Nine goals for Swiss security policy

As Federal Councillor Viola Amherd said during a presentation at the ETH a few weeks ago has emphasizedthe world has become more uncertain in recent years. In general, there has been a stronger tendency in power politics. International tensions and instability have increased. The Federal Council also takes up this initial situation in its new security policy report which was adopted by the Federal Council on November 24, 2021. Essentially, he said, it is important to focus on strengthening cyber protection and protection against disinformation. Strengthening resilience, security of supply and international cooperation are also in focus. The new security policy report is significantly shorter than previous reports. The Federal Council also intends to submit such reports at shorter intervals in the future, namely once per legislative period.

Increase in international tensions

According to the DDPS, the world has become more insecure in recent years. There is a renewed focus on power politics, and international tensions and instability have increased. In its new security policy report, the Federal Council analyzes these developments and outlines how it intends to counter the harsher environment. The report, which was adopted by the Federal Council on November 24, 2021, defines nine goals for Swiss security policy in the coming years, including increased protection against cyber threats and disinformation, but also strengthening resilience, security of supply and international cooperation.

Nine security policy goals

The use of "hybrid" means of conflict management, including cyber attacks, disinformation and influence activities, has increased. However, according to the DDPS, conventional military means are also being used again to a greater extent to pursue own interests. In addition to its positive aspects, advancing digitalization has also increased the vulnerability of the state, the economy and society. Extreme weather-related events are increasing as a result of climate change, and the dangers posed by pandemics have been drastically confirmed by the Covid 19 pandemic. In view of this starting position, the Federal Council formulates nine security policy goals:

1) a further strengthening of the early detection of threats, dangers and crises in order to identify risks to Switzerland as early as possible in the increasingly volatile situation;

2) strengthening international cooperation, stability and security by advocating a rules-based international order and contributing to the promotion of stability and security in the surrounding area through civilian and military means;

3) an increased focus on hybrid conflict management in order to increase the protection and resilience of the state, economy and society against phenomena such as cyber attacks and disinformation and, in particular, to align the means of the armed forces even more closely with the changed conflict picture;

4) free formation of opinion and undistorted information, so that public and political discussion in Switzerland can take place freely and transparently, based on facts, and without disinformation, attempts to influence and propaganda from outside;

5) Strengthening protection against cyber threats to further improve overall resilience in Switzerland to cyber risks, taking advantage of both the risks and opportunities of digitalization and new technologies;

6) Prevention of terrorism, violent extremism, organized and other transnational crime, so that no terrorist, violent extremist or serious criminal groups can establish themselves on Swiss territory;

7) Strengthening resilience and security of supply in the event of international crises so that Switzerland can maintain its ability to function and act even in the event of prolonged supply disruptions;

8) Improve disaster and emergency protection and regeneration capacity to strengthen the means to prevent and manage such hazards in the face of increasing risks (such as those posed by climate change);

9) Strengthening inter-agency and crisis management cooperation so that, given the volatility of the situation and the concatenation of threats and hazards, cooperation among all actors is further improved, both in the normal situation and during crises.

In order to achieve the goals, close cooperation between the policy areas (foreign policy, economic policy, information and communication) and the individual security policy instruments (army, civil defense, intelligence service, police, customs administration, civilian service) is required, the report concludes.

The security policy report will now be submitted to parliament.

Source: VBS