The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Swiss Abroad
Top stories
See all Swiss abroad stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

‘Rich and weak’: is Switzerland easy prey?

Hosted by:

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.

Wealth offers little protection for a small country like Switzerland in today’s increasingly aggressive world, says Thomas Süssli, who recently stepped down as head of the Swiss armed forces. He warns that Switzerland lacks sufficient military readiness.

Swiss neutrality has long been armed, reflecting a belief that the country could be drawn into a war. One of the central foreign-policy debates now is whether Switzerland should move closer to the European Union and NATO, an issue that has been fiercely contested for some time.

The country is also facing major economic challenges. Last year Switzerland found itself at the sharp end of a trade dispute with the US, facing steep import tariffs justified by Switzerland’s prosperity – tariffs imposed on Swiss goods by the US eventually fell from 39% to 15% – showing how even supposed allies can suddenly become a risk.

Is Switzerland well equipped for a world where strength, not rules, seem to determine outcomes? And what should it do to hold its own in such testing times? Let us know in the comments below!

Join the conversation!

Contributions must adhere to our guidelines. If you have questions or wish to suggest other ideas for debates, please, get in touch!
ProperD
ProperD

So...it looks like the USA is on the rampage AGAIN yet, Switzerland (and EU countries) are worried about Russia LOL It's easy to see who the world bully is. United States has no qualms about going into any country and "taking" whatever they want yet no outcry from Switzerland about US "breaking international law." Recently USA accused a bank in Switzerland of money laundering and now this bank has closed down yet, no one does more money laundering than the USA! America has so much debt that it will pillage countries around the world (like Venezuela) and Switzerland will be used as a piggybank as well IMHO... I think Switzerland (and the world) had better take a reality check as they may become the next "prey" of the world's thug i.e. United States of America. As the saying goes "the USA has no friends only interest."

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@ProperD

Can there really only be one tyrant? According to this line of reasoning, there is only one perpetrator, and everyone else is a victim. That is a rather simplistic view of the world, which consists of almost 200 countries.

Kann es denn nur einen Tyrannen geben? Nach dieser Argumentation gibt es nur einen Täter, und alle anderen sind Opfer. Das ist eine ziemlich einfache Sicht auf die Welt, die immerhin aus knapp 200 Staaten besteht.

Jean Thomas
Jean Thomas
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

The problem is a truly Swiss one. When it comes to armaments, people refuse to acknowledge reality. Pilots want the latest aircraft, tank crews want new tanks, artillery crews want new guns, and the infantry, who are on the front line and take the brunt of the fighting, want new socks. Thank God we have at least managed to do away with the cavalry and cyclists. Every day, we see clearly what weapons and equipment are needed in the war in Ukraine. The SP's stance – no realistic concept and no major clean-up in the department, no more money – is entirely correct. Sad as it is. And Federal Councillor Pfister is not to blame for this; he is a victim of the system, of the chaos created by his predecessors over decades.

Das Problem ist ein echt schweizerisches. Man will in Rüstungsfragen die Realitäten partout nicht erkennen. Die Piloten wollen neuste Flugis, die Pänzeler erneuerte Panzer, die Artillerie neue Kanonen und die Infanterie, die zuvorderst steht und am meisten abkriegt, neue Socken. Gott sei Dank ist es gelungen, wenigstens die Kavallerie und die Radfahrer abzuschaffen. Täglich wird anschaulich gezeigt, was für Waffen und Material im Ukrainekrieg benötigt werden. __Die Haltung der SP, ohne realistisches Konzept und endlich ein grossen Aufräumen im Departement gibt's nicht mehr Geld, ist völlig korrekt. So traurig dies ist. __Und BR Pfister kann dafür nichts, er ist ein Opfer des Systems, des Chaos, das von seinen Vorgängern über Jahrzehnte hinweg angerichtet wurde.

Nashipae9
Nashipae9

Better than being rich or weak, Swiss neutrality might be more useful - in fact, a strength: a strategic position to mediate between the warring parties. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has pulled everyone in, taking even the lives of Africans.____Rise to the occasion.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Nashipae9

The talks in Geneva show that the parties involved continue to trust in Swiss neutrality. Let us hope that they develop positively.

Die Gespräche in Genf zeigen, dass die involvierten Parteien der Schweizer Neutralität weiterhin trauen. Hoffen wir, dass sie sich positiv entwickeln.

Jorg Hiker
Jorg Hiker

Switzerland just shot itself in the foot – in grand style. A referendum to ban new foreigners in an economy dependent on foreign workers. Announced exactly when the lead headline of Swissinfo stated how the pharmaceutical industry is vital to Switzerland, how dependent it is on foreign workforce, and how the Netherlands, Ireland, and other countries want to lure companies to their countries. In pharma, 80% or more of important jobs are held by foreigners, and there is no possibility that Switzerland can train enough native chemists, doctors, engineers, AI scientists, etc. The city of Basel might as well put up a notice "closed permanently" and start selling cheese and alphorns. Other branches of economy are the same. _ This is exactly how Switzerland is losing the economic war. Other countries won't need to attack Switzerland with F-16s; all they need to do is persuade companies, banks, and individuals to move out of Switzerland. Switzerland is in a weak position because it lacks natural resources or a vast internal market; its entire economy is based on things that can essentially be done elsewhere. And our nice country is just helping itself to become prey.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

I assume you are referring to the "10 million Switzerland" referendum, which will be voted on 14 June? It would first have to be accepted before anything would change. Several referendums with an isolationist thrust are coming up in the near future. These are indeed groundbreaking times for the country.

