Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country famous for its mountains, clocks and food, especially chocolates and cheese. However, it plays a significant role in international relations due to its longstanding policy of neutrality and its position as a global hub for diplomacy. This neutrality has been a core factor in international law since 1815. It has allowed it to host numerous international organisations such as the United Nations Office in Geneva and to mediate in global conflicts unbiased. Its strategic location in the centre of Europe and its political and economic stability have made it a credible venue for peaceful negotiations and humanitarian efforts. Besides, Switzerland’s commitment to human rights and international law and its active engagement in global challenges like climate change and social development make it a pivotal actor in fostering global cooperation.
The Swiss Federal Council approved the draft Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–2027 during its September 29, 2023 meeting. The policy reflects Switzerland’s response to the evolving global landscape, including the challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine war and the need for stability in Europe. The new strategy has outlined four major themes: peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, environmental protection and democracy promotion. It also aims to enhance global understanding and effective multilateralism within the G20 framework.
Objectives of the New Foreign Policy
Stability in Europe- The critical aspect of a stable and prosperous Europe is the priority under this strategy. Switzerland aims to strengthen its relations with the European Union, NATO and other European countries. It seeks to improve its support and reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine. It would also expand its participation in military peace promotion missions with premium contributions, support OSCE- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and offer security policy exchanges.
Multilateralism- the Swiss government has recently focused on multilateralism to safeguard its interests. It already has a secure multilateral profile, which is being further polished by its seat in the UN Security Council in 2024. Geneva is a global hub of cooperation and represents a bridge between Europe and countries of the Global South as Geneva houses the European seat of the UNO, the headquarters of the International Court of Justice and is the centre of the direction of humanitarian campaigns from the International Red Cross. It is also a centre of history, culture, trade and exhibitions. Switzerland will strengthen the competitiveness of International Geneva, especially in digitalization, science, environment and diplomacy, to position itself as a host state with its multilateralism strategy.
Peace and Security: Switzerland aims to enhance security cooperation with the EU and NATO, maintain arms control, promote migration and humanitarian aid and use new instruments such as space diplomacy. It also attaches more importance to women’s effective participation in peace processes. The Swiss Federal Council will support the vision of a world without nuclear weapons and enhance effective armed control measures. As mentioned above, it also aims to deploy its forces and other resource-based aid in conflict-driven regions, especially Ukraine.
Environment: The ecological magnitude of sustainability will be a new priority in foreign policy. The key themes include promoting biodiversity and controlling pollution. The Swiss Council will also update its energy foreign policy. Switzerland will support low-emission, climate-resistant development paths in its priority European countries. It also advocates promoting and protecting sustainable use of global biodiversity while upgrading its energy security and civilian nuclear safety policies.
Why is the Swiss Foreign Policy being Undermined?
Swiss foreign policy has not garnered significant attention in global politics and media, primarily due to the state’s historically neutral attitude and understated role in international affairs. Unlike major global powers like the USA and China, whose foreign policy has direct and immediate global implications, Switzerland’s policies tend to be subtly focused on diplomacy, mediation and multilateral peaceful engagements rather than aggressive or controversial stances like the former nations. This peaceful stance of Switzerland limits global media’s interests as fewer power shifts or conflicts are associated with Swiss policy.
Moreover, being a small mountainous country in central Europe, Switzerland is often overshadowed by deeper international issues and actions of the big five, the most influential actors in geopolitics. Also, the current global affairs headlines are dominated by geopolitical tensions, ideological conflicts and major economic shifts, so Switzerland’s diplomatic operations, which are low-key, peaceful and focused on consensus building, will not bring about the same level of coverage from the media.
Switzerland’s policy changes are incremental and align with its neutrality and peace promotion principles. Though these values are crucial in maintaining a stable international order, they do not create the media buzz compared to the radical policies and shifts of the advanced nations.
The global landscape comprising the media and politics is more accustomed to stories and policies involving conflict, competition or crisis. Since the Swiss foreign policy often avoids these issues, it naturally receives less attention. Thus, Switzerland’s new foreign policy remains unnoticed despite its potential long-term impact on geopolitics.
Conclusion
Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy for 2024-2027 reflects a new approach to navigating the rapidly changing geopolitics. The policy clearly emphasises the need for Switzerland to adapt from its traditional neutral position to the evolving global dynamics by maintaining the country’s core principles of promoting peace, sustainable development and human rights. It highlights the country’s role in reinforcing its commitment to multilateralism and international law, which have been the foundations of Swiss foreign policy. Also, it acknowledges the challenges posed by emerging global tensions, shifting power balances and the increasing pressure on multilateral institutions. The strategy’s need to address global challenges like climate change, supplying aid to war-torn Ukraine, promoting peace and security and economic transformation highlights this foreign policy’s heightened impact in Europe and the geopolitics.
To conclude, Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy for 2024-2027 is well drafted and balances the country’s traditional values and the need for adaptation in this rapidly changing world order. By supporting a more active and engaged foreign policy, Switzerland contributes to world peace and security, ensuring its increased prosperity and fostering a stable environment in this increasingly complex international sphere.