Geopolitics

We cover global affairs from Geneva with a strong focus on humanitarian aid, human rights and conflict resolution. And we unravel the entanglements of Swiss politics in the world and offer new perspectives on global developments.

Timeline: Switzerland and the war in the Middle East since October 7, 2023

This content was published on Oct 7, 2025 Since October 7, 2023, Switzerland has repeatedly emphasised the need to end hostilities in the Middle East. However, its positions have attracted criticism.

International Geneva

Timeline: Switzerland and the war in the Middle East since October 7, 2023

This content was published on Oct 7, 2025 Since October 7, 2023, Switzerland has repeatedly emphasised the need to end hostilities in the Middle East. However, its positions have attracted criticism.

UBS gaining support for compromise on Swiss capital rules

This content was published on Oct 3, 2025 Liberal and right-wing lawmakers and lobbyists are discussing proposal that could slash capital increase by $10 billion or more.

Displaced Palestinians move with their belongings southwards.

How the UN is navigating diplomacy, international law and humanitarian aid in Gaza

This content was published on Oct 2, 2025 No peace plan in Gaza can be implemented without the involvement of UN agencies, many of which are still operating on the ground.

Newsletter Summer profile: Rieke Hayes, ICRC Physiotherapist

This content was published on Sep 30, 2025 Rieke Hayes is an ICRC physiotherapist. She speaks to Inside Geneva on working in North Korea and Gaza.

Photo of physiotherapists working in a tent in Gaza

Inside Geneva’s final summer profile: ICRC physiotherapist Rieke Hayes

This content was published on Sep 30, 2025 In this week’s final Summer Profile on the Inside Geneva podcast, we speak to Irish physiotherapist Rieke Hayes, now working in Gaza for the ICRC.

A young student holds a candle at the start of a memorial ceremony for the victims of the atomic bomb at the Hypocenter Park in Nagasaki, southwestern Japan, 08 August 2025.

Eighty years after Hiroshima, many Japanese teens see future with nuclear bombs

This content was published on Sep 29, 2025 Eighty years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan is facing challenges of how to pass on wartime memories.

Yuval Raphael from Israel performs the song "New Day Will Rise" during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel.

Eurovision Members to Vote on Whether to Exclude Israel

This content was published on Sep 26, 2025 The EBU will host an extraordinary general meeting in early November at which member broadcasters will vote on Israeli participation in the next Eurovision Song Contest.

US tariffs force Switzerland to rethink trade ties

This content was published on Sep 24, 2025 United States trade policy is rattling countries worldwide and prompting them to redirect trade flows at record speed.

Opinion

BRICS and the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement

This content was published on Sep 22, 2025 Are the BRICS the new Non-Aligned Movement? Historian Nataša Mišković points out differences and similarities.

Navi Pillay (right) and Chris Sidoti during the presentation of the new report of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

UN Commission of Inquiry concludes genocide is taking place in Gaza

This content was published on Sep 19, 2025 The report’s authors point to the responsibility of Israeli leaders and call on states to act. Its publication has drawn little reaction in Europe.

Opinion

The challenge of proving genocide

This content was published on Sep 18, 2025 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has to decide on whether Israel’s alleged crimes in Gaza amount to a genocide. Key to the ruling will be proving intent.

Swiss diplomacy

Timeline: Switzerland and the war in the Middle East since October 7, 2023

This content was published on Oct 7, 2025 Since October 7, 2023, Switzerland has repeatedly emphasised the need to end hostilities in the Middle East. However, its positions have attracted criticism.

UBS gaining support for compromise on Swiss capital rules

This content was published on Oct 3, 2025 Liberal and right-wing lawmakers and lobbyists are discussing proposal that could slash capital increase by $10 billion or more.

Sevastopol in the Crimea in May 1944, the war is over. This photo has the title: "Life goes on".

Why studying Eastern European history is so political

This content was published on Oct 3, 2025 The subject has always been heavily dependent on political cycles. An analysis by Eastern European historian Fabian Baumann.

A Palestinian flag flutters amid the ruins of buildings in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on March 4, 2025, amid the ongoing truce between Israel and Hamas.

Why Switzerland doesn’t recognise Palestine as a state

This content was published on Sep 24, 2025 Around 150 countries – or three-quarters of UN member states – recognise Palestinian statehood. Switzerland, for various reasons, is not one of them.

US tariffs force Switzerland to rethink trade ties

This content was published on Sep 24, 2025 United States trade policy is rattling countries worldwide and prompting them to redirect trade flows at record speed.

Many Swiss watchmakers still struggle to trace the origins of the gold they rely on.

Gold traceability, the weak link in Swiss watchmaking

This content was published on Sep 23, 2025 Swiss watchmakers still struggle to know where their gold comes from.

Opinion

BRICS and the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement

This content was published on Sep 22, 2025 Are the BRICS the new Non-Aligned Movement? Historian Nataša Mišković points out differences and similarities.

The meltdown at Nestlé

This content was published on Sep 22, 2025 The scandal at the Swiss food giant raises questions about its corporate culture and the health of its conglomerate model.

Moon fortune to stay in Zug foundation

This content was published on Sep 21, 2025 Legal proceedings in the US have been in vain: the Moon sect’s fortune will remain safe in the coffers of a foundation based in the Swiss canton of Zug.

Truth or tale: Have foreign leaders hidden money in Swiss banks?

This content was published on Sep 19, 2025 The trail of “dirty money” in the possession of corrupt public officials has long led to Switzerland’s financial centre. It’s one that Bern has tried to clean up.

Opinion

Why Switzerland must put human rights at the core of the OSCE

This content was published on Sep 16, 2025 The OSCE presidency presents an opportunity to refocus the organisation on one of its core mission, argue Eleonora Mongelli and Florian Irminger.

UBS gaining support for compromise on Swiss capital rules

This content was published on Oct 3, 2025 Liberal and right-wing lawmakers and lobbyists are discussing proposal that could slash capital increase by $10 billion or more.

Why studying Eastern European history is so political

This content was published on Oct 3, 2025 The subject has always been heavily dependent on political cycles. An analysis by Eastern European historian Fabian Baumann.

How the UN is navigating diplomacy, international law and humanitarian aid in Gaza

This content was published on Oct 2, 2025 No peace plan in Gaza can be implemented without the involvement of UN agencies, many of which are still operating on the ground.

Newsletter Summer profile: Rieke Hayes, ICRC Physiotherapist

This content was published on Sep 30, 2025 Rieke Hayes is an ICRC physiotherapist. She speaks to Inside Geneva on working in North Korea and Gaza.

How do restrictions on internet access affect you?

Internet shutdowns and blackouts can disrupt daily life, threaten safety, skew elections and damage economies.

Join the discussion

Sep 30, 2025

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Inside Geneva’s final summer profile: ICRC physiotherapist Rieke Hayes

This content was published on Sep 30, 2025 In this week’s final Summer Profile on the Inside Geneva podcast, we speak to Irish physiotherapist Rieke Hayes, now working in Gaza for the ICRC.

Eighty years after Hiroshima, many Japanese teens see future with nuclear bombs

This content was published on Sep 29, 2025 Eighty years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan is facing challenges of how to pass on wartime memories.

Eurovision Members to Vote on Whether to Exclude Israel

Why Switzerland doesn’t recognise Palestine as a state

This content was published on Sep 24, 2025 Around 150 countries – or three-quarters of UN member states – recognise Palestinian statehood. Switzerland, for various reasons, is not one of them.

US tariffs force Switzerland to rethink trade ties

This content was published on Sep 24, 2025 United States trade policy is rattling countries worldwide and prompting them to redirect trade flows at record speed.

Gold traceability, the weak link in Swiss watchmaking

This content was published on Sep 23, 2025 Swiss watchmakers still struggle to know where their gold comes from.

Opinion

BRICS and the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement

This content was published on Sep 22, 2025 Are the BRICS the new Non-Aligned Movement? Historian Nataša Mišković points out differences and similarities.