Ich nehme an, Sie meinen die Volksabstimmung "10-Millionen-Schweiz", über die am 14. Juni abgestimmt wird? Die müsste zuerst noch angenommen werden, bevor sich irgendwas ändern würde. In nächster Zeit finden gleich mehrere Abstimmungen statt, die eine isolationistische Stossrichtung haben. Es sind tatsächlich wegweisende Zeiten für das Land.

Jorg Hiker
Jorg Hiker
@Giannis Mavris

You don't understand - even a failed referendum shatters image of Switzerland as a predictable location of high-value industry. Even counting only the money directly spent by Swiss government in promoting the image of Switzerland to investors abroad, the "10 million Switzerland" referendum created damage much higher than 10 millions of Swiss Francs.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

Yes, votes always send a signal, regardless of the outcome. You're right about that.

Ja, Abstimmungen haben immer eine Signalwirkung, egal wie sie ausgehen. Da haben Sie recht.

Edvard
Edvard
@Jorg Hiker

"Cheese and alphorns". -Sehr gut. It indeed is not wise to close the country to foreigners. It only leads to a siege mentality that chips away at intellectual and economic growth. All nations benefit from openness, one cannot be an island unto themselves and expect to prosper and provide. We're a complicated world, no answers are easy. I sometimes think back to the example of Tibet. Closed country, foreign influence and foreigner resistant, few ties to the outside world. When overrun by China they had no lifelines. It would be disheartening to see Switzerland eventually suffer that fate.

Charles Paradis
Charles Paradis
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Hello! I write Rich and could be Strong! With more than 590 million inhabitants, European NATO member countries should have nothing to fear. That's not counting Switzerland, which is not a member, but the bank is still in a secure neighbourhood, Switzerland. We Canadians are 40 million neighbours of the "orange man". This country tried to invade Canada twice (in 1776 and 1812) and failed. So take heart, join forces, and stop talking. By the way, there are 140 million Russians, and many would like to get the hell out of that country. Be united, be strong!

Bonjour! J'écris Riche et pourrait être Fort! Avec plus de 590 millions d'habitants les pays européens membre de l'OTAN ne devrait avoir peur de rien. C'est sans compter la Suisse qui n'est pas membre; mais la banque est toujours dans un quartier sécurisé, la Suisse. Nous les Canadiens sommes 40 millions voisin du ''bonhomme orange''. Ce pays qui a tenté d'envahir le Canada 2 fois (1776 et 1812) et qui n'a pas réussi. Alors courage, joignez vos forces, arrêtez de palabrer. En passant, les russes sont 140 millions et beaucoup voudraient bien foutre le camp de ce pays. Soyez Unis, Soyez Fort!

goldenray@aol.com
goldenray@aol.com

As Head of Foreign Affairs, one would think it is obvious to Giannis what Trump's MO is: ask for the extreme and settle for what he really wants i.e. normal negotiating tactic. This has already occurred frequently in a transparent manner - so no surprise there. Remember it was Trump who told NATO countries to pay their fair share into NATO and not rely on the US - when he did so at the UN a couple of years ago, the German contingent made signs suggesting he was "Schpinne": he was right, of course. Up until then NATO was relying on the USA as "the cavalry". Trump does not want to be the cavalry, for obvious reasons and is forcing Europe to look after its own militarily. It seems Europe does not like being forced to do so.__With regard to Greenland, it's obvious to many that there was no chance of him acquiring it so he applied the extreme posture, settling for what he really wanted. __Many would argue that he "lashed out" at almost everyone for good reason: Europe is indeed disintegrating under the weight of ever more "illegals" (thereby eroding each country's culture) and non-democratic bureaucracy (mainly in the guise of the EU: have you noticed any cancelled national election results of EU States recently, by any chance?) __Was Trump correct in asking for "fair" trade rather than "free" trade? Many would say yes. Why allow one country to export into your country only to be charged by that country when you export to them.... the answer should be common sense.__One issue has become very clear and that is: it is vitally important for each country to look to itself to maintain its status quo in the world, to control what it can in order to defend itself from outside shocks and to offer the world its Unique Selling Proposition. __Finances - and the control of Global finances - should be of concern to every Nation and learn how to combat those financiers whose intent does not align with 'ones' democratic National interest. Switzerland will ride the wave as will most well organised countries. Change brings pressures and strains: it is how each person/country reacts to those pressures and strains that shows the world whether they are adult or infantile thinking.__It is very easy to get involved in the detail without taking many steps back and investigating at what is really happening. One would hope that journalists are trained to do exactly so.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@goldenray@aol.com

As a journalist, one is trained, among other things, to be able to classify statements. It is clear that you share Donald Trump's opinion and approve of his actions, which is of course your prerogative. However, this is not the majority opinion, as is already evident in these debate contributions. I must strongly disagree with your argument about Europe's decline: Pretty much all indicators show that Europe has better living conditions than, for example, the USA today. To speak of "cultural" decay is to have no better arguments for pursuing one's political agenda. And this is best seen when you take a step back.

Als Journalist wird man unter anderem dazu ausgebildet, Aussagen einordnen zu können. Bei Ihnen ist klar, dass sie die Meinung von Donald Trump teilen und sein Vorgehen gutheissen, was natürlich Ihr gutes Recht ist. Allerdings ist das keine Mehrheitsmeinung, wie schon in diesen Debattenbeiträgen hier sichtbar wird.__Einzig Ihrem Argument vom zerfallenden Europa muss ich Ihnen deutlich widersprechen: So ziemlich alle Indikatoren zeigen, dass Europa bessere Lebensbedingungen hat als beispielsweise die USA heutzutage. Von einem "kulturellen" Zerfall zu sprechen, heisst keine besseren Argumente zu haben, um seine politische Agenda zu verfolgen. Und das sieht man am besten, wenn man einen Schritt zurück macht.

Selseyboy2634!
Selseyboy2634!

