2017

Despite a large international civilian and military presence, Mali continues to struggle with widespread insecurity and Islamist extremism. These issues are linked to chronic problems of poverty, ethnic tensions, and a weak state apparatus. With broad efforts in peacebuilding and development cooperation, Switzerland is trying to support the fragile peace.

Twenty years ago, the foundational treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC) was approved. The establishment of this tribunal was a success that sent a strong signal against impunity for human rights violations. Today, however, the ICC is struggling against stiff resistance from various quarters. In the interests of efficient prosecution of crimes, the court’s mandate must be supported more forcefully.

Within NATO, the so-called “Framework Nations Concept” is currently one of the driving paradigms of multinational defense cooperation. All nations retain full sovereignty, and no “European army” is in sight. This opens the concept to non-member states.

During the holidays, we look back at some of the core subjects covered by our researchers in 2017. Below you can find our CSS Christmas program.

Italy and Poland are both frontline states for EU and NATO security. They also represent the two main operational priorities for European military cooperation: defending NATO territory in Eastern Europe, and intervening to stabilize conflict-racked countries south of the EU.

In time for the OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna, the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions on 7 December 2017 published a report on “The Road to the Charter of Paris”. The 30-page report was written by Christian Nünlist (CSS), Juhana Aunesluoma (University of Helsinki), and Benno Zogg (CSS).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has strengthened his domestic authority and offered an expansive vision for his country’s global role. To address the rise of China, the United States must think beyond “America first”.

The CSS’ newly released 2017 Bulletin on Swiss Security Policy features an interview with Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin along with an assortment of articles on: the engagement of Swiss muslim organizations against violent extremism, Switzerland's PVE measures in Tunisia, organized crime in fragile contexts and Switzerland’s health foreign policy.

While geopolitical considerations still influence the public debate about Nord Stream 2, in the EU, the topic has shifted to a rather technical discussion of energy market regulation. The European Commission's management of political expectations will leave opponents of the project frustrated.

Ex-combatants are generally portrayed as a security threat. A new paper by Enzo Nussio presents evidence that puts the ex-combatant threat perception in perspective for the case of Colombia. In-depth interviews and surveys show that ex-combatants are not destined for a life of violence, as they become less interested in risky activities over time.