Security Policy

Our security policy addresses ‘violence on a strategic scale’, i.e. force that has supra-regional, national or international effects and thus impacts considerable parts of state and society. Switzerland’s security policy is expected to prevent such violence or its threat and should master it - if it should still materialise - in such a way that the interests of Switzerland and its population are safeguarded as effectively as possible.

In order to attain its security policy goals, Switzerland pursues a policy of national and international security cooperation. If Switzerland and its inhabitants are threatened by dangers and risks, it opposes these with suitable civilian and military resources in a flexible network. If its own resources are insufficient regards the threatening character or for geographic and material reasons, Switzerland intensifies its security cooperation with other states and international organisations.

Switzerland freely decides on its domestic and international affairs, without being influenced in its decisions by the threat or use of direct or indirect force. It safeguards and protects its population and its basic needs against existential dangers. Switzerland’s security policy efforts contribute to the stability and peace beyond its borders and help to establish an international democratic community of values.