Swiss Neutrality at the Beginning of the 21st Century

This bachelor thesis deals with the neutrality of Switzerland. Switzerland is a state which has been practicing the politics of neutrality for the longest to the world. The introductory section defines the terms of neutrality, security and war. The second part is devoted to the historical development of the neutrality of Switzerland. Because of the almost five hundred-year practice of neutrality the understanding of history of Swiss neutrality is important for its current form. Neutrality is not an unchanging concept, but it evolves with the development of society and the world. It also responds to some major world events, such as the First and Second World War or the Cold War. The neutrality experienced big changes at the turn of the 90s, after the end of the Cold War. The developing relationship of Switzerland with certain international organizations which agree with its neutrality is shown in this thesis as well. Doctrinal documents in which the Swiss neutrality is enshrined are also included