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How can peace ethics succeed?

The example of the CSCE process and Swiss neutrality

by René Roca*

(10 October 2025) Switzerland remained permanently neutral during the Cold War (1949–1991). This way, it helped to initiate reconciliation processes in many conflicts. Switzerland served not only its own country but also Europe and the world in terms of peace policy. At that time, Switzerland was a diplomatic great power.

The Digital Services Act and Switzerland

– or what is happening to freedom of expression in the EU

by Ursula Cross*

(10 October 2025) Through the informal influence of the EU, Switzerland is also increasingly falling under the spell of an authoritarian surveillance mentality that is gaining ground worldwide. In many areas, we unquestioningly adopt political and constitutional views and attitudes from the EU. Notably not a democratic entity. In the EU, the Digital Services Act (DSA) has become a powerful instrument for monitoring opinion.

«A strategy of peace»

Commencement address at American University, Washington, D.C., June 10, 1963

(3 October 2025) (CH-S) 1963 marked the height of the Cold War. The two power blocs, NATO and the Warsaw Pact, were locked in irreconcilable opposition, threatening each other with weapons capable of wiping out humanity. In this seemingly hopeless situation, American President John F. Kennedy presented his vision for peace and disarmament at a time of intense global tension. He showed that it is possible and necessary to engage in dialogue with the hated enemy and to create peace despite differing views and opinions.

The Swiss language phenomenon

by Suzette Sandoz,* Pully VD

((26 September 2025) CH-S) The recent decision by the three cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Zurich and St. Gallen to postpone the start of French lessons from middle school (grades 4–6) to secondary school (grades 7–9) has triggered a wide range of reactions in French-speaking Switzerland and in the federal capital of Bern. Disregard for a linguistic minority? A failed experiment with early multilingual teaching? A threat to national cohesion?

What next after the SCO summit?

Aiming for higher living standards and productivity

by Prof. Michael Hudson,* USA

(26 September 2025) (CH-S) At the summit meeting of the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization” (SCO) in China, discussions focused on the development of a new international economic order based on mutually beneficial trade and investment. Michael Hudson shares his views on the outcomes of the summit and the possible consequences.

Pacific states under pressure

Why does neutral, landlocked Switzerland need to conduct NATO war games in the Pacific?

by Ursula Cross and Thomas Scherr*

(26 September 2025) On 12 September, the 54th meeting of the heads of state and government of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) ended with a declaration entitled “Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace”, which opposes the increasing militarisation of the region. The many island states in the Pacific Ocean, with their diverse populations, are trying to use diplomatic skill to stay out of the growing geopolitical tensions. It is becoming increasingly apparent that NATO and its allies are exerting greater influence to exclude China. “Swiss Standpoint” has reported on this on several occasions. Now we are entering another round, and official Swiss institutions are also playing a dubious role.