Swiss neutrality is one of the oldest and most distinctive features of European diplomacy — but a turbulent world is testing what it means in practice.

A pragmatic tradition

Neutrality has allowed Switzerland to host international organisations, mediate conflicts and remain a trusted venue for negotiations between adversaries.

New pressures

Questions about sanctions, defence cooperation and the limits of neutrality have prompted lively domestic debate about how the tradition should adapt — without abandoning the principles that define the nation.

For now, Switzerland continues to chart a careful course between engagement and independence.