13th SSF Security Talk | Re-export of armaments, 20. April 2023
How can Switzerland extricate itself from this self-inflicted dilemma between the right of neutrality and the internationally demanded solidarity with Ukraine? And how can a realistic and long-term understanding of neutrality be found that can be ap-plied not only to the war in Ukraine, but also to other armed threats?
These important questions were the focus of the 13th SSF Security Talk on the topic of "Switzerland in the conflict between international and neutrality law and the re-export of armaments". The event was opened by former National Councillor and SSF board member Roland Borer. He welcomed the almost 100 interested participants, including many young participants/students, and emphasised the great importance of the current topic.
The 13th SSF Security Talk kicked off with two informative input presentations. First, Simon Plüss (Minister, Deputy Head of Bilateral Economic Relations, Head of Arms Control and Arms Control Policy, SECO) gave an insight into the foundations and developments of the Confederation's arms control policy. Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Christoph Frei (political scientist and professor of international relations, University of St. Gallen) opened the temporal and geographical horizon with an input on Swiss neutrality in a historical and geopolitical context.
During the subsequent panel discussion with the speakers Roland Borer and Prof. Dr. Christoph Frei as well as National Councillor Mauro Tuena (President SiK-N) and Dr. Stefan Brupbacher (Director, Swissmem), corresponding perspectives for action for Switzerland were discussed and the central challenges for the Swiss arms industry and neutrality were debated. It became apparent that the current understanding of neutrality is an obstacle for the Swiss defence industry and meets with a lack of understanding abroad. Despite agreement on the need for action, it is difficult to find political majorities for an adjustment of Swiss arms control policy.
Find the detailed summary report here.
Find the program of the event here.
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