Swiss Neutrality in the Cold War: Spies, Secrets, and Survival

In this episode of The Story of Switzerland, Lucas and Luna explore how Switzerland's famous neutrality was tested during the Cold War. They discuss the secretive 'Mirage' affair, where Swiss procurement of Mirage fighter jets spiraled into a political scandal that revealed deep corruption and intelligence failures. The conversation also covers Switzerland's delicate balancing act between East and West, including the role of the Office of the Attorney General in prosecuting espionage, and the controversial nuclear weapons program in the 1960s. Specific names include Rudolf Mäder, Elisabeth Kopp, and the Swiss intelligence service (Nachrichtendienst). The episode also touches on the Swiss exile community and the 'Swiss connection' in Cold War spy exchanges, including the exchange of Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. Listeners will learn about the lesser-known 'Nacht und Nebel' operations and the surprising truth behind Switzerland's 'armed neutrality' during the nuclear age. #ColdWar #SwissNeutrality #MirageAffair #SwissSpies #RudolfMDer #ElisabethKopp #Nachrichtendienst #SwissNuclearProgram #RudolfAbel #SpyExchange #Neutrality #History #FexingoHistory #Switzerland #ColdWarHistory #Intelligence #Espionage #ArmedNeutrality #SwissHistory #RTlischwur Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo