Neutralność Szwajcarii

Wyzwania XXI wieku

Abstract

SWISS NEUTRALITY: CHALLENGES OF THE 21^ST CENTURY

The main research objective of the article is to show the evolution of Switzerland’s neutrality after the Cold War. Based on the analysis of internal and external conditions, the thesis is formulated that in the conceptual sphere, Switzerland refers to the traditional principles of perpetual neutrality, both in official positions as well as political rhetoric. This aspect clearly distinguishes it from the neutral and non-aligned European Union states. At the same time, in the realm of implementation, it is actually shifting to positions of non-alignment/post-neutrality. The main components of the redefinition of neutrality materialised in the form of a rejection of the principles of the so-called economic neutrality as well as a change of attitude towards armed conflicts. Their implementation opened up opportunities for participation in the process of European integration and a broader commitment to international solidarity as well as management crises. It was in line with the expectations of the international community. The lack of consequences was critically assessed as well as the main barriers to the implementation of the principles of the new concept of neutrality in the 1990s. The beginning of the 21^st century brings a clear stabilisation of Helvetic neutrality, including changes in the field of cooperative security policy. Joining the European Union’s sanctions against Russia confirms the continuity of the assumptions of the post-Cold War concept of neutrality.