A holistic approach to security

The indispensable role of development cooperation 

The topic of security is currently dominating the political debate in Switzerland. However, it revolves around a very limited understanding of security. Those who take a holistic approach to security policy, on the other hand, recognize the importance of various actors. Development cooperation, for example, makes a significant contribution to the prevention of crises.  

At the beginning of June, the Council of States decided to cut the budget for international cooperation by two billion Swiss francs, or a third, in order to upgrade the Swiss army. The flimsy argument behind the massive savings: Security has priority. This proposal reveals a lack of foresight and a limited understanding of security on the part of the majority in the Council of States. The fact that Swiss development cooperation makes an important contribution to security and stability in the world is completely disregarded. 

Development cooperation is sustainable security policy.It acts preventively and supports the resilience of societies. Development cooperation promotes peace and security - before crises arise.In addition to the state and diplomatic level, civil society peace work is also of great importance.  

In a time of increasing polarization, an internationally networked civil society makes a decisive contribution to stability. Strengthening it in countries of the Global South in particular makes them more resilient to future crises. How social cohesion and peace can be promoted from below is shown, for example, by the Projects of terre des hommes switzerlandin which young people are strengthened as peace actors.  

Switzerland, a reliable partner? 

Long-term planning, trusting partnerships and responsible decisions are success factors for effective development cooperation. It is precisely the long-term approach and clear focus on sustainability principles that characterize Swiss development cooperation and contribute to its high credibility in the world.  

Our local partner organizations have also repeatedly reflected this to us: neutral Switzerland is perceived as a reliable partner that is less caught up in geopolitical strategic considerations than other donor countries. Closing programs at short notice would irreparably damage this positive image.  

Setting priorities for strong development cooperation 

Speaking of image: Swiss foreign policy recently tried to raise its profile as a host of peace negotiations with the Bürgenstock Conference and thus strengthen its international reputation. While the success of the conference is debatable, one thing remains obvious: if Swiss politicians were interested in more than just cultivating its image in peace policy and international cooperation, the priorities in budget negotiations would be set differently.  

Incidentally, this would also be in line with the opinion of the Swiss population, as the representative survey conducted by the ETH Opinion poll on global cooperation of 2023 shows. 58% of respondents are in favor of an increase in Swiss spending on development cooperation, while only 26% are in favor of an increase in military spending.  

The vote by the Council of States at the beginning of June is a setback for Switzerland's role in the world. It is to be hoped that the National Council will show more foresight during its deliberations in the fall and reverse this misguided decision.