Tobias Straumann | Nabelschau und Naivität: Die Schweiz stolpert in die Ära Trump (NZZ Standpunkte)

Switzerland has become entangled in the tariff dispute with America. Even after almost four years, the war in Ukraine lacks a proper plan. Is Switzerland prepared for a new era of global disorder? And what will it take for it to regain its diplomatic dexterity? The federal government in Bern seems to be no longer accustomed to asserting itself in a less than friendly environment. The diplomatic tact needed to deal with major powers and maintain foreign policy balance once distinguished Switzerland. It was one of the reasons for its continued existence amidst a perennially belligerent Europe. Switzerland is struggling to adapt to these new times, which have now begun with the outbreak of the Ukraine war and Donald Trump's election victory. The Federal Council is making a poor impression in the negotiations on American tariffs. Instead of being able to conclude a relatively good deal with the United States like the EU or Great Britain, we are being hit with high trade tariffs. As a small country with an open economy, volatility poses a particular challenge for Switzerland. What homework does it need to do to address it and prepare for the future? Tobias Straumann is an economic historian and professor at the University of Zurich. NZZ Editor-in-Chief Eric Gujer speaks with him about Switzerland in new times of global disorder. Broadcast from October 19, 2025 ► Subscribe to our YouTube channel and activate the bell so you won't miss any videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/NZZStandpun... ► You can find the latest Standpunkte broadcasts in full here: https://www.nzz.ch/video/nzz-standpunkte ► You can find more explanatory videos and documentaries from the Neue Zürcher Zeitung here: https://www.nzz.ch/video