Striding the Diplomatic Pathway | How Switzerland Became the Unseen Mediator for Peacekeeping

• Switzerland is all set to host the much-talked-about international conference in June of this year, aimed at facilitating peace progress in Ukraine following over two years of the Russia-Ukraine war.
• Being one of the oldest democracies in the world, Switzerland prioritizes the significance of rule-based law, an inclusive growth system that supports the development of all.
• A 2012 study revealed that Switzerland participated in about 20 peace initiatives across 15 different countries and regions since 2000.
• The Swiss conference may not bring a final consensus but the commitment of Switzerland in bringing the leading nations of the world to the same table speaks volumes about its discreet diplomacy.

The War of the Spanish Succession in 1714 resulted in the signing of an accord in the quaint Swiss town of Baden. However, the decision to convene in Baden was influenced by not one but various factors, following earlier treaties in Utrecht and Rastatt. The town’s location was ideal for diplomatic talks and negotiations between France and the Roman Empire. Also, Baden’s status as a spa town served as an apt site to host over 300 delegates who stayed there throughout the summer, relishing elaborate banquets during their breaks.

The result of the extensive negotiations was relatively modest: the treaty finalized on September 7 reaffirmed the terms of the Rastatt peace accord. With this milestone, the Swiss authorities leapt and stepped into the world of diplomatic mediation, even though its full modern form would only emerge around hundred and fifty years later, well after the formal establishment of a federal state in 1848. 

The Swiss government said the idea is to “provide a platform for a high-level dialogue on ways to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine based on international law and the UN charter.”

Now let’s fast forward to today, Switzerland is all set to host the much-talked-about international conference in June of this year, aimed at facilitating peace progress in Ukraine following over two years of the Russia-Ukraine war. There is little hope that Russia may eventually participate in the peace efforts initiated by Switzerland at the request of Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy in January. Since then, numerous discussions have been held with various blocs, including the EU, G7 member states, and even BRICS nations like China and India, to assess their willingness to participate in the conference.

The Swiss government said the idea is to “provide a platform for a high-level dialogue on ways to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine based on international law and the UN charter.” Even in the past, Swiss authorities have taken constructive steps in striding the diplomatic pathways in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In July 2022, Switzerland organized the Ukraine Recovery Conference. Additionally, a National Security Advisors Meeting was held in Davos earlier this year. Taking a step forward, Switzerland welcomed Ukrainian refugees seeking refuge following Russia’s military action in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Not many know that Switzerland has not fought a military battle in 500 years. But, neutrality should not be confused with indifference or passivity. In a 2012 study titled ‘Switzerland’s Experiences in Peace Mediation’ by David Lanz and Simon J A Manso, Switzerland has participated in about 20 peace initiatives across 15 different countries and regions since 2000. The country has also served as the headquarters for various international organisations such as the International Telegraph Union (1865) and the Universal Postal Union (1874). 

For the first time in history, Switzerland appeared in its modern mediator role in the Alabama Claims and provided support for a legal resolution in the conflict between the two states. In the years that followed, Switzerland played a leading role in the debates on international arbitration that led to the Hague Conventions. Even in 1872, an international arbitration tribunal in Geneva ruled in favour of the United States, ordering the UK government to compensate for the act of providing warships to the Southern states during the war of succession. To date, during the current significant global upheavals, such as the intervening night of April 13-14 when Iran bombed Israel, Swiss diplomats remained in constant communication with the crisis room at the White House in Washington. They relayed a message received from Tehran regarding the nature of the attacks, highlighting their potentially destructive impact. 

Being one of the oldest democracies in the world, Switzerland prioritizes the significance of rule-based law, an inclusive growth system that supports the development of all. A nation that believes in equity rather than inequality. With a highly literate populace, citizens receive ample reading material to stay informed about wide-ranging about both, global and domestic affairs.

The Indian government has positioned itself as a supportive entity in any peace initiatives and has always been eager to contribute, maintaining a cautious diplomatic balance.

There has been much scepticism around the outcome of the June conference if Russian President, Vladimir Putin skips it. However, the Swiss government is keen on bringing in the participation of the BRICS nations including India and China. It would be crucial to note China’s stance during the conference looking at the country’s constant support to Russia in terms of trade and military assistance throughout the conflict. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis even visited Beijing on 6 and 7 February, marking the resumption of the strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China. According to the official website of the Swiss government, “They exchanged views on the war between Russia and Ukraine. Peace in Ukraine was the subject of extensive talks. Ways and conditions for peace were discussed, particularly in connection with Switzerland’s commitment to organising a high-level conference on peace in Ukraine.”

Since the beginning of the war, the Indian government has positioned itself as a supportive entity in any peace initiatives and has always been eager to contribute, maintaining a cautious diplomatic balance. New Delhi has significantly refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion but called out to cease the war and aptly played the role of an impartial global player, willing to stand up for the right cause. Aspiring for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, India sees the conference as an opportunity to influence discussions and decisions on the international stage, a vocal voice for the Global South. President Zelenskyy has sought India’s support for a 10-point “peace formula,” which includes demands for the withdrawal of the Russian army from Ukraine, prisoner releases, restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and assurances regarding nuclear safety, food, and energy security.

Thus, chances are unlikely that the Swiss conference will result in yielding a final consensus but the commitment of Switzerland in bringing together the leading nations of the world at the same table speaks volumes about its discreet diplomacy. By the time, the conference commences, the Indian political landscape may undergo notable transformations, particularly in the light of the impending Lok Sabha election results.

_{(Diksha Bharti is currently pursuing a Master’s program in Russian studies. She has previously worked as a Research Associate at Politika and the Consilium Research Institute. She has a keen interest in geopolitics and has contributed to several reputed platforms.)}

Diksha Bharti