A Study On The Evolvement Of Switzerland As A Neutral State

Neutrality is a unique phenomenon in international politics,and the neutral country is also a political subject with a special status in the modern global political system.Relying on its extraordinary international influence,direct democracy,and developed economy,Switzerland is arguably the most typical and successful practical example of neutrality in international politics.The end of the Cold War and the expansion of the security plan mean that the traditionally conservative and neutral security approaches are no longer feasible and desirable,which has led to changes in the foreign policy of European countries in terms of conceptual understanding and practice of neutrality.This paper starts from the concept of neutrality in international politics and takes the historical evolution of Switzerland’s neutrality formation as the mainline.It consists of four stages: regional peace alliance,old Confederation,the early modern Confederation,and the Swiss Federation,and explains the political practice of each step that shaped its neutrality.On this basis,the fundamental reasons for the formation of Swiss neutrality include the geopolitical environment,the national identity,and the power balance system of European countries.The change in the international situation has led to a decline in the protection of the Swiss security environment.The principle of neutrality centered on protecting and promoting national interests has transformed from traditionally independent conservative to positive seeking security through cooperation.Switzerland’s interpretation of neutrality is from the perspective of its own social culture and democratic values,and its essence is for the national interests.When the benefits arise beyond the loss of shaken neutrality,it does not rule out that Swiss neutrality will also wholly turn.However,it does not mean that Switzerland has abandoned neutrality,which is theoretical,dynamic,changing neutrality rather than the traditional neutrality of the past for them.This has led to the cognitive disagreement between the actual implementation and the classical understanding.Nevertheless,it is found that the neutrality policy embedded in national identity and ideology will still be an essential part of the future national short-term diplomatic strategy of Switzerland.