EPISODE · Sep 6, 2026 · 34 MIN
The Greatest Foreign Policy Dilemma Yet | Ex-Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey
from Neutrality Studies · host Pascal
Original Video in French Here: • Notre Plus Grand Dilemme: La Neutralité | ... Micheline Calmy-Rey, former Federal Councillor and two-time President of the Swiss Confederation, analyzes the foundations of Swiss neutrality and the challenges it currently faces. Ahead of the vote on the Neutrality Initiative, she reflects on her experience during the Iraq War, explains the difference between the law of neutrality and neutrality policy, and examines the controversial issue of international sanctions.The interview also addresses the war in Ukraine, the role of the United Nations, military cooperation with neighboring countries, arms exports, and perceived inconsistencies in Switzerland’s application of neutrality. Micheline Calmy-Rey explains why she opposes the initiative while warning of the political and diplomatic consequences that an overwhelming rejection could have.To discover the project by Micheline Calmy-Rey and her students on Swiss foreign policy: [https://zone-neutre.org](https://zone-neutre.org)Subscribe to Neutrality Studies for our upcoming interviews and analyses on neutrality, diplomacy, and international relations.Substack: [https://pascallottaz.substack.com](https://pascallottaz.substack.com) Merch: [https://neutralitystudies.com/shop](https://neutralitystudies.com/shop) Donate: [https://neutralitystudies.com/donate](https://neutralitystudies.com/donate)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and presentation of Micheline Calmy-Rey 00:53 The experience of neutrality during the Iraq War 05:22 Ukraine, sanctions, and the role of the United Nations 09:29 The inconsistencies of Swiss neutrality policy 12:15 What the Neutrality Initiative would change 20:49 The political and diplomatic risks of a “No” vote 24:00 Rethinking neutrality and the issue of arms exports 29:09 Should neutrality be defined in the Constitution?
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