Switzerland’s Role in a Changing World – Alexandre Fasel, Switzerland’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

In this episode, I sit down with Alexandre Fasel, Switzerland’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, at the Federal Palace in Bern on 25th November 2024. With the world in flux, we discuss Switzerland’s evolving role in global diplomacy, security, and multilateralism.

We explore:

• The war in Ukraine and European security: How Switzerland is engaging diplomatically amid rising geopolitical tensions.
• Swiss neutrality and sanctions on Russia: Addressing concerns over Switzerland’s position as an "honest broker" while enforcing EU sanctions.
• Switzerland and the EU: The latest on negotiations and Switzerland’s strategic relationship with its largest trading partner.
• Switzerland’s global role and soft power: From Geneva’s role as a center of global governance to innovation and scientific diplomacy.
• Swiss defense exports and neutrality: The complexities of arms exports and Switzerland’s War Material Act.
• The impact of the US elections: What a Trump victory could mean for Swiss-American relations.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on how Switzerland navigates an increasingly complex world while upholding its principles of diplomacy, neutrality, and international cooperation.