Redefining Swiss Relations with Europe

Abstract

Traditionally, scholars have distinguished between internal and external politics and seen them as largely separate. But analysis of both the Swiss economy and of constitutional change, shows that Swiss domestic politics are closely related to outside developments. In fact it is very much the case that Swiss external policy, whether linked to Europe or beyond, is affected by internal constraints. Indeed, it has been said that Switzerland does not have a foreign policy, only a domestic policy aimed at preventing external events from disturbing the internal balance and status quo. This may be an exaggeration but it does highlight a key element of Switzerland’s relations with Europe. One of the ironies in the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of a small state, at the geographical heart of Europe, and of very European characteristics, is that Switzerland is surprisingly uncertain about its political position in the world, a question which one would expect to have been long since resolved. Yet Switzerland is still debating the next stage of its relations with the European institutions, not to mention worrying about its standing in the wider world. Hence one of its tasks as it faces the new millennium is to redefine its relations with Europe.