The Future of Swiss Foreign and Security Policy: Increasing International Cooperation is the Key to National Autonomy
Abstract
This thesis investigates the future development of Swiss foreign and security policy, particularly in the context of the continuing trend toward alliances and cooperative policymaking entities in and around Europe. It focuses on two topics: (1) how international cooperation, in general, influences national autonomy and neutrality; and (2) the impact of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty on Swiss foreign, security, and defense policies. These topics inform the central question of the thesis: Is increasing international cooperation the key to Swiss national autonomy and Switzerland's place in the international system of state? At first glance, this question may appear inherently contradictory. How can more extensive international cooperation lead to greater national autonomy in Swiss statecraft? It is the aim of this study to investigate and explain how cooperation in one political area can enhance and support autonomy in another political area. The thesis concludes by measuring the value of autonomy and developing some evolutionary models for future international cooperation. The final chapter provides an assessment of how much international cooperation is appropriate or recommended in light of its national and international consequences.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA556208
Entities
People
- Niels O. Buechi
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School