Publication

The principle of subsidiarity—which holds that issues should always be dealt with at the lowest possible level of authority—has a long history in Swiss politics. Traditionally, this has also applied to Switzerland’s security, with the federal state being responsible for external security and the cantons for domestic matters. However, the authors highlight how increasing international links, inter-cantonal and transnational security coordination needs related to policing, the security role of private actors, and more are all creating new requirements for Switzerland’s subsidiarity system.