Author: Pascal Lottaz

Pascal is an Associate Professor at Kyoto University where he researches Neutrality in International Relations.
Switzerland’s Neutrality, Independence, and Federal Cohesion
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Switzerland’s Neutrality, Independence, and Federal Cohesion

This lecture is not intended to trace the “history of neutrality” of Switzerland. Rather, the aim is to ask which framework conditions were considered indispensable for the maintenance of neutrality around 1815. It ties in with research on political and economic reforms, but also on the construction of national identities in 19th century Switzerland.

Sri Lanka: Debt and Crisis of Survival

Sri Lanka: Debt and Crisis of Survival

(Photo by Jalitha Hewage on Unsplash) | August 24, 2023 Sri Lanka has been faced with an unprecedented political and economic crisis since the beginning of 2022. The dominant narrative attributes the crisis to the confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, China’s ‘debt trap diplomacy’ and – most importantly – the corruption and mismanagement of the…

Maltese Neutrality: A Live Debate

Maltese Neutrality: A Live Debate

Prior to independence from Britain in 1964, Malta’s foreign and security policy was historically determined by the prevailing colonial power of the time. Since 1987, reflecting the insecurity generated by the Cold War superpower competition and growing militarisation of the Mediterranean, among other economic and socio-political drivers, Malta’s constitution has defined the country as a “neutral state actively pursuing peace, security and social progress among all nations by adhering to a policy of non-alignment and refusing to participate in any military alliance.” Amid current debates over the continuing applicability and relevance of neutrality for contemporary security, the words ‘actively pursuing’ are instrumental.

“Cooperation” before “Neutrality”: Switzerland’s New Security Doctrine

“Cooperation” before “Neutrality”: Switzerland’s New Security Doctrine

Although Switzerland’s Federal Council rejected its Foreign Minister’s idea for “cooperative neutrality”, the new security doctrine it recently approved reverses parts of the alpine nation’s traditional neutrality concept. Preparations for collective defense with NATO and EU-states are underway.