Publications

The aim of this article is to examine various types of mediators (UN, inter-governmental organizations, states, NGOs, individuals) in relation to the needs of today’s complex peace processes. The auth...chevron_right

In its Strategic Concept adopted at the Lisbon summit, NATO defines the establishment of a missile defence system to defend populations and territories against ballistic missile attack as a core eleme...chevron_right

At their meeting in Lisbon, the heads of state and government of NATO members not only approved a new Strategic Concept, but also passed seminal decisions on a missile defence capability for the entir...chevron_right

Since the end of the Cold War, economic sanctions have been imposed more often than ever before. At the same time, there are doubts as to their effectiveness. The fact is that apart from economic sanc...chevron_right

Demand for international peace operations remains high while the willingness of the international community to intervene is declining and defence budgets continue to shrink. The notion of greater regi...chevron_right

Switzerland is under pressure to transform its relations with the EU into a bilateral association model resembling the European Economic Area. Even as a non-member, Switzerland finds it difficult to e...chevron_right

Following the end of the Cold War and the 9/11 attacks, terrorism has become the foremost concern of Western intelligence agencies. Efforts are being made to enhance resources and legal powers for inf...chevron_right

Vom 31. Mai bis 2. Juni 2010 trafen sich Bevölkerungsschutzverantwortliche aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz zum Workshop Risikoanalyse im Bevölkerungsschutz. Das Hauptziel der Veranstaltung...chevron_right

Increasingly, the armed forces of Western countries are outsourcing military tasks to private contractors. The aim is to enhance efficiency. However, an excessive outsourcing can have a negative effec...chevron_right

Democratization efforts are a core element in transition phases after armed conflicts. Often, these are initiated and supported by external actors – with ambivalent results so far. However, democratiz...chevron_right

Drones have assumed a leading role in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, and are projected to be of growing importance in future military operations. Their low cost makes them expendable and idea...chevron_right

Switzerland’s management of the recent hostage crisis with Libya was successful as far as its outcome is concerned. However, there have also been some serious shortcomings. The deficiencies of coordin...chevron_right

Gas producers have a problem. Demand is down and supply is up, largely thanks to breakthroughs in unconventional production across America. More output could potentially follow in Europe and Asia, thr...chevron_right

The decline of conscription is a key element in the transformation of European armed forces since the end of the Cold War. The majority of EU member states have introduced professional all-volunteer f...chevron_right

Der vorliegende Bericht wirft einige Schlaglichter auf wichtige Themen, die heute und vermutlich noch vermehrt in der Zukunft die Debatten zum Schutz kritischer Infrastrukturen (SKI) prägen werden. Au...chevron_right