Swiss Security: Perception of a Small Country, (Paperback)

This study examines the dilemma of a traditional neutral country between independence and interdependence. The Swiss perception of seeing themselves as a "special case" is discussed in terms of Swiss federalism, land of minorities and sense for compromise, economic dependence and neutrality. Swiss Security Policy is confronted in a case study with the scenarios of General Sir John Hackett's "The Third World War" and General Robert Close's "Europe Without Defense". In a worsening international situation, possible Swiss security assessments, options, and methods of crisis management are discussed in order to analyze the question of the feasibility of the policy of neutrality in a future war. In the final conclusions, it is anticipated that the concepts of Swiss neutrality and security are still the best option for a small state. Several constraints are discussed that force the Swiss to adapt their policy to the current world situation: economic interweaving, new forms of international threats, and, the problems of sophisticated military technology for a militia army. Finally, recommendations concerning Switzerland and the United Nations, developing aid, and defense spending are made.