this video to a friend who lives in Zurich and a master's student at the University of Basel in European Global Studies. :)

[handsomegeorgianbankrobber]

I recently discovered this channel, very informative and neutral commenting on a wide range of geopolitical issues.

[sirrodneyffing]

Superbly presented and highly informative. These videos are an excellent example of why, like many others, I have increasing turned away MSM TV pundits for news and information. Thank you.

[filipepinto]

James, just wanted to mention that your channel is great!

[terryvarta]

It's been a while since i have seen your informative videos. thanks.

[Xandalfo]

As a swiss I really appreciate the brief and objective overview about the origins of swiss neutrality!
It seems indeed to be a possible paradigm-shift, switzerland, although technically neutral, is closely integrated and dependent on the EU. This relation will definitely remain a key question for the comming years.

[louisemason]

I've only just found this channel but now subscribed.

A short update might be helpful given very recent events re: arms to Ukraine

[NMJZ]

Thanks for making this video Professor! Informative and concise as always! For me, watching this video did in fact shed some light on what "neutrality" actually meant for Switzerland. Now that I think about it, as early as WW2, the whole "neutral" label has always been a rather complicated interpretation of a countries' relationship with another. Taking into account what our world is like today, I am left wondering if there is any real meaning in a country remaining "neutral". It seems to me that we can no longer go around pretending that situations that are developing so far away from where we are simply do not affect us. The world is a much, much smaller and connected place now, and I think it's wiser to accept that instead of ignoring any potential problems until they arrive on one's doorstep.

[bilic]

During this conflict in Ukraine some countries seem to take a some what neutral stand from EU Hungary to countries like Turkey and Serbia and some politicans like Milanovic in Croatia so it's surprising Switzerland went a bit further considering they were the symbol of neutrality.

[DavidMFChapman]

Wow I learned so much about Switzerland in this video!

[andrewsarantakes]

Switzerland should be the world leader in neutrality. Their historic neutrality should be admired because it is the strongest demonstration of their independence & sovereignty, as well as a demonstration of their choice not to be entangled in petty politics of international relations.

[ephraimbrener]

Thank you for yet again exceptional video. Personally I believe in taking sides. Neutrality is an impossible concept. It is easier when the conflict is far away, it's harder when it's in your neighborhood.

[guy]

Why is the US as well as the EU so silent on Turkey's refusal to sanction Russia? Turkey is a NATO member and actively supports Russia financially as well as politically (Finland, Sweden). You'd think this would be talked about a bit more.

[brianfoley]

That was a Graduate level course in under fifteen minutes...Thank You