«Wir brauchen Pandemiebekämpfung und Luftverteidigung», Interview mit Bundesrätin Viola Amherd

Author(s): Oliver Thränert, Andreas Wenger
Editor(s): Oliver Thränert, Benno Zogg
Series: Bulletin on Swiss Security Policy
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zürich
Publication Year: 2021
Publication Place: Zürich

In this interview for the Bulletin 2021, Federal Councillor Viola Amherd talks about the attractiveness of the Swiss Armed Forces, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest Security Policy Report. She assesses the opportunities and challenges of involving women in tomorrow's armed forces as well as the debate on the introduction of a compulsory service for both genders. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amherd also reflects on the improvement potential in Swiss crisis management and on the targeted deployment of military units. Finally, she highlights the current security challenges for Switzerland in the context of an intensifying great power competition, hybrid warfare and climate change and explains what this means for the commitment of the Swiss Armed Forces at home and abroad.

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