Sacha Zala, historian: 'Neutrality has become part of the Swiss identity, almost religious in nature'
- Posted on September 27, 2026
- By Le Monde
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
Swiss historian Sacha Zala explores how neutrality has evolved from a pragmatic foreign policy into a deeply ingrained cultural principle. As voters prepare for a September 27 referendum on a neutrality safeguarding initiative backed by right-wing parties, Zala examines the paradoxes and complexities surrounding this foundational Swiss concept, analyzing its transformation into an almost sacred element of national identity and questioning its modern relevance.
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Sacha Zala, historian: 'Neutrality has become part of the Swiss identity, almost religious in nature'
On Sunday, September 27, Swiss citizens will vote for or against the 'safeguarding of neutrality' initiative championed by the far right. Zala discusses the ambiguities of this principle which, more than a doctrine of foreign policy, has become a cornerstone of national identity.
