Neutrality in Perspective: The European Neutral States’ Integration Priorities and Cooperation in Security and Defence
Neutrality in Perspective: The European Neutral States’ Integration Priorities and Cooperation in Security and Defence

Summary/Abstract: The peculiarities of transformation of five European countries’ (Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Ireland) foreign policy strategies of neutrality and non-alignment have been analyzed. It has been documented that neutral European states pay considerable attention to security and defence strategies, the main purpose of which is to protect their territorial integrity and neutral status. It has been emphasized that modern neutrality of these European states has transformed under the influence of integration processes (neoliberal approach). We reflect on the transformation of neutral states’ models of foreign policy with simultaneously retaining the international prestige associated with neutrality. The neutrality of these European states is inferior to an active position in the international arena, which ensures their contribution to global problem-solving, as well as to maintaining peace and security in the world. The article is situated in the relations with the perceived security and economic benefits of neutral states that come with cooperation and regional and international integration.

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