The meltdown at Nestlé

This content was published on Sep 22, 2025 The scandal at the Swiss food giant raises questions about its corporate culture and the health of its conglomerate model.

Moon fortune to stay in Zug foundation

This content was published on Sep 21, 2025 Legal proceedings in the US have been in vain: the Moon sect’s fortune will remain safe in the coffers of a foundation based in the Swiss canton of Zug.

UN Commission of Inquiry concludes genocide is taking place in Gaza

This content was published on Sep 19, 2025 The report’s authors point to the responsibility of Israeli leaders and call on states to act. Its publication has drawn little reaction in Europe.

Truth or tale: Have foreign leaders hidden money in Swiss banks?

Opinion

The challenge of proving genocide

An aerial photograph taken by a drone shows Palestinians walking through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

When is a ‘genocide’ really genocide?

This content was published on Sep 18, 2025 Is genocide being committed in Gaza? While more and more experts in international law say it is, the issue continues to divide opinion.

The Democratic Republic of Congo produces over 70 percent of the global supply of cobalt. The metal is a critical component of batteries and seen as key to the renewable energy transition.

UN experts warn Congo’s conflict minerals slipping into global market

This content was published on Sep 17, 2025 A UN report warns that minerals extracted from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) financing war are illegally entering the global market.

On the night of August 31, Afghanistan was hit by a destructive earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale. More than 6,700 houses were destroyed.

Aid workers race against clock after earthquake in Afghanistan

This content was published on Sep 17, 2025 With winter approaching, humanitarian workers in Afghanistan are short of resources and are struggling to reach victims of a deadly earthquake, especially women.

The UN is 80 – but is it still relevant?

This content was published on Sep 16, 2025 Inside Geneva speaks to Richard Gowan, at the International Crisis Group, on UN achievements over the past 80 years and future challenges.

Is the UN still relevant at 80?

This content was published on Sep 16, 2025 As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, our Inside Geneva podcast asks whether the organisation still matters.

Opinion

Why Switzerland must put human rights at the core of the OSCE

This content was published on Sep 16, 2025 The OSCE presidency presents an opportunity to refocus the organisation on one of its core mission, argue Eleonora Mongelli and Florian Irminger.

Slowness and alleged political interference mark Swiss record on international crimes

This content was published on Sep 16, 2025 In Switzerland, justice on universal jurisdiction cases continues to go at a snail’s pace, despite the attorney general’s promises to make them a priority.

Brazilian soldiers disembark in Naples during the summer of 1944.

How Switzerland protected Latin American interests in Nazi Europe

This content was published on Sep 16, 2025 Switzerland represented interests of Latin American countries during the Second World War. This helped it shape a global diplomatic network.

How the Swiss central bank built a $167bn tech-led US stocks portfolio

This content was published on Sep 16, 2025 The Swiss National Bank has more than $42 billion invested in Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia and Meta.

Can Switzerland lower agricultural tariffs to negotiate a better deal with the US?

This content was published on Sep 15, 2025 The European Union, which wrangled a much lower US tariff, offered concessions on certain food imports. Is this an option for Switzerland?

An Estonian woman retrieves her digital health card. Photo taken in Tallinn, 2018.

Why a slow-paced digital transition may be best for democracy

This content was published on Sep 15, 2025 When it comes to digital transformation, Switzerland and digital pioneer Estonia are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. What can be learnt from these two very different experiences?

Opinion

In Eastern Europe corruption lies at heart of polarisation

This content was published on Sep 15, 2025 Political scientist Daniel Bochsler argues that the polarisation in Eastern Europe is more about criminal connections than content.

Mehdi Rajabian (face on the phone) accompanies a rehearsal of the Zurich ensemble from his home in Teheran.

Zurich orchestra gives voice to composer who can’t leave Iran

This content was published on Sep 14, 2025 Mehdi Rajabian’s music is banned in his homeland. In Zurich, an orchestra led by Swiss conductor André Bellmont will play some of his songs for the first time.

