Wed, Apr 03, 2002 page8

• Taiwan can learn from Switzerland

  • By Chang Ya-chung 張亞中
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  In a move that holds great implications for its long-cherished neutrality, Switzerland has decided to rein in its fierce spirit of independence and join the UN. What are the ramifications of this for the future development of Europe and the world at large? How should Taiwan learn from the situation?

  First, let's consider its significance for Europe by viewing the issue in the most simple terms.

  Neutrality is unnecessary without international conflict. The 1648 Treaty of Westphalia inaugurated the era of the nation state and led to conflicts among the European nation-states. In 1674, the Swiss Confederation Council made the first official declaration of Swiss neutrality. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna formally recognized Swiss neutrality following the defeat of Napoleon.

  Switzerland was able to remain a neutral country on the European political map because the nation occupies easily defended, virtually impenetrable Alpine territory. It is surrounded by many powers, but has a strong military force of its own. After more than two centuries, however, it seems most in the country find it now pointless to remain neutral.

  The Cold War between Eastern and Western Europe is over, neighboring countries have adopted the euro as their com-mon currency, the scope of European integration has extended beyond Central and Eastern Europe, and the boundaries between European nation-states have become more and more blurred with each passing day.

  Now that Switzerland has come in from the cold, the country has no reason not to join the EU and the EU will almost certainly welcome its wealthy brother with open arms. From Europe's perspective, it is probably fair to say that the end of Swiss neutrality would also signify the end of more than two centuries of conflict between European nation-states and should strengthen Europe's economy.

  Next, let us consider the implications for the global community. A Swiss referendum in 1986 showed that as many as 75 percent of voters opposed UN membership. More than half, however, voted for it this time round. This dramatic turnaround demonstrates clearly that the Swiss people have significantly modified their world view in the wake of the end of the Cold War and the beginning of globalization.

  For Switzerland, in a world that will attach ever greater importance to "global governance," the nation's active participation in the world body will enhance its influence in international affairs.

  Swiss politicians had worried that Switzerland might effectively become a second-class nation if it continued to refuse UN membership, turning itself from a neutral country into an isolated one. The referendum result also reflects the fact that, after getting rich from World War II and the East-West conflict, the nation has finally decided to more fully contribute to world development. To the global community, the world's most important neutral state's decision to join the UN is a major victory and one which will strengthen the UN.

  What lessons does the development hold for Taiwan?

  First, we know from the history of Swiss neutrality that it was impossible for the nation to remain neutral without the consent of the many powers surrounding it. In fact, this has been true not only of Switzerland but also of Austria, Sweden and Finland, which have also maintained neutrality since World War II.

  Since Taiwan is also a small country with only limited power, the nation's status depends, like Switzerland's, on the consent of its neighboring powers. Self-restraint on the part of the nation is also crucial.

  Second, while it is willingness to join the UN that now symbolizes Switzerland's new-found participation in the global community, the true impact on the world economy of such participation will lie in Europe. The development means that Switzerland has realized that the nation cannot exclude itself from the future European geo-economy. The nation must maintain a compatibility with Europe in order to keep its economy growing. Seen from this perspective, this is in fact an effort on the part of Switzerland to deepen its relationship with the EU.

  Taiwan should learn from this, as the nation must also factor geo-economics into its development, especially its economic development.

  Taiwan is certainly not likely to either become a neutral state or to join the UN in the short term. Still, we can learn from the Swiss experience to consider Taiwan's development strategies from a new perspective. No country can avoid globalization. What Taiwan should do in the globalized world is to sublimate itself into a "neutral state in the global economic market" while trying to avoid political interference in the market. Taiwan's security and development will be secure only when other nations can benefit from Taiwan's ability to play a role in the "global risk society."

  Switzerland's strategy of active participation in the global community is a good way for it to continue its globalization and prepare for entry into the EU. The nation will only maximize its influence when it has both globalized and joined the EU.

  Taiwan cannot copy the Swiss model and increase its political influence by joining the UN. But it should speed up the pace of its globalization and participate in international economic organizations in order to promote its future development.

  Chang Ya-chung is director of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at Nanhua University.

  Translated by Eddy Chang
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