No. 108: Representing Foreign Interests: Rebirth of a Swiss Tradition?

Author(s): Daniel Trachsler
Editor(s): Daniel Trachsler
Series: CSS Analyses in Security Policy
Issue: 108
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich
Publication Year: 2012

The importance of Switzerland's work as a protecting power, once a central element in its repertoire of good offices, has diminished. This general loss of significance contrasts with the great diplomatic relevance of individual mandates. One current example is the reciprocal representation of Russia's and Georgia's interests. A general trend reversal is not imminent, though. Switzerland should make use of advantageous opportunities without overestimating the strategic importance of protecting power activities for its foreign policy.

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Number of Swiss Protecting Power Mandates, 1950 to 2011