Swiss watchmaking industry grapples with spike in US trade tariffs

This content was published on Sep 12, 2025 The 39% customs duties on Swiss exports to the US, which came into force a month ago, are a big concern for watchmakers. How will they react?

Fighters from Arab Bedouin tribes gather in Syria's southern Sweida province amid fierce clashes with Druze gunmen on July 18, 2025. Reports indicate that dozens have been killed in intense fighting between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribes. (Photo by Rami Alsayed/NurPhoto) (Photo by Rami Alsayed / NurPhoto via AFP)

In Geneva, Syrian minorities demand protection and federalism

This content was published on Sep 11, 2025 After years of conflict, Syrian minorities are urging world leaders to block any normalisation of relations with the new authorities in Damascus.

With US in retreat, can Switzerland maintain fight against kleptocracy?

This content was published on Sep 11, 2025 The tough task of uncovering illicit finance held by corrupt officials and returning stolen assets is being complicated by slow progress and waning US leadership.

Human Rights Council meets in Geneva amid budget crisis

This content was published on Sep 9, 2025 The UN’s main human rights body has begun its final session of the year in a context of budgetary woes and geopolitical tensions.

Opinion

The trade agreement between India and EFTA countries comes just at the right time

This content was published on Sep 8, 2025 The new trade agreement between India and EFTA countries, of which Switzerland is part, is more than a trade deal argues economist Saon Ray.

Explainer: How the new US tariffs are already impacting the Swiss economy

This content was published on Sep 8, 2025 On August 1, US President Donald Trump announced a tariff of 39% for Switzerland. The effects are slowly becoming visible.

Geopolitics

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Timeline: Switzerland and the war in the Middle East since October 7, 2023

More

Timeline: Switzerland and the war in the Middle East since October 7, 2023

More

UBS gaining support for compromise on Swiss capital rules

More

How the UN is navigating diplomacy, international law and humanitarian aid in Gaza

More

Newsletter Summer profile: Rieke Hayes, ICRC Physiotherapist

More

Inside Geneva’s final summer profile: ICRC physiotherapist Rieke Hayes

More

Eighty years after Hiroshima, many Japanese teens see future with nuclear bombs

More

Eurovision Members to Vote on Whether to Exclude Israel

More

US tariffs force Switzerland to rethink trade ties

More

BRICS and the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement

More

UN Commission of Inquiry concludes genocide is taking place in Gaza

More

The challenge of proving genocide

More

Timeline: Switzerland and the war in the Middle East since October 7, 2023

More

UBS gaining support for compromise on Swiss capital rules

More

Why studying Eastern European history is so political

More

Why Switzerland doesn’t recognise Palestine as a state

More

US tariffs force Switzerland to rethink trade ties

More

Gold traceability, the weak link in Swiss watchmaking

More

BRICS and the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement

More

The meltdown at Nestlé

More

Moon fortune to stay in Zug foundation

More

Truth or tale: Have foreign leaders hidden money in Swiss banks?

More

Why Switzerland must put human rights at the core of the OSCE

More

UBS gaining support for compromise on Swiss capital rules

More

Why studying Eastern European history is so political

More

How the UN is navigating diplomacy, international law and humanitarian aid in Gaza

More

Newsletter Summer profile: Rieke Hayes, ICRC Physiotherapist

More

How do restrictions on internet access affect you?

More

Inside Geneva’s final summer profile: ICRC physiotherapist Rieke Hayes

More

Eighty years after Hiroshima, many Japanese teens see future with nuclear bombs

More

Eurovision Members to Vote on Whether to Exclude Israel

More

Why Switzerland doesn’t recognise Palestine as a state

More

US tariffs force Switzerland to rethink trade ties

More

Gold traceability, the weak link in Swiss watchmaking

More

BRICS and the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement

More

The meltdown at Nestlé

More

Moon fortune to stay in Zug foundation

More

UN Commission of Inquiry concludes genocide is taking place in Gaza

More

Truth or tale: Have foreign leaders hidden money in Swiss banks?

More