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by Anne Burger*
(10 April 2026) Protecting minors and online anonymity are false contradictions. It is possible both to protect children from social media and to uphold freedom of expression. Both are important.
by Guy Mettan,* Geneva
(10 April 2026) On Wednesday 18 March, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Russia (then the Soviet Union).To say the least, these relations have been tumultuous. In 1945, having just joined the Federal Council as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Max Petitpierre found himself in a very delicate situation. The two main victors of the Second World War, the United States and the Soviet Union, were angry with Switzerland because of its relations with Nazi Germany. The country found itself completely isolated. Within eighteen months, however, Max Petitpierre managed to restore relations with both the Americans and the Soviets, despite his anti-Bolshevist stance. He did so with a flair and audacity that should inspire our political leaders today.
by Andreas S.,* Austria
(3 April 2026) (CH-S) On 10 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to join the “European Sky Shield Initiative” (ESSI) project, with the approval of the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Committees. The project, which is being implemented jointly with 22 NATO states, including Germany, but also neutral Austria, was intended, according to the then Head of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), Viola Amherd, to provide effective protection against missile and drone attacks.
by Alfred de Zayas,* Geneva
(3 April 2026) As international law developed over the centuries, the principle of State sovereignty and the prohibition of interference in the internal affairs of other states gradually evolved – from the Peace of Westphalia of 1648 through the Congress of Vienna 1814–15, the establishment of the League of Nations in 1919 and the adoption of the United Nations Charter in 1945 as an incipient world constitution aimed at promoting peace, development and human rights.
(27 March 2026) (CH-S) Whilst the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran is viewed worldwide as a breach of the obligation under international law to resolve inter-state conflicts without the use of force, the White House claims that it is a preventive war of defence.
by Stephan Laube, local councillor in Felben-Wellhausen (TG)
(27 March 2026) Many of us still remember it: in the village, help was taken for granted. Anyone coming home late from work knew their children could have a meal at a neighbour’s. People would lend each other ladders, tools or cars, without a receipt and without discussion. If someone fell ill or there was a death in the family, a handful of people would turn up at the door – with some soup, time and a listening ear.