SWISS NEUTRALITY POLICY IN THE XXI CENTURY: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The proposed article examines the evolution of the institution of neutrality of Switzerland; highlights the legal framework of the neutrality status of the Alpine Republic; analyses the practical implementation of the principle of neutrality of the country in the context of cooperation with international organizations (UN, EU, NATO); outlines the prospects and identifies the difficulties in observing the principle of neutrality of Switzerland in the current international realities. The study uses a set of general scientific and special methods, in particular, problem-historical, dialectical, systemic analysis, induction, deduction, analogy, abstraction, generalization and specification. It is established that Switzerland's neutrality is permanent and has a long history. On the one hand, the status of neutrality means that Switzerland cannot be involved in international conflicts; on the other hand, it helps the country to implement its foreign policy priorities, in particular, the promotion of peace and security. It has been proved that due to its neutrality, humanitarian traditions and experience, Switzerland has a significant authority in the field of peacekeeping. It is important to emphasize that the policy of neutrality is part of Switzerland's identity and understanding of what it means to be Swiss. It is found that there are few documents in the legal framework of the Swiss Confederation that would provide a detailed interpretation of the neutral status of the state. The only fundamental document that defines the Swiss neutrality policy is the White Paper, which interprets the concept of "Swiss neutrality" and explains the foundations and principles of Swiss foreign policy in the context of this status. It is proved that the implementation of the principle of Swiss neutrality in foreign policy has its own specifics and peculiarities, in particular, the state cannot join those organizations where its basic principle is questioned. However, the state actively cooperates with international and regional organizations in various fields. The study identified the positive features of Switzerland's neutrality policy, which include the promotion of economic ties, trade, avoidance of military involvement in international conflicts, maintenance of peace and security through participation in humanitarian missions, and continuation of foreign policy traditions. Negatives: insufficient justification of the policy of neutrality at the legislative level, slowdown of integration processes with the EU and NATO; lack of a total guarantee of security at the international level, given that aggressors and dictators can interpret the legislation on neutrality differently, provoking new wars and conflicts.