“During this time, it became
clear that the Swiss had fought too many wars on too many sides to be able to
safely pick one for the long haul, especially when all the big powers wanted
Switzerland for themselves because of the country’s strategic location guarding
the Alps. So when the Congress of Vienna met in 1814–15 to sort out European
peace after the French Revolutionary War (during which the Swiss had continued
to serve as hired bodyguards for the French monarchy, including the last king,
Louis XVI) and the Napoleonic Wars (during which the French invaded Switzerland
and broke up the old confederacy), the Swiss put forth an elegant win-win
solution for the whole continent: let us be neutral. This validation was key.
As Goetschel points out, ‘Neutrality only makes sense if the other powers
recognise you.’"
“… there’s actually a definition of
the neutrality policy on the Swiss government website … In addition to focusing on the
country’s humanitarian bent, it lists some of the rules: The country must
refrain from engaging in war, not allow belligerent states to use its territory
and not supply mercenary troops to belligerent states.”
Switzerland has been largely neutral in many past and
ongoing conflicts. Also notice
Switzerland doesn’t have terrorism issues.
Interesting….
AV - - As a side note, I fully support every
common sense American who has begged for Maxine Waters to run for President. Waters’ campaign would be the greatest thing
ever for this country. She provides more
comic relief than Louis CK every time she speaks.
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