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«A strategy of peace»

Commencement address at American University, Washington, D.C., June 10, 1963

(3 October 2025) (CH-S) 1963 marked the height of the Cold War. The two power blocs, NATO and the Warsaw Pact, were locked in irreconcilable opposition, threatening each other with weapons capable of wiping out humanity. In this seemingly hopeless situation, American President John F. Kennedy presented his vision for peace and disarmament at a time of intense global tension. He showed that it is possible and necessary to engage in dialogue with the hated enemy and to create peace despite differing views and opinions.

The Swiss language phenomenon

by Suzette Sandoz,* Pully VD

((26 September 2025) CH-S) The recent decision by the three cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Zurich and St. Gallen to postpone the start of French lessons from middle school (grades 4–6) to secondary school (grades 7–9) has triggered a wide range of reactions in French-speaking Switzerland and in the federal capital of Bern. Disregard for a linguistic minority? A failed experiment with early multilingual teaching? A threat to national cohesion?

What next after the SCO summit?

Aiming for higher living standards and productivity

by Prof. Michael Hudson,* USA

(26 September 2025) (CH-S) At the summit meeting of the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization” (SCO) in China, discussions focused on the development of a new international economic order based on mutually beneficial trade and investment. Michael Hudson shares his views on the outcomes of the summit and the possible consequences.

Pacific states under pressure

Why does neutral, landlocked Switzerland need to conduct NATO war games in the Pacific?

by Ursula Cross and Thomas Scherr*

(26 September 2025) On 12 September, the 54th meeting of the heads of state and government of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) ended with a declaration entitled “Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace”, which opposes the increasing militarisation of the region. The many island states in the Pacific Ocean, with their diverse populations, are trying to use diplomatic skill to stay out of the growing geopolitical tensions. It is becoming increasingly apparent that NATO and its allies are exerting greater influence to exclude China. “Swiss Standpoint” has reported on this on several occasions. Now we are entering another round, and official Swiss institutions are also playing a dubious role.

“You can keep your dollars – we’ve got the dysprosium”

The strategic power of materials is rising, and China holds the upstream advantage

by Dr Warwick Powell*

(19 September 2025) Chinese diplomats must feel like Daedalus at times. Daedalus was Icarus’ father, who warned his son that if he flew too close to the sun, his wings would melt and he’d fall to the ground. Consumed with hubris, Icarus ignored Daedalus’ warnings.

“We are living in a new era of power politics”

On Switzerland’s economic situation in the “Trump 2” era

by Rudolf Strahm*

(19 September 2025) (19 September 2025) Trump’s tariff hammer is hitting Switzerland hard, but not unexpectedly. Rudolf Strahm analyses the situation and calls for Switzerland’s gold exports to be immediately removed from the trade balance and for a long-term rethink of trade policy in line with the new global realities.