Let’s start with something strange! Whatever one feels about Trump

mbally83
mbally83

We have entered a new era, one in which old friends have become resources or enemies. The goals and policies of the US have drastically changed. It has only been 1 year since this new administration took office and so much has changed. The US no longer has friends or allies, every country is seen as a resource and how it can help enrich the US. The long term goal is to turn the US into a white theocracy and make the Americas its exclusive fiefdom. The rest of the world will be ignored unless they have something of value. Greenland will be used to destroy NATO and then mined for its resources. The US has become a police state with an autocratic government with huge segments (minorities and the evil left) living in fear. Switzerland is a rich and valuable resource that will be bullied into compliance sooner or later. Switzerland is also a free democracy with that threatens by example of what the US should be. Without a strong military and clear strategy to break it's dependance on US markets, Switzerland will suffer sooner or later.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@mbally83

Like many other countries, Switzerland concluded numerous new trade agreements last year and began talks with other countries with a view to concluding further agreements. This represents a diversification of trading partners, precisely in order to reduce dependence on the US market. Let's see how this develops.

Die Schweiz hat (wie viele andere Länder auch) im letzten Jahr viele neue Handelsabkommen abgeschlossen. Und Gespräche mit weiteren Staaten dafür begonnen. Es gibt also eine Diversifizierung des Handelspartner, genau um weniger abhängig vom US-Markt zu sein. Mal sehen, wie sich das entwickeln wird.

RobertNLB
RobertNLB

A strategy is needed as soon as possible - the shifts in economic power are rapid and Switzerland is no longer ahead of the curve. Whether independence links to a stronger military is questionable - here too Switzerland is running behind the facts - the F-35 only prolongs dependence on the US and as we have moved to drone-wars it also seems outdated. The true dependence we have to get away from is the digital dependence on US high tech . If we fail to regain our digital sovereignty, then all other efforts are useless.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@RobertNLB

Many in Switzerland see it the same way: the F-35 and digital sovereignty are increasingly being discussed in this country.

Das sehen viele in der Schweiz gleich: Der F-35 und die digitale Souveränität werden hierzulande vermehrt diskutiert.

LeartKelmendi
LeartKelmendi
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Switzerland's stability is no coincidence; it is the result of discipline, neutrality and long-term responsibility. We feel the impact of sanctions less strongly because we have avoided political and financial risks that other countries have deliberately taken. Now some are calling for Switzerland to strengthen its ties with the EU, not primarily out of solidarity, but to share the burden that they themselves have created. Cooperation is important, but sovereignty should not be sacrificed to finance the mistakes of others. Switzerland should remain open, strong, neutral and independent, and not become a financial safety net for systems that it has not weakened itself.

Die Stabilität der Schweiz ist kein Zufall, sie ist das Ergebnis von Disziplin, Neutralität und langfristiger Verantwortung. Wir spüren Sanktionen weniger stark, weil wir politische und finanzielle Risiken vermieden haben, die andere Länder bewusst eingegangen sind. Nun fordern einige, dass sich die Schweiz stärker an die EU bindet, nicht primär aus Solidarität, sondern um Lasten zu verteilen, die sie selbst verursacht haben. Zusammenarbeit ist wichtig, aber Souveränität sollte nicht geopfert werden, um die Fehler anderer zu finanzieren. Die Schweiz sollte offen, stark, neutral und unabhängig bleiben und nicht zum finanziellen Sicherheitsnetz für Systeme werden, die sie nicht selbst geschwächt hat.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@LeartKelmendi

However, Switzerland's stability is also due in no small part to its neighbours: being located in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region is a huge advantage. What do you mean when you say that some people wanted Switzerland to forge closer ties with the EU "in order to share the burden"?

Die Stabilität der Schweiz verdankt sich aber durchaus auch der Nachbarschaft: In einer friedlichen, stabilen und prosperierenden Gegend zu liegen, ist ein riesiger Vorteil. Wie meinen Sie das, dass einige wollten, dass sich die Schweiz näher an die EU bindet "um Lasten zu verteilen"

LeartKelmendi
LeartKelmendi
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Giannis Mavris

You are right: a stable neighbourhood is an enormous advantage and a central part of Switzerland's security architecture. By 'sharing the burden', I meant not so much importing security, but rather jointly managing political, economic and security policy costs, for example in relation to sanctions, energy supply, migration or geopolitical pressure from third countries. In my view, the debate revolves precisely around this point: how much independence should be preserved, and where should cooperation be sought without completely abandoning neutrality?

Sie haben recht: Die stabile Nachbarschaft ist ein enormer Vorteil und ein zentraler Teil der Schweizer Sicherheitsarchitektur.____Mit „Lasten verteilen“ meinte ich weniger Sicherheit importieren, sondern politische, wirtschaftliche und sicherheitspolitische Kosten gemeinsam zu managen, etwa bei Sanktionen, Energieversorgung, Migration oder geopolitischem Druck von Drittstaaten.____Die Debatte dreht sich aus meiner Sicht genau um diesen Punkt: Wie viel Eigenständigkeit bewahrt man, und wo sucht man bewusst Kooperation, ohne Neutralität vollständig aufzugeben.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@LeartKelmendi

Yes, I completely agree: that is precisely the question that many people in Switzerland are currently asking themselves, and it is likely to become even more pressing. Basically, it is the eternal question that a neutral state is confronted with, even when geopolitical circumstances change.

Ja, vollkommen einverstanden: Das ist genau die Frage, die viele in der Schweiz zurzeit beschäftigt, und es wird wohl noch zunehmen. Im Grunde ist das die ewige Frage, mit der ein neutraler Staat konfrontiert ist, auch wenn sich die geopolitischen Umstände ändern.

Ambrogio
Ambrogio
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

Yes, Switzerland is becoming easy prey for the growing influence of finance diverted towards private interests. The German-speaking cantons in particular abhor anything that smacks of 'state' or 'étatique', including security checks in public places, as demonstrated by the tragedy in Crans. Even the SSR initiative at CHF 200, launched four years ago to push the SSR to slim down, a goal that has now been well achieved, would now serve to strengthen the various private media power groups, such as Blocher, so similar to the Trumpian method in vogue in the US. Translated: the victory of 'tribalism' over 'universalism', i.e. the private sector at all costs in order to dismantle the welfare state. To the advantage of the new man, an abnormal South African type, the brilliant paranoid and drug addict Elon Musk. 'Damn world', forgive me, but this is exactly the opposite of the glorious radical tradition that made Switzerland and its, our, Constitution great. Is this where so-called neo-liberalism is leading us? The lesson of Crédit Suisse, already forgotten (too big to fail paid for by the public!?) Would this spell the end of the Radical Switzerland of the early days? Switzerland, wake up for the sake of your country!

eh si', la Svizzera sta diventando una preda facile per il crescente peso della finanza deviata verso interessi privati. Soprattutto i cantoni alemanni hanno orrore di tutto quello che odora di "stato", di "étatique", tra cui i controlli di sicurezza dei locali pubblici, dimostra come la tragedia di Crans . Anche l'iniziativa SSR a 200 chf, varata 4 anni fa per spingere la SSR a dimagrire, obbiettivo ormai ben raggiunto, adesso servirebbe a rafforzare i vari gruppi di potere mediatico privati, genere Blocher, cosi' affini al metodo trumpiano in auge negli USA. Tradotto: la vittoria del "tribalismo" contro l"universalismo", ossia del privato a tutti i costi pur di smantellare lo stato di dititto. A vantaggio dell'uomo nuovo, genere abnorme del Sud Africa, il geniale paranoico e drogato Elon Musk. "Porco mondo", perdonatemi, ma questo è esattamente l'opposto della gloriosa tradizione radicale che ha fatto grande la Svizzera e la sua, la nostra, Costituzione. A questo ci sta trascinando il cosiddetto neo-liberalismo ? la lezione del Crédit Suisse, già scordata (il too big to fail pagato dal pubblico !?). Cosi' finirebbe in rovina la Svizzera Radicale delle origini ? Svizzera, svegliati per amor di patria !

skiramia
skiramia

in my opinion, Switzerland bunkers are good against satellite's imaging and google maps. Iran's generals were eradicated with precision thanks to digital dependence, whether their government is good or bad. Switzerland also needs air defense technology like iron dome and anti drone. self defence weaponry is much better than offensive ones. nuclear can also be a good deterrent if managed right as Ukraine was robbed of it in 1994 budapest in exchange of fake security guarantee. ____last but not least, fake antagonism, fake sanctions, trojan wars, anti trust, and espionage are what all of us have taken for granted. budapest 1994 could be an example of undeclared alliance between us, uk, and russia to disarm ukraine. fake temporary sanctions between ww2 allies could be taking many nations guards off. some could be confiding in fake enemy.

Ich weiss nix
Ich weiss nix
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

The first thing Switzerland should do is get its IT under control. Next, it should purchase drones en masse. Almost anyone can use a controller these days, so training on such devices would be quicker. We can see how effective drones are in Ukraine. Then Switzerland should cancel its order with the Americans, who just want to rip us off. As we are currently seeing in Thailand, the Gripen is better than expected and does not cost as much. Then we should follow Poland's example and ban electric cars from critical infrastructure. The built-in cameras can be used for espionage. Finally, a shipload of brooms should be ordered to clean out all the bunkers. But what do I know?

Was die Schweiz als erstes tun sollte wäre mal die IT in den Griff bekommen, als nächstes Drohnen, massenweise davon anschaffen, fast jeder kann ja heutzutage einen Controller benutzen da wäre die Ausbildung an solchen Geräten schneller. Das Drohnen effektiv sind sieht man ja in der Ukraine. Dann sollte die Schweiz die Bestellung bei den Amis stornieren, die wollen uns ja nur über den Tisch ziehen der Gripen ist wie man gerade in Thailand sieht besser als gedacht und kostet nicht so viel. Dann sollten wir uns an den Polen ein Beispiel nehmen und E-Autos aus kritischer Infrastruktur verbannen. Durch die eingebauten Kameras kann dadurch Spionage betrieben werden. Als letztes sollte eine Schiffsladung Besen bestellt werden um die ganzen Bunker mal auszumisten. Aber was weiss ich schon.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Ich weiss nix

Thank you for your comments. It is indeed the case that "digital sovereignty" has been a hot topic of discussion in Switzerland recently. And also in Europe, with regard to the USA.

Danke für Ihre Ausführungen. Es ist ja tatsächlich so, dass die "digitale Souveränität" in letzter Zeit viel diskutiert wird in der Schweiz. Und auch in Europa, mit Blick auf die USA.

Jorg Hiker
Jorg Hiker
@Ich weiss nix

Drones would also be important in our country for civilian uses. In China, drones are used to transport loads in steep mountains. In Switzerland, similar loads are still carried by hyper-expensive helicopters or by car, which necessitates the equally expensive maintenance of mountain roads and tracks that are rarely used. This is one example of how we lag behind Asia.

Ann
Ann
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Ich weiss nix

In a nutshell, nicely summarised

In a nutshell, schön zusammengefasst

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

I am fairly certain that we will see more of these developments in the future.

Ich bin ziemlich sicher, dass wir solche Entwicklungen in Zukunft vermehrt sehen werden.

Delphine
Delphine
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Switzerland does not exist. Unlike American exceptionalism and Russian pseudo-tsarism (and many other similar ideologies), Switzerland does not define itself as necessarily better than the rest (apart from a small minority of 30% with small minds). If Switzerland wants to defend itself, it must first define WHAT and against WHOM. And at what cost. Of course, the right wing believes it has the answer, which is to defend the "freedom" of the mythical self-governing peasant. And if possible, at any cost and against our evil neighbours. But when it comes to political movements that are clearly hostile to its own allies (it's hard not to understand that "MAGA" is not synonymous with "good for Switzerland"), these dear men and women of the right manage to bury their heads in the sand to the point of applauding when industrialists corrupt Mr. Trump with "gifts" beyond imagination. In short, the current state of Switzerland in no way justifies resistance against any imaginary or real "enemy".

La Suisse n'existe pas. Contrairement au exceptionnalisme américain et le pseudo-tsarisme russe (et moult autres idéologies pareilles) la Suisse ne se définit pas en tant que forcément meilleur que le reste (à part une petite minorité à petite âme de 30%). Si la Suisse veut se défendre, il faut tout d'abord définir QUOI et contre QUI. Et à quel prix. Évidemment que la droite croit avoir la réponse, c'est-à-dire de défendre la "liberté" du mythique paysan autogéré. Et ça si possible à tout prix et contre nos méchants voisins. Mais quand il s'agit des mouvements politiques clairement hostiles envers ses propres alliés (c'est quand même difficile de ne pas comprendre que "MAGA" n'est pas synonyme avec "bon pour la Suisse"?) ces chers hommes et femmes de droite arrivent à faire l'autruche jusqu'à applaudir quand des industriels corrompent M. Trump avec des "cadeaux" dépassant toute imagination. Fin bref, l'état de la Suisse actuelle ne justifie en aucun cas une résistance contre n'importe quel "ennemi" imaginaire ou réel.

Dario Giandeini
Dario Giandeini
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.
@Delphine

On what basis do you claim that Switzerland does not exist? Let us give weight to our words.

Su cosa basa l'affermazione che la Svizzera non esiste? ???? __Diamo un peso alle parole.

Delphine
Delphine
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.
@Dario Giandeini

It is clear that on this forum, reading comments translated by a machine, which cannot even format basic punctuation, sometimes makes comprehension difficult. "Switzerland does not exist" was a work of art by the artist Ben Vautier. Less well known, and less widely practised, is the second half of his work, "I think, therefore I am Swiss".

Il est évident que sur ce forum, le fait de lire des commentaires traduit par une machine, et qui n'arrive pas à mettre en page une ponctuation même basique, rend par fois la compréhension difficile. "la suisse n'existe pas" était une œuvre d'art de l'artiste Ben Vautier. Moins connu, et moins mis en pratique est la deuxième moitié de son œuvre, "je pense donc je suisse".

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Delphine

Hello Delphine, that's right: this debate is available in 10 languages and is automatically translated using DeepL. Sometimes there are minor bugs, which we are continuously fixing. However, automatic translation requires that the text is written as correctly as possible – if this is not the case, the translation will also be flawed.

Guten Tag Delphine, es stimmt: Diese Debatte gibt es in 10 Sprachen, es wird jeweils automatisch mit DeepL übersetzt. Manchmal gibt es kleinere Bugs, die wir fortlaufend korrigieren. Die automatische Übersetzung bedingt jedoch, dass möglichst korrekt geschrieben ist - ist das nicht der Fall, ist auch die Übersetzung mangelhaft.

AMunoz
AMunoz
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

The Swiss government lacks character in the face of a dying Europe and a US that has taken off its mask and revealed itself to be a complete bandit and total traitor to its "allies". Many want a share of the money and wealth that Switzerland has managed to create over the last 80 years, and sometimes it seems that our leaders are prone to political and economic blackmail and to paying to ease the pressure, but paying only gives them reason to raise the price of the blackmail and the pressure rises again. The Federal Council must show clearer signs of firmness so as not to allow people like Meloni to lecture us on morality and good behaviour!

El gobierno Suizo falta de caracter frente a una Europa moribunda y a US que se ha quitado la mascara y se muestra en bandido absoluto y traidor total de sus "aliados". Muchos quieren parte del dinero y la riqueza que Suiza ha sabido crear en los ultimos 80 años y aveces pareciera que nuestros gobernantes son dados a caer en el chantaje politico y economico y a pagar por calmar la presión pero al pagar esto solo da razón para que e chantaje suba su precio y de nuevo la presón sube. El Consejo Federal debe dar muestras más claras de firmeza para no dejar que gente como Meloni se permita hacernos cursos de moral y buena conducta!

Dario Giandeini
Dario Giandeini
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.
@AMunoz

Let's not worry about the Italian leader. She is just trying, amid many problems at home, to divert attention away from her own issues and doesn't know how to get out of this situation.

Non preoccupiamoci della leader italiana. Sta solo cercando, tra moltissimi problemi in casa sua, di distogliere l'attenzione dai suoi e non sa come uscirne.

herrmannwilli@bluewin.ch
herrmannwilli@bluewin.ch
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité are our fundamental European values. Von der Leyen is corrupt, violates press freedom, sanctions extreme dissenting opinions, including those of Jacques Baud. The EU must urgently transform itself from a confederation of states into a federal state that recognises local authorities as the most important organs of government. Farewell to NATO, the war machine; welcome to a new European peace and defence force.

Liberté, Egalité. Fraternité sind unsere Europäischen Grundwerte. Von der Leyen ist korrupt, verstösst u. a. gegen die Pressefreit, sanktioniert extrem andere Meinungen, u. a. Jacques Baud. Die EU muss dringend vom Staatenverbund zum Bundesstaat wechseln, der die Gemeinden als wichtigste Organe akzeptiert. Adieu Kriegsmaschine NATO, neu europäische Friedens- und Verteidigungsarmee.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@herrmannwilli@bluewin.ch

I am sure that your ideas – from a confederation of states to a federal state and a pan-European army – would meet with a great deal of approval in Brussels of all places :)

Ich bin sicher, dass Ihre Ideen – vom Staatenbund zum Bundesstaat und eine gesamteuropäische Armee – ausgerechnet in Brüssel auf sehr viel Zustimmung stossen würden :)

LynxVegas
LynxVegas

Switzerland has the biggest army in Europe, as a percentage of population (see NationMaster for stats). But how long would it last in a war? Are the tunnels in the mountains still used? The Swiss say they are neutral, but how can they be when they sell weapons abroad? It could shut up shop. Nothing Swiss out, nothing foreign in. Build a huge, heavily defended wall around the whole country. Develop the chocolate dome. Forget the rest of the world exists.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@LynxVegas

How long an army would hold out in the event of an attack is a key question. And as we saw in the case of Ukraine, it is difficult to answer correctly in advance. Regarding neutrality: I do not understand your definition of neutrality. However, you can read here how Switzerland defines its own neutrality (in English): https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/what-does-the-future-hold-for-swiss-neutrality/45810276

Wie lange eine Armee im Fall eines Angriffs durchhalten würde, ist eine zentrale Frage. Und wie man im Fall der Ukraine sah, ist sie schwierig im Voraus richtig zu beantworten.__Bezüglich Neutralität: Ich verstehe Ihre Definition von Neutralität nicht. Hier können Sie aber nachlesen, wie die Schweiz ihre eigene Neutralität definiert (auf Englisch): https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/what-does-the-future-hold-for-swiss-neutrality/45810276

Jorg Hiker
Jorg Hiker
@Giannis Mavris

I believe the Swiss military strategy was never intended to stop a frontal attack. Instead, it was aimed to prevent an attack, because an attacker would face losses that were disproportionate to any gains. Then, most of the adult male Swiss population would become a de facto guerilla force numbering in the millions.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Jorg Hiker

I am not a military strategist, but I would assume that every strategy has an element of deterrence in it. That an attack is not worthwhile because the losses would be too high.

Ich bin kein Militärstratege, aber ich würde davon ausgehen, dass jede Strategie eine Element der Abschreckung drin hat. Dass sich ein Angriff nicht lohnt, weil die Verluste zu hoch wären.

Marco Antonio Aguirre B.
Marco Antonio Aguirre B.
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Switzerland, on the one hand, should maintain its security by preserving its neutrality, distancing itself from NATO and engaging only to a limited extent with the European Union. On the other hand, it should protect its airspace with state-of-the-art technologies: air shields and drones. Its geographical territory provides support and protection, but it needs to have units developed throughout its geography based on mobile airborne corps that are easy to deploy, dependent on a central command and, in turn, with great regional autonomy. Never forget the old Roman adage: "If you want peace, prepare for war." The latter is especially true in a contemporary world where international law and the United Nations have minimal influence.

Suiza, por una parte, debiera sostener su seguridad manteniendo su neutralidad, alejándose de la OTAN y comprometiéndose limitadamente con la Unión Europea. __Por otra parte, protegiendo su espacio aéreo con tecnologías de última generación: escudos aéreos y drones. __ Su territorio geográfico le da soporte y protección, pero necesita disponer de unidades desarrolladas a lo largo de su geografía en base a cuerpos aerotransportados móviles de fácil desplazamiento dependiente de un mando central y a su vez con una gran autonomía regional. __Nunca olvidar el antiguo adagio romano: " Si quieres la paz, prepárate para la guerra." Esto último es especialmente válido en un mundo contemporáneo donde el Derecho Internacional y las Naciones Unidas tiene mínima injerencia.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Marco Antonio Aguirre B.

Your wishes are likely to come true – discussions on security policy in Switzerland are currently being conducted along these lines.

Ihre Wünsche werden wohl wahr – entlang dieser Linien werden die sicherheitspolitischen Diskussionen in der Schweiz zurzeit geführt.

ProperD
ProperD

First of all it would be foolish for Switzerland to move closer to two dying entities...the EU and NATO. Those sinking ships would only compound any troubles Switzerland has now or in the future. In addition, why make yourself a target? What Switzerland needs is strong leadership and not put people in power due to ideologies i.e. we need more women in certain positions for example. The most qualified person should be given the responsibility. ____Switzerland has already lost most of its neutrality status IMHO at least 70% of it. Choosing sides and carrying out sanctions for instance because countries like the USA wants them to (when the USA does the same things or similar they don't sanction the USA) means that Switzerland is not as sovereign as it thinks it is.. It looks more like a vassal of the USA. ____There will be no military take-over of Switzerland. Countries are usually conquered from within. due to weak leadership, fiscal woes, too much immigration, and crumbling infrastructure to name a few. And yes, Switzerland should have a military and keep it well equipped but don't join any other factions. Because if Switzerland joins NATO for example it will be responsible to fight NATO wars whether they agree with the war or not.____What's more, NATO has not protected any country but it has bombed them i.e. Yugoslavia. NATO is more like a group of unorganized country not knowing who is on which side. Switzerland's greatest protection was its neutrality which has been greatly compromised. And one last thing...Switzerland has to stop thinking their frenemies are loyal. This naiveness is what will make Switzerland easy prey. Put Switzerland first in a diplomatic manner of course and expand trading options which might mean lifting sanctions on Russia and some other countries as well.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@ProperD

This is a shadow battle you are waging here: joining the EU or NATO is not up for discussion in Switzerland. Everything else (such as rapprochement, etc.) does not just happen, but has majority support among the population, in parliament and in the government.

Das ist ein Schattengefecht, das Sie hier führen: Ein Beitritt zur EU oder zur Nato wird in der Schweiz nicht diskutiert. Alles andere (wie Annäherung etc.) passiert ja nicht einfach so, sondern hat Mehrheiten in der Bevölkerung, dem Parlament und der Regierung.

ProperD
ProperD
@Giannis Mavris

Switzerland has adopted a new security report a publication of the federal government titled Swiss Security Policy Strategy 2026. The Federal Assembly will start discussing the strategy at the end of 2026. Which includes taking part in the Article 5 exercises of NATO. The idea is to integrate Switzerland into the strategies of the EU and NATO countries while still trying to claim neutrality....which is impossible! ____Therefore an important question is: has Switzerland totally sold out to the western corporate/finance dominated system? I ask this because I don't think that Switzerland will get majority support on an initiative to join or create closer ties with NATO/EU unless they censor the public and strictly control the media. Additionally, I hope that at this point you don't think that the Swiss gov't i.e. parliament is above going against the will-of-the-people in order to maintain the status quo of EU and NATO authorities. If the Swiss parliament wants this proposal to pass they will manipulate the public to no end. ____Switzerland is surrounded by EU and NATO member states, and these states believe that their stability and security policy commitments also contributes to Switzerland's security. They believe that In return, the Swiss should be more involved with European security and it looks like the Swiss might take the bait. Swiss neutrality is what has kept Switzerland safe...other countries felt no need to attack Switzerland...for what? But that will change once Switzerland makes themselves a target. Switzerland will act big behind the curtain of corrupt institutions that care about nothing but money and they will drain Switzerland dry. Switzerland will become prey and the country will become weakened more-and-more due to incompetent leadership and poor decisions. ____Warmongering entities want little Switzerland to join the war-party. How they will accomplish this is another story but it might be through the Swiss Security Policy Strategy 2026.____The State Secretariat for Security Policy (SEPOS) The Security Policy Strategy 2026 describes how Switzerland’s security policy environment has incredibly deteriorated and how it has become more dangerous. They also believe that threats to domestic security have increased in Europe and can also affect Switzerland. This all-encompassing security includes international cooperation, that allows Switzerland to better protect itself, to increase its defense capabilities and to contribute to European security...so they believe. Should we be surprised in the not so distant future to see military personnel from another country perhaps the USA on Swiss soil?____IMHO...if Switzerland gets closer i.e. basically joins the faction and corrupt NATO and join the EU by proxy then Switzerland may as well throw in the towel because not only will Switzerland make itself a target all respect and dignity Switzerland has left will go out the window. This is what happens to countries when "weak leaders" prevail. They act out of fear not rational and wisdom. They don't comprehend consequences for their actions they only feel that they have to act. Is it too late to detour the path Switzerland is on? Probably yes, because in order to pass any legislation for war Switzerland will have to censor and gaslight the public and I think the country is at the point where they just might do that. Let's hope that wiser heads prevail. ____I would advise you to watch this informative video on YouTube (the channel is owned by a Swiss) titled "Security of Doom: Switzerland Is Preparing NATO Membership | Christoph Pfluger" Pfluger is the editor of Zeitpunkt.ch since 1992.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@ProperD

You are constructing a somewhat unrealistic intellectual construct based on weak foundations. On the one hand, because you repeatedly refer to joining the EU/NATO, which is not being seriously discussed in Switzerland at all. On the other hand, since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, various surveys have repeatedly confirmed that, in addition to the government and parliament, the majority of the population also wants closer security ties with the EU and NATO, for example here (in English): https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/a-majority-of-swiss-want-closer-ties-to-nato-but-not-unconditionally/83220055__Zu Christoph Pfluger: He has become better known as a critic of the measures taken during the pandemic, although his statements have regularly been refuted as false. With the large-scale Russian invasion, he, like many others who are labelled conspiracy theorists, has jumped on this topic. And he follows the usual propaganda patterns, which are repeated ad nauseam but do not become any more true as a result.

Sie bauen hier ein wenig realistisches Gedankenkonstrukt auf, das auf einem schwachen Fundament basiert. Einerseites weil sie wiederholt von einem Beitritt zu EU/Nato sprechen, was überhaupt nicht ernsthaft diskutiert wird in der Schweiz. Das neben Regierung und Parlament auch die Mehrheit der Bevölkerung eine sicherheitspolitische Annäherung an EU und Nato wollen, ist seit der russischen Grossinvasion in die Ukraine wiederholt durch unterschiedliche Umfragen bestätigt wollen, zum Beispiel hier (auf Englisch): https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/a-majority-of-swiss-want-closer-ties-to-nato-but-not-unconditionally/83220055__Zu Christoph Pfluger: Er ist als Massnahmenkritiker während der Pandemie bekannter geworden, wobei seine Aussagen regelmässig als falsch widerlegt worden sind. Mit der russischen Grossinvasion ist er, wie viele andere, die als Verschwörungstheoretiker bezeichnet werden, auf dieses Thema gesprungen. Und er folgt den üblichen propagandistischen Muster, die zwar ewigs wiederholt werden, aber deswegen nicht wahrer werden.

ProperD
ProperD
@Giannis Mavris

Sorry Giannis...but I think you'd have to be a bit naïve to believe that the majority of the Swiss public want closer ties to EU/NATO. For goodness sakes the Swiss population voted NOT to join the EU. The EU has turned into a travesty an oligarchy who bows to the USA no matter what they do to them. It's like being in an abusive relationship. It's amazing that Swiss leadership can't see through what's actually taking place but then again so many western politicians today are weak and refuse to accept "reality." The EU is willing to sacrifice its population on a lost cause like Ukraine...send money they don't have and sacrifice their people by default. It's actually quite sad. It's that what you want for Switzerland?____In fact, Switzerland is on its way. Switzerland claims to be neutral but wants to participate in war egged on by the EU/NATO/US which will not benefit Switzerland whatsoever and will inevitably destroy the country. The Russian's are NOT coming. If anything, it's the United States that is the problem. Seeing that the US went into a sovereign country and literally kidnapped an internationally recognized leader and now indicating that they want to "take over Greenland" whose the really bully here. Whose the one to fear....definitely not Russia IMHO. But the EU and the rest of Europe don't want to admit that it's actually the United States that they fear. Now in order to raise money for war, Switzerland is mulling over increasing VAT to pay for national defense. The money for war will have to come from somewhere so the politicians will drain the populace. People will become poorer, quality of life will suffer, the young people will be conscripted to go to war and have no hope, and Switzerland will become just another country who destroyed itself all because they believed more in war than peace. Switzerland will make the same mistakes as Ukraine. ____Did you know that Ukraine (like Switzerland) according to its Constitution and its Declaration of Sovereignty in 1990—was a neutral country? It abandoned neutrality in December 2014 when the coup was staged in the country by the USA because they wanted to use Ukraine as a proxy to fight Russia and it has been a disaster ever since. That's exactly how Switzerland could end-up.____What's more, you gave a Swissinfo article as an example to rebuff the information I presented to you. Funnily enough you completely ignored the information concerning SEPOS and the video. You simply dismissed it as not true or of no value. You're under the assumption that what you know is all there is to know. and that's not being realistic. Seeing that you're heavily affiliated with Swissinfo I understand that you take whatever you or others present on this news outlet as gospel but everyone doesn't feel that way and can be more objective. ____This is why It's important for people to have various outlets for information and use their own discretion. Swissinfo is not an independent media publication and must publish the narrative presented by their larger media counterparts, it's not independent journalism. Luckily, there are other media outlets that are not under such restraints and can present a more in-depth analysis. Even though I do think that on the surface Swissinfo definitely provides substantial important information, nonetheless for more in-depth info, additional outlets should be viewed as well IMHO.

Maze66
Maze66
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Giannis Mavris

Thank you for clarifying how Christoph Pfluger's thinking should be classified.

Danke zur Klarstellung wie die Denke von Christoph Pfluger einzuordnen ist.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@ProperD

I work at Swissinfo :) And our articles – especially those on surveys – are based on surveys conducted by various institutes. If you don't want to believe the results, that's your decision. It's also interesting that you mention the threats from the US, but not Russia's war of aggression. And your statements about Ukraine are identical to Russian propaganda. However, repeating them over and over again does not make them any more true.__Incidentally, we would of course be delighted if you continued to read Swissinfo :)

Ich arbeite bei Swissinfo :) Und unsere Artikel - speziell jener zu den Umfragen - basieren auf Umfragen, die von verschiedenen Instituten geführt wurden. Wenn Sie die Resultate nicht glauben wollen, ist das Ihre Entscheidung.__Interessant auch, dass sie die Drohungen der USA erwähnen, aber den russischen Angriffskrieg nicht. Und Ihre Angaben zur Ukraine sind deckungsgleich mit der russischen Propaganda. Die werden aber nicht wahrer, nur weil sie man immer wieder wiederholt.__Im Übrigen freuen wir uns natürlich, wenn Sie weiterhin Swissinfo lesen :)

ProperD
ProperD
@Giannis Mavris

I don't put all my trust in the surveys by institutions. They are heavily influenced by who pays them. On the other hand, I don't think Swissinfo is a bad source for information about Switzerland and I hope that I did not present my post in that manner. It's just that when I want in-depth, raw information I don't come to Swissinfo for it. .....In addition, you repeat "Russia's war of aggression" without considering the history of how the war actually started. If you were surrounded by military weapons by those who didn't like you, consistently threatening you with the backing of the largest bully in the world i.e. USA I think you'd know what would come next. It's much like if Russia put weaponry on US border with Mexico and Canada. You think US would just sit there? And I stick with my words that "Switzerland doesn't have to worry about Russia it's the USA that is the problem" not just for Switzerland but the world ....Ukraine is on its last legs and begging for 1 million European troops to join a losing war that they lost some time ago. It's sad really and it's the EU/NATO/USA poking at Ukraine to continue to destroy its country. This could have ended years ago when Russia signed the MINSK agreement but as Merkel admitted "the MINSK agreement was a fake they only did it to give Ukraine more time to restock weapons.". The rest is history...If anything Mavris you should at least try to see both sides. Isn't that what TRUE journalism is supposed to be about anyway? But I digress we simply have to "agree to disagree." Thanks for publishing my post and yes I will continue to read Swissinfo...!!!

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@ProperD

Dear ProperD, you're right, we're not going to agree on this. But thank you for joining in the discussion and continuing to read Swissinfo :) Best regards from Bern.

Lieber ProperD, das haben Sie recht, wir werden uns wohl nicht einig. Aber danke dass Sie hier mitdiskutieren und weiterhin Swissinfo lesen :) Freundliche Grüsse aus Bern.

swisstester123@gmail.com
swisstester123@gmail.com

Switzerland is at its most vulnerable level since founding. In today's modern world, Switzerland is a sitting (rich) duck for any aggressor. It can be NATO, it can be US, it can be RUSSIA. There is no guarantee that anyone will come to support Switzerland having been the "rich kid on the block" for decades and even centuries.__Switzerland should re-arm, re-organise and reset the DEFENCE militarily and economically.__I sincerely hope someone will look into this seriously and not make it into another "partisan all flowers and no bullets" kind of debate.__Wake up Swiss!

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@swisstester123@gmail.com

Can you explain what you mean by "realigning defence"?

Können Sie erklären, was Sie meinen mit "Verteidigung neu ausrichten"

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

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