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853-0058-01L 3 Credits DS D-GESS
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Swiss Foreign and Security Politics Since 1945 (without Tutorial)

Schweizer Aussen- & Sicherheitspolitik seit 1945 (ohne Uebungen)

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Andreas Wenger
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:27

Abstract

This course provides students with an overview of the main features of Swiss foreign and security policy since 1945. The focus is on the emergence and development of security policy strategies and instruments in a historical context.

Objective

The participants have a solid overview of the evolution of Swiss foreign and security policy since 1945.

Content

The first part of the lecture clarifies the term "security" and analyzes the change of its meaning in politics and academia over time. The focus of the second part is on the development of Swiss security policy since 1945. We will look at the different concepts of security policy, which range from "total defense" to cooperative security. We then will analyze the gap between planning and execution, focusing on the two key developments of security policy, that is foreign policy and armed forces.

Resources

Literature

Mandatory reading: Spillman, Kurt R., Andreas Wenger, Christoph Breitenmoser and Marcel Gerber. Schweizer Sicherheitspolitik seit 1945: Zwischen Autonomie und Kooperation. Zürich: Verlag neue Zürcher Zeitung, 2001. The book is out of print, students can access the text in the virtual class room (Moodle).

General Information

Language
German
Levels
DS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Schweizer Aussen- & Sicherheitspolitik seit 1945
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (HG D 3.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • GESS Science in Perspective (Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "GESS Science in Perspective" courses. Further below you will find courses under the category "Type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. During the Bachelor’s degree Students should acquire at least 6 ECTS and during the Master’s degree 2 ECTS. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)