The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Giannis Mavris

Head of Foreign Affairs & Focal Points

Where does Switzerland stand in the world? And where is it heading? I focus on current and possible future developments. After completing my studies (history, law and European studies), I worked for a time at the Swiss embassy in Athens. I have journalistic experience at home and abroad, at the local and national levels, as a freelancer and as a staff journalist. Today, it's with an international focus.

SYMBOLIC IMAGE – 19 September 2013, Baden-Württemberg, Ravensburg: A prisoner stands by a barred window in a cell in the new wing of the prison. (Regarding dpa: “State to release 250 prisoners before Christmas”) Photo: Felix Kästle/dpa     dpa Bildfunk     (KEYSTONE/DPA/Felix Kästle)

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Human rights

Does Switzerland extradite its citizens?

This content was published on Imagine a Swiss citizen is wanted for a crime abroad and flees back to Switzerland. Are they suddenly beyond the reach of the law?

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Foreign Affairs

How is the OSCE actually faring?

This content was published on This is the third time Switzerland has held the chairmanship of the OSCE. It is not getting any easier.

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Trade policy

Stability above all else

This content was published on How are Swiss firms dealing with Trump’s erratic trade policy? Their approach could set the tone for the future.

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Foreign Affairs

Bern and Geneva move closer together

This content was published on Starting with the next issue, this newsletter will be published weekly – once from Geneva, once from Bern.

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Swiss diplomacy

A new kind of embassy

This content was published on Switzerland has an extensive network of diplomatic missions abroad. With over 170 overseas offices, the possibilities extend far beyond architecture.

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Swiss diplomacy

The value of headlines

This content was published on With the US-Iran talks at Bürgenstock, Switzerland once again made headlines around the world.

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Olive trees uprooted by the IDF in southern Lebanon

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International cooperation

War and drought push Lebanon agriculture to breaking point

This content was published on War, economic collapse and declining rainfall are pushing Lebanon’s agricultural sector to the brink. Even water projects backed by Switzerland are struggling to cope.

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Swiss diplomacy

Is Switzerland a space-faring nation?

This content was published on Space is vast, and smaller states are also getting involved. The question is what role Switzerland can play.

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Swiss diplomacy

Switzerland and its banks

This content was published on Switzerland is often perceived as being the quintessential banking nation. But times are changing.

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Debates

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Debate
Hosted by: Giannis Mavris

How neutral should Switzerland actually be?

For some it isn’t neutral enough, for others it’s too much so. What do you think – how should Switzerland shape its neutrality today?

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Debate
Hosted by: Giannis Mavris

‘Rich and weak’: is Switzerland easy prey?

Is Switzerland ready for an era in which might makes right? And what would it need to do to stand its ground? Let us know.

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Debate
Hosted by: Giannis Mavris

Are you noticing or anticipating any changes in your life as a result of the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump?

How do you think your life could be impacted by the US tariff policy? Let us know.

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Debate
Hosted by: Giannis Mavris

Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?

Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?

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Debate
Hosted by: Giannis Mavris

What is the future of Swiss neutrality?

Is Swiss neutrality misunderstood? Or has the Swiss model of neutrality now become obsolete?

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307 Comments
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SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR