Box 1.7 Neutrality: a necessary aid in building up the Swiss nation

Political neutrality has long been a tradition in Switzerland. After a disastrous defeat in a battle at Marignano (near Milan, Italy) in 1515, the Swiss cantons slowly grew aware of the advantages of neutrality, which turned out to be the only way to maintain the integrity and independence of a confederation consisting of small cantons surrounded by larger and belligerent powers. Subsequently the Swiss avoided becoming involved in conflicts between surrounding states, especially during the 30 years of religious war in Europe which ended in 1648. It took a long time, however, for the unilateral declaration of neutrality to be recognised by neighbours. It therefore did not prevent the Swiss cantons from being occupied by the French during the years 1798-1802. Things changed after the Vienna Congress of 1815, when the European powers at last recognised the neutrality of the confederation, realising that it was in their interest to use it to preserve the political equilibrium sought by them. After the creation of the federation Switzerland became able to defend efficiently its neutrality with armed forces. This was particularly important in the twentieth century, when Switzerland was one of the very few European nations not to be involved in the First and Second World Wars.

Neutrality, historically, has had two main functions:⁸ internal integration and external independence: integration through neutrality prevented the cantons of the old confederation from becoming divided by the conflicts of their neighbours or from being broken up into antagonistic religious and cultural parts. Later, armed neutrality helped to preserve the independence of the Swiss federation.⁹

Today the Swiss idea of neutrality is based on notions of the law of nations formulated in the 'Hague treaty on the rights and duties of neutral powers and persons' of 1907. 'Neutrality in the sense of the law of nations' means nothing more than the neutral nation's non-participation in a war involving other nations. In fulfilling this, first, Swiss neutrality is permanent and defended by an army. Second, Switzerland pursues a policy of doing everything to ensure neutrality in a future war. But Switzerland's policy goes far beyond this. After the Second World War its extensive interpretation of 'neutrality' even meant non-participation in the European Community, the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. The reason for this was given as the wish not to participate in economic sanctions or peace-enforcing measures, which were considered to present a threat to Switzerland's neutrality.

In recent years, following the end of the East-West conflict and the cold war, Switzerland's policy has changed: neutrality no longer seems to be an obstacle to membership of the EC or UN, nor for participation in economic sanctions or peace-keeping operations, decided by a universal organisation such as the